Start Date
2-24-2011 8:15 AM
Description
There are a number of new alfalfa varieties that have come on the market in the last few years. In fact, it can be hard keeping up with all the developments. In the following pages I will overview most of the important traits that can be found in new varieties. These include Roundup Ready®, potato leafhopper resistance, hybrids, lodging resistance, rapid regrowth, higher quality, resistance to new diseases, and more… Many times I am asked “Are new varieties really worth the cost?” The best way to answer that question is to consider work by Dr. Jimmy Henning where he summarized 24 location years of Kentucky alfalfa yield data and found that the best 5 varieties in each test yielded 0.9 tons/A higher than the checks. Over a 5 year stand life this conservatively translates into more than $400 added profit. New varieties can make a difference! That being said, the most important thing that you should do when you go to your local seed dealer is to be an educated consumer. Review recent variety test results by going to the Kentucky Forage Website at www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage and clicking on “Forage Variety Trials” or “Forage Trials: Other States”.
Included in
Alfalfa Varieties for Today and Tomorrow
There are a number of new alfalfa varieties that have come on the market in the last few years. In fact, it can be hard keeping up with all the developments. In the following pages I will overview most of the important traits that can be found in new varieties. These include Roundup Ready®, potato leafhopper resistance, hybrids, lodging resistance, rapid regrowth, higher quality, resistance to new diseases, and more… Many times I am asked “Are new varieties really worth the cost?” The best way to answer that question is to consider work by Dr. Jimmy Henning where he summarized 24 location years of Kentucky alfalfa yield data and found that the best 5 varieties in each test yielded 0.9 tons/A higher than the checks. Over a 5 year stand life this conservatively translates into more than $400 added profit. New varieties can make a difference! That being said, the most important thing that you should do when you go to your local seed dealer is to be an educated consumer. Review recent variety test results by going to the Kentucky Forage Website at www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage and clicking on “Forage Variety Trials” or “Forage Trials: Other States”.