Start Date
2-22-2018 9:00 AM
Description
There are many new alfalfa varieties that have come on the market each year. 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 Low Lignin, Roundup Ready®, potato leafhopper resistance, 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 NEW Kentucky Forage Website at forages.ca.uky.edu and clicking on image labeled “Variety Trials.”
Included in
Fine Tuning Varietal Selection for the Mid-South
There are many new alfalfa varieties that have come on the market each year. 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 Low Lignin, Roundup Ready®, potato leafhopper resistance, 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 NEW Kentucky Forage Website at forages.ca.uky.edu and clicking on image labeled “Variety Trials.”