The Plant Biology, Forage Improvement and Agricultural divisions of the Noble Research Institute have recently initiated an interdivisional program to improve the forage quality and stand longevity of alfalfa in order to deliver to farmers and ranchers a novel source of high-quality forage.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has probably been grazed for as many years as it has been planted. However, most of the grazing has been done as a minor component of a hay production system and not as a...
In recent years, grazing-type alfalfa varieties have been released, providing opportunities to livestock operations as a low-input, high-return forage, if managed properly; stands typically could last three to five years with good management.
Alfalfa is a high quality, perennial legume forage that has potential to be a part of summer stocker grazing programs. However, most of the alfalfa that is produced is primarily harvested and marketed as high quality hay for dairy and equine enterprises.
Alfalfa stands within the Southern Great Plains are often infested with cotton root rot, causing heavily affected fields to be taken out of production within two to three years.
With high protein prices, many people are thinking about growing alfalfa, some for the first time ever. While alfalfa can be very profitable, there are some common mistakes that can take you from profitability to loss quickly.
Researchers from across the Noble Research Institute join forces through the Forage 365 initiative with the goal of providing year-round livestock grazing and reducing ranchers' dependence on buying hay.
For the past 12 years, Trammell has served as a plant breeder for the Noble Research Institute, learning from some of the industry's most renowned breeders and continuing a tradition that stretches back to the earliest years of the organization.