Hoytvectrix
5 year old buck +
Yeah, I have not splurged for roundup ready alfalfa. It's not the cost that has kept me from pulling the trigger yet, but logistics and need. I will definitely be planting some in a year or two.
-
If you are posting pictures, and they aren't posting in the correct orientation, please flush your browser cache and try again.
Edge
Safari/iOS
Chrome
Alfalfa monoculture next year Z4
- Thread starter Maddog66
- Start date
armadillophil
5 year old buck +
`I bought this farm in June 2025. 150 acres of ag but knew I wanted to add some alfalfa and farmer was happy to do it. He planted 8 acres in August in native grass hay field. Was looking great until late September until army worms found it. They wiped out about 1/3 of it. He will drill in the bare areas again this spring. This should be a key component for food for my farm.
Attachments
Foggy I did some more research into seed locally and I’m coming around to your juice/squeeze comment.
Up here I’m told that RR ready or not, I’m probably only going to get about 4 years out of it anyway. So since I have more than one field I rotate in and out, I’m probably going to go with standard seed.
I called around and learned that I can indeed buy the RR seed after I sign a “contract” of some sort. It costs $528 for 50# and you have to buy a whole bag.
Non-RR seed is 4 bucks a pound.
Up here I’m told that RR ready or not, I’m probably only going to get about 4 years out of it anyway. So since I have more than one field I rotate in and out, I’m probably going to go with standard seed.
I called around and learned that I can indeed buy the RR seed after I sign a “contract” of some sort. It costs $528 for 50# and you have to buy a whole bag.
Non-RR seed is 4 bucks a pound.
Bowsnbucks
5 year old buck +
Question on alfalfa. There seem to be hundreds of cultivars/hybrids. How does one go about choosing a smart one for their location, regarding DR, fall dormancy ratings, longevity, winter hardiness, etc.? Calls to local agencies dismiss such concerns if the alfalfa is "just" for deer. Our camp would like to get the most bang for our buck when planting alfalfa.
matinc
5 year old buck +
Ok I'm in India currently looking at fields of super lush barley and what's interesting is the fields of mustard thick and 4 feet high. Nothing can grow under bit. Curious on anyone's thoughts if mustard is invasive or could be roller crimped for a huge carbon duff layer?
Hoytvectrix
5 year old buck +
The Land Grant University in your area likely has some cultivar or performance trials. I was able to find some from Mizzou for our farms near there. Here is what I would search: "alfalfa cultivar performance trial YOUR STATE". Adding "edu" or "extension" to the search string should help prioritize university webpages. Another great source is using scholar.google.com. This is probably overkill for what most are looking.
The guy that owns my local feed n seed has lived and farmed here his whole life. He works with every local farmer and food plotter at some level.
I’ve already gone around and around on seed selection and I still have time to change my mind …..but I’m highly considering going with the one he recommends and has had success with in my area. He carries it self serve by the pound and he says it’s a grazing variety. Non RR ready.
I’m thinking I’ll save some money on seed to offset fertilizer costs….which are usually fairly hi where I’m at. Lots of p and k needed.
I’ve already gone around and around on seed selection and I still have time to change my mind …..but I’m highly considering going with the one he recommends and has had success with in my area. He carries it self serve by the pound and he says it’s a grazing variety. Non RR ready.
I’m thinking I’ll save some money on seed to offset fertilizer costs….which are usually fairly hi where I’m at. Lots of p and k needed.
