Alfalfa monoculture next year Z4

[Hoytvectrix]

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.

 

[armadillophil]

`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.

 

[Maddog66]

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.

 

[Bowsnbucks]

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]

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]

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.

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.

 

[Maddog66]

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.

 

[BC Buck]

Be careful with the timing of that last cut. When I first bought my place the neighbor was haying some fields. He invested in establishing an alfalfa field. It was beautiful until after the last cut temps plummeted. It winter killed and was gone the next year.

Exactly why I do not plant alfalfa. Unless planting big field or LOW deer density will not last winter. Even with big fields where the deer enter is browsed down to low before winter and will die.
AI
Yes, alfalfa can die or suffer severe injury if cut too short in the fall, particularly during the critical 5–6 week "rest period" before the first killing frost (roughly mid-Sept to late-Oct). Cutting too low removes insulating stubble, depletes root energy reserves, and increases risks of freezing, drying, and frost heaving.
Key Considerations for Fall Cutting:

• Optimal Height: If you must cut in late fall, leave at least 6 inches of stubble to protect the crown and catch insulating snow.
• The "Rest" Period: Avoid cutting during the 5–6 weeks before a killing frost (typically 25°F or less). Cutting then forces the plant to use up energy reserves for regrowth, leaving it vulnerable to winter death.
• Timing: The safest time to cut is after a killing frost, when the plant is dormant and no longer trying to regrow.
• Risks: Short, late-cut alfalfa reduces root carbohydrates, which can lead to poor, weak, or zero regrowth the following spring.

To minimize risk, allow the plant to grow naturally in late autumn to ensure it can survive the winter.