Albert Lea Seed House 2018 Farm Seed Guide | Page 22

Organic Alfalfa "WL358 was really big and leafy. We have had good quality off that field, and the cows really milk well on it. I can tell you it was very tall and healthy and consistent between all four cuttings. We have been very pleased with that variety over the years." Chris Lutteke, Wells MN IMPROVE ALFALFA HAY THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY University of Minnesota field tests show that seeding an alfalfa/grass mix comprised of 30% to 40% grasses achieves higher yields in the final stand. In fact, orchardgrass or tall fescue mixtures with alfalfa had approximately 15% more milk production potential per acre compared to alfalfa alone. BENEFITS OF ALFALFA-GRASS MIXTURES • Yield. Alfalfa-grass mixtures will often provide greater yield than direct-seeded alfalfa. • Drying rate. Grasses like orchardgrass, tall fescue, smooth bromegrass, and timothy produce hay that dry faster. • Feeding value. Grasses add higher fiber (NDF) digestibility than alfalfa to increase relative forage quality (RFQ). • Weed suppression. Grasses provide competition and cover to edge out weeds. ALFALFA-GRASS MIXTURE OPTIONS See pre-mixed options in our Hay & Pasture Mixes section or individual grass varieties in the Cool Season Grasses section. Ask about our custom mixing! Casey Bailey in an organic alfalfa production field in Fort Benton, MT. 22 Alfalfa