Alfalfa

The Scoop Podcast: A Crop That Feeds The Soil and Feeds Livestock

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:00:00 GMT

As director of R&D and Innovation at Forge Genetics International, Emily Meccage has a lot to share about the breeding work being done for alfalfa.

“My team is responsible for the traited products like Roundup Ready alfalfa, plus we also have a very robust conventional breeding program as well. So we eat, sleep, breathe alfalfa products all day long,” she says.

So what’s next for the forage crop? Here are the top insights she shared on The Scoop Podcast:

1. Like many other crops, there’s a triple mandate on alfalfa.

“How do we increase our production, increase our efficiency, while still maintaining sustainability on farm,” she says. “Our team has been able to help contribute that that. And our research is geared in that way.”

2. The company has invested in its own research sites.

“Our two main locations are West Salem, Wis., and Nampa, Idaho. At both locations we are focusing on dormant alfalfa breeding and we have pathology labs. We also have a forage quality testing lab at West Salem,” she says.

Other smaller scale testing sites include in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, Garden City, Kansas, and in California, New Mexico and Arizona.

3. Collaborations are key to pushing alfalfa forward.

“We also do a lot of collaborative research with external groups–within USDA or across universities as well,” Meccage says.

In all, the company is currently working on 15 university or USDA projects.

4. There are evolving concerns around pests.

“We have recently hired, in the last year, at our Nampa Idaho location an entomologist and a nematologist. So we’re looking at how we can do more screenings against those types of pests,” she says.

5. Opportunities with alfalfa vary by geography.

“When we focus on the Midwest, that’s a heavy dairy area, and it’s also what we consider to be a dormant area for alfalfa,” she says. “So we want those alfalfa varieties that are going to have high quality that the dairy cattle need, but they’re also then going to be able to survive the harsher winter climate.”

She adds those varieties can also be ushed across the Midwest, northeast and Pacific Northwest.

“Then when we get a little farther south to the central part of the U.S., where our Garden City, Kansas research location is, we’re looking at semi or inter-dormant alfalfa varieties that are going to produce longer throughout the growing season but it doesn’t need to survive as harsh of a winter.”

She adds those varieties often have to perform in saline soils and drier climates.

“And in the southwest, that’s where we do our non-dormant breeding program,” she says. “In some cases they don’t have a winner; they don’t have alfalfa that goes dormant and grows 12 months out of the year. So again, it’s almost a completely different environment. You can think of it as a completely different plant, and of course, different diseases that might be present.”

6. There is a long list of agronomic benefits to alfalfa in the rotation.

“When we look at sustainability and the agronomic benefits, it maybe starts with being a perennial,” she says. “Unlike with our annuals, if we have a weather event, you’re done, right? If you get that late summer storm, with alfalfa, you’re generally gonna be able to grow back.”

She adds, alfalfa can grow in many different environments, it adds nitrogen back to the soil, improves overall soil quality, and helps with erosion control.

“Then, you flip to the animal side, and it’s a high quality protein source,” she says. “When we’re talking about protein per acre, alfalfa is generally going to be the top performer in that regard. It’s a high quality, digestible fiber source.”

She adds, “it’s just this really well rounded plant that has so many different things to offer, from animals to agronomy that I think really, truly fits in many scenarios of our cropping rotations.”

Ag Meterologists Worry More Drought Lies Ahead For Spring

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:53:29 GMT

As Eric Snodgrass looks six weeks out to the end of March, he doesn’t like the weather pattern he sees shaping up for spring planting season – more dry conditions.

Varying levels of mild to moderate drought have dogged much of the upper Midwest, West and Southwest since last fall, and the outlook is for more of the same, according to Snodgrass, a leading U.S. meteorologist.

Check out the soil moisture deficit currently in the upper Midwest and West. At the opposite extreme, a broad band of soil moisture shows up in blue across much of the Ohio Valley region.

(Eric Snodgrass)

“I’m concerned about the way the central United States and the western Corn Belt, in particular, are going to be dealing with the risk of drought building into spring,” Snodgrass told farmers attending the Top Producer Summit in Kansas City earlier this week.

History shows that drought tends to beget drought. In six of the past 10 years with a really dry fall, Snodgrass says the spring to follow was also dry.

The weekly U.S. Drought Monitor echoes his observations. The Monitor released Thursday (Feb. 20) shows drought is impacting 45% of corn production acres, 36% of soybean production acres, 40% of spring wheat and 20% of winter wheat acres, respectively.In addition – of particular concern to beef and dairy producers – 49% of the U.S. alfalfa hay production acres are also experiencing drought.

Arctic Air Is Contributing To Drought Conditions
Snodgrass spells out what usually happens in late winter to create the moisture farmers need at planting time in the Corn Belt.

As the jet stream moves across the Pacific Ocean, it typically splits and sweeps into the West Coast from two positions – one from the northern North Pacific Ocean and the other from the southern North Pacific Ocean, close to Hawaii. The two portions of the jet stream usually then scream across U.S. western mountain ranges, picking up moisture they then deposit in portions of the Corn Belt before moving on to the East Coast and exiting the U.S. in Maine.

This year, the portion of the jet stream that normally comes from Hawaii has veered from its usual course and possibly even stalled. One indicator of that happening, Snodgrass says, is a drop off in ocean temperatures in the Baja of California and the Gulf of Alaska. The result is dry, arctic air has been moving into portions of the U.S.

In years when the Gulf of Alaska is in a warming trend, U.S. crop yields tend to be higher. The opposite is true when the Gulf cools.

(Eric Snodgrass)

For some parts of the U.S. the cold, arctic air has brought snow along with it. But the snow holds little moisture that would help alleviate the frozen dry soils. “We have some deep snow in areas right now, but it’s only got maybe two-tenths of an inch of liquid in it,” Snodgrass explains.

That’s bad news for farmers who need a full profile of soil moisture going into spring and don’t have one.

“If I’m in Iowa, Minnesota, northern Illinois, the Dakotas, even parts of Nebraska and Missouri, I’m going, holy smokes, that arctic air has prevented any sort of meaningful precipitation coming back at this point of the year,” he says.
Similar concerns were voiced by Drew Lerner, founder and president of World Weather, Inc., during the Top Producer Summit.

“If we continue bringing these cold shots of air through North America, we will have a below-normal precipitation bias [for the western Corn Belt] as we go forward through spring planting season,” Lerner explained during the taping of the U.S. Farm Report.

This map shows what the precipitation could look like in March. But remember, Mother Nature is unpredictable. It’s certainly feasible she could change course and bring moisture to the states west and southwest of the Mississippi River.

(Eric Snodgrass)

That’s not the meteorologists’ expectation for the eastern Corn Belt and portions of the Southeast. Lerner and Snodgrass agree those areas are likely to have plenty of moisture going into spring planting.

More Weather Trouble Brewing For Summer
If the current cold conditions continue through March, which Lerner and Snodgrass anticipate will be the case, what will likely occur is a knee-jerk reaction in the atmosphere: a warming trend will start in late March or early April and build through late spring and into early summer.

“If we warm up quickly in the spring, which is a high possibility, we could end up falling behind the eight ball a little bit more on soil moisture,” Lerner says.

While some meteorologists point to this year’s La Niña as a cause of the continued move to dryer conditions, Snodgrass and Lerner say that’s not the case.

“La Niña will be gone by the time we get into mid-March,” Lerner predicts. “This La Niña hasn’t lasted long enough to really have a big footprint in the atmosphere. As we get into April, it’ll be pretty much a non-event.”

Keep An Eye On The Pacific Decadal Oscillation
Lerner and Snodgrass believe a negative phase of what scientists call the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) could be a primary contributor to ongoing drought and higher temperatures by April. The PDO is a long-term climate pattern that affects the temperature of the Pacific Ocean and can influence weather patterns across the globe.

While the PDO has not had what Lerner calls a “tremendous amount of impact” in past years in the U.S., it’s looking more influential for the 2025 growing season.

“I’m seeing some additional cooling off the West Coast of North America that may end up leading us into a greater ridge building with all the dryness that’s in the soil and that negative PDO,” Lerner says. “I’m not ready to go all the way over with [that prediction], but that’s where I’m headed.”

The Surprising Solution To Drought
If Mother Nature continues on her worrying course, Snodgrass says continued low temperatures in the Gulf of Alaska would be a signal in early summer for farmers.

“If we get into June and it’s cool there, that is telling me that the atmosphere is not moving. And if it doesn’t move, well, all of a sudden we could find ourselves in a situation in late June into July with more drought and excess heat,” Snodgrass says.

The North American Multi-Model Ensemble (NMME) is a seasonal forecasting system, showing this summer could be a dry one in portions of the West and upper Midwest and into Canada. However, summer is still months away, and Mother Nature could change course. However, being forewarned can help farmers plan ahead.

(Eric Snodgrass and NMME)

Another worrying sign he says to watch for is where the active spring weather pattern falls. If areas of Kansas and the Great Plains see an active tornado season, Snodgrass says that means the weather pattern is more favorable for rains to fall across the Corn Belt. But if tornado warnings blare across the Southeast, Snodgrass says that’s a signal drought could be a problem this summer.

There is a solution to the troubling weather patterns, he adds, one most farmers won’t welcome – a big, wet snow on the Northern Plains.

“The No. 1 thing I’m praying for right now is an April 4 blizzard. I want a foot of snow,” Snodgrass told farmers at Top Producer Summit, many of whom laughed.

Snodgrass laughed, too, and added, “You’ll hate me for about a week, and then love me through the rest of May.”

Your next read: ‘Stay Tuned, We’ll Be Right Back With Your Forecast’

Data From New Trials Boasts Yield Boosts With Biologicals

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 21:17:23 GMT

Farm Journal’s Smart Farming Week is an annual week-long emphasis on innovation in agriculture. The goal is to encourage you to explore and prioritize the technology, tools and practices that will help you farm smarter. Innovation today ensures an efficient, productive and sustainable tomorrow.

Two new studies from Locus Ag and Pivot Bio found the use of biological products consistently increased yields in a variety of crops.

When testing Locus Ag biological products, trials analyzed by contract research organizations and universities found yield increases between 4.2% to 26% in specialty crop varieties and between 5.2% to 37% in row crop varieties.

“In a time when the agricultural sector is navigating challenges such as climate variability, rising input prices and the need for sustainable practices, Locus Ag’s USA–made biological solutions are more vital than ever,” said Kade Haas, SVP of Locus Ag. “Farmers can’t leave anything to chance. This data confirms that no matter what crop they grow or where they grow it, these premium biologicals are going to take their farming to the next level and ensure they have a successful growing season.”

The products were tested across the U.S. in locations with varying growing conditions. But while 11 specialty crops and 12 row crops were tested, it’s important to note only alfalfa, canola, corn, cotton, potato rice, soybeans and wheat had a 95% or higher confidence rate in the reliability of the results.

To view the specific yield gain for each crop tested with Locus Ag biological products in the study, click here .

Data from another study conducted by The University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment found replacing 40 lb. of synthetic nitrogen with Pivot Bio’s Proven 40 led to higher corn yields.

During these trials, corn was planted at a rate of 32,000 seeds per acre under no-till and cover crop conditions. Proven 40 was applied in furrow with additional nitrogen treatments of 140 lb. and 180 lb. per acre. Data showed the different amounts of nitrogen led to similar yield results, while the addition of Proven 40 increased yields.

“The study’s findings underscore the potential of microbial nitrogen fertilizer to maintain and even increase crop yields while reducing dependency on synthetic fertilizers,” said Clayton Nevins, senior agronomic scientist for Pivot Bio. “Not only are you replacing 40 lb. of synthetic nitrogen, but you are also delivering nitrogen straight to the roots, boosting plant health earlier in the season.”

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Meet The New NAICC President: Debra Stroschein

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 21:22:22 GMT

I am honored to lead NAICC into 2024. I have been a contract researcher in California for 30 years, and I have my crop consultant license for California in all categories. I am also a third-generation farmer in southern California. My family has farmed in Blythe since 1943, and I currently farm 1,400 acres—mainly alfalfa. With this experience, I see what agriculture faces today from many perspectives. It is daunting.

As I watched my dad farm over the years and saw all the stresses of farming—examples include managing the risks and constantly trying to deal with things that were out of his control—I learned farming wasn’t easy, but it was something he loved to do. He had a passion for it. American farmers still do the job they love to do with the full passion that my dad had until the day he died.

I inherited that passion and drive. I remember the good and the bad. The alfalfa market in California was at an all-time high in 2022, but so were the inputs. Our farming skills were put to the test. We had to fight the input costs as well as the drought. The other crops in California were at an all-time low in return. Supply chain issues caused materials to not be available, which was another major concern for the farmer. This held true across the U.S.

The same issues remained throughout 2023. Fertilizer prices seemed to level off, and demand lowered a bit, but the drought was still a concern. Consultants were the saving grace. Having an independent crop consultant on your team is valuable. As a grower, I value the assistance the consultant gives me with looking at changes in the laws, researching the correct tools and making sure I have the right product at the right rate and at the right time.

Who knows what 2024 will bring us, but I am glad I have a consultant on my team to help me navigate my way through the rough roads. I know California is supposed to have an El Niño year, so let’s see what Mother Nature throws at us. There is not anything we cannot do. My father always said, “The farmer is not just a farmer today; he or she is a scientist, a computer expert, an engineer, a mechanic, a mathematician and sometimes a psychiatrist.”

We just need the correct tools to handle the challenges and opportunities, and I feel one of them is having an agricultural adviser assist you.

We invite you to attend the 2024 NAICC Annual Meeting and Ag Pro Expo . There, you can network with the crème de la crème of crop consultants, contract researchers and quality assurance professionals from all across the U.S. and the world.

DLF Acquires Corteva Agriscience Alfalfa Breeding Program

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 20:25:15 GMT

DLF, a global seed company, has acquired the Corteva Agriscience alfalfa breeding program.

Announced on August 6, this acquisition includes Corteva’s global alfalfa germplasm and breeding program, the Alforex Seeds brand name and trademarks including Hi-Gest alfalfa technology, Hi-Ton performance alfalfa, Hi-Salt salinity tolerant alfalfa, msSuntra hybrid technology, current commercial alfalfa varieties and select Corteva personnel supporting the alfalfa program.

“We have consistently aimed to establish a strong presence in alfalfa across all our global markets, including North America,” Soren Halbye, group CEO of DLF, said. “Acquiring a renowned alfalfa research program presents a rare opportunity for DLF to significantly enhance our global position in alfalfa breeding and sales.”

DLF welcomes research and development staff located in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest, where research operations will continue under the leadership of Steve Damon.

“We maintain our commitment to collaborating efficiently to deliver top-tier forage products to the market,” Halbye said. “Ensuring steady product availability and exceptional service for our customers during this period of change and beyond remains our priority.”

In addition to offering current Alforex products, DLF intends to offer varieties comparable to today’s Pioneer brand and Dairyland Seed brand alfalfa products when the business is fully transitioned after the 2024 season.

Follow These Steps When Fertilizing Perennial Forages

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 16:49:02 GMT

With fall just around the corner, now is the time to think about applying fertilizer to perennial forages like alfalfa, clover and timothy. According to Dr. Mark Sulc, professor and extension forage specialist, and Greg LaBarge, agronomic field specialist, both from Ohio State University, September is a prime time to prep perennial forage soil.

“Soils are usually firm in September, and autumn topdressing provides needed nutrients for good winter survival of the forage stand and vigorous regrowth the following spring,” the duo state. “Hay crops will remove about 50 lb. of K2O and 12 lb. of P2O5 per ton of dry hay harvested. Adequate amounts of soil P and K are important for the productivity and persistence of forage stands. However, nutrient over-application harms the environment and can harm animals fed those forages.”

Before heading to the fields, there are a few steps farmers should follow. These include:

Have recent soil tests available to help guide you in what nutrients to apply and how much.
If you are applying high rates of phosphorus or potassium, consider splitting applications. There is an advantage to splitting the application, with half applied this autumn and the remainder applied next spring after the first cutting when soils are firm.
Don’t over apply P and K. According to the extension agents, many dairy farms have high levels of soil P, making the expense of fertilizer P unnecessary. When soil test P exceeds the agronomic level of 50 ppm, there is an increased potential for P losses into streams and lakes. Applying too much K will result in luxury consumption by the forage plants, leading to excessive levels of K in the forage that can cause animal health problems.
Apply at the right rate. Your soil test should give you indicators as to what rate you should apply fertilizer on different fields. For help determining what rate to apply, check out this free tool.

For more on forages, read:

USDA Clarifies Alfalfa MFP Rules

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 03:03:55 GMT

Several dairy farmers have experienced frustration when applying for Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments related to acres planted to alfalfa mixes.

ProFarmer’s Jim Wiesemeyer says some of the issues are simply because farmers didn’t have all of their alfalfa acres certified with FSA. Others are frustrated because their forage mixes are being denied payment.

This week USDA issued clarification on the issue. Acreage reported as alfalfa is defined by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) as a stand that contains 60% or more alfalfa, even if it’s a forage mixture. A mixed forage, which does not qualify for an MFP payment, is that with less than 60% alfalfa.

The 2019 MFP includes alfalfa and a few other title-ineligible crops not included in the 2108 MFP.

Don’t forget, the deadline to apply for MFP payments is December 6, 2019. Visit your local FSA office to apply or download an application here .

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