Alfalfa

Product Overview

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a long-lived, perennial legume native to Asia and one of the most valuable forage crops worldwide. Growing 1 to 3 feet tall with clusters of small purple flowers, alfalfa thrives in deep, well-drained soils and is adapted across all regions of the United States. Known for its exceptional yield, high protein content, and soil-building properties, alfalfa is a cornerstone of hay production and rotational grazing systems.

• High Yield Potential: Produces multiple harvests per season with superior forage volume
• Protein-Rich Feed: Supplies premium nutrition for cattle, sheep, goats, and horses
• Grazing & Silage Uses: Can be grazed directly or stored for long-term use as hay or silage
• Green Manure: Acts as a natural fertilizer—improving nitrogen levels and soil structure
• Erosion Control: Deep taproots anchor soil, enhance drainage, and reduce erosion
• Pollinator Support: Attracts beneficial insects like bees and birds to improve field health

Alfalfa can also be blended with grasses like meadow fescue or orchardgrass for balanced pasture systems, though it should be limited in high-moisture grazing mixes to minimize the risk of bloating. Whether used for forage, silage, ground cover, or nitrogen-fixing rotation, alfalfa is among the most versatile and productive crops you can plant.

Directions

Seeding Rate:
• Pure Stand – 15–20 lb per acre
• Mixed Pasture – 8–12 lb per acre depending on companion species

Planting Time:
• Spring or late summer when soil temps exceed 60 °F and moisture is adequate

Soil Requirements:
• Prefers well-drained, fertile loams with pH 6.5–7.5; avoid acidic or poorly drained soils

Maintenance Tips:
• Mow or graze to 3–4″ stubble height
• Inoculate with proper Rhizobium for nitrogen fixation
• Fertilize based on soil tests; avoid excess nitrogen to encourage root nodulation