West Bend, Wisconsin, USA
October 1, 2012
Alfalfa growers who invested in hybrid alfalfa technology found a bright spot this year, despite the growing season’s adverse weather. Just as hybridization revolutionized corn production, this technology provides dramatic increases to alfalfa’s genetic yield potential.
Recently released on-farm test plot data show that hybrid alfalfa outperformed traditional varieties 91% of the time and produced an impressive 8.4% yield increase over non-hybrid competitive varieties across the Midwest. That is up nearly a full percentage point from previous years.
“Gen-2 HybriForce-2400 hybrid alfalfa plots averaged 4.2 tons per acre over a wide range of field and weather conditions across the Midwest, with some plots yielding more than 7.5 tons per acre,” says Chad Staudinger, Dairyland Seed forage product manager.
The 8.4% yield improvement added up to an average of 0.29 more tons of hay per acre. At current hay prices of $300 per ton, that equals an extra $87 an acre for hay growers.
The results for HybriForce-2400 were even more dramatic in these five areas that suffered some of the worst drought conditions as shown in this chart:
“These data suggest that Gen-2 HybriForce alfalfa hybrids handled the stress better than other varieties,” adds Staudinger.
In addition, results from 22 Wisconsin-only plots show a 9% yield advantage for HybriForce-2400, or an extra 0.31 tons per acre. Hybrid alfalfa outpaced competitors’ varieties 95.5% of the time.
“Given the high price of hay, corn and other feed commodities, it’s easy to see that even small increases in yield add up quickly and make a big difference in your bottom line,” says Staudinger. If you are a dairy producer, that yield increase is also that much hay you don’t need to buy when margins are tight.
“In a year with less than ideal conditions, it’s remarkable to see our yield advantage against competitive varieties increase by 1 percentage point,” notes Staudinger. “It’s important to invest in a variety that will perform well under good conditions, but it’s even better to know that it will perform when conditions are less than ideal, as well.”
1These data were taken from five of the most drought-afflicted alfalfa test plots and demonstrate the ability of Gen-2 HybriForce-2400 to handle adverse conditions.
Tips for Alfalfa Seed Selection Decisions Following the Drought
An alfalfa stand needs to perform well for several years and yield is a key performance factor.
“Coming off a challenging growing season, it is important to pick seed for next year that will deliver the most benefit, and that means high yield potential to most farmers,” says Chad Staudinger, forage product manager for Dairyland Seed. “Planting hybrid alfalfa is the first way to consistently ensure higher yield.”
For example, on-farm test plot data from across the Midwest for Dairyland Seed’s Gen-2 HybriForce-2400 show that hybrid alfalfa produced an 8.4% yield increase this year, even with 2012’s extremely variable rainfall and drought conditions. That yield improvement added up to 0.29 more tons of hay per acre.
Next, match varieties to your specific field conditions—including soil type, irrigation opportunities and end-use of hay. And look for desirable traits like persistence and plant and flowering uniformity that enhance improved yield potential, adds Staudinger.
Once you’ve addressed these goals, there are several additional factors to consider including:
- Disease resistance. Using the latest genetics available will help avoid disease challenges. Look for the highest DRI (Disease Resistance Index) rating.
- Winterhardiness/dormancy. Look for winter survival ratings of WV2 or under if you are located in the northern United States. Also check out the variety’s ability to withstand wheel traffic, cutting recovery needed, spring green-up and drought stress tolerance.
- Forage quality. Choose alfalfa varieties that feature dense, uniform and fine-stemmed stands. Then manage accordingly with proper cutting schedules and fertility to maintain stand and feed quality.
- Germination. Be sure to check seed bag tags for germination information. The informal industry standard is 90%.
“Given the high price of hay, corn and other feed commodities, even small increases in yield add up quickly and can make a big difference in your bottom line,” says Staudinger.
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