alfalfa

Researchers are Juicing Alfalfa as a Next-Generation Aquafeed

Dan Aquaculture, Research, USDA

Cows and horses aren’t the only fans of alfalfa. Yellow perch like it, too. That’s what Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and their collaborators concluded when they fed the fish pellets made with a protein concentrate from the legume crop’s protein-rich leaves. They’re experimenting with alfalfa as part of a broader effort to find suitable alternatives to using fishmeal, a …

alfalfa

Alfalfa Useful In Hay and Pasture Operations

Dan Alabama, Cattle, Industry News Release, Livestock

Alfalfa crops are once again returning to the Southeastern agriculture scene. Once a dominant forage, producers saw an elimination of many productive stands because of several factors, including insect pressures and a harsh growing environment. Researchers, working with improved varieties, are incorporating these varieties into mixtures with bermudagrass. Now, these mixtures allow producers to grow alfalfa for both hay and …

Growing Alfalfa in the Southeast

Dan Field Crops, Specialty Crops

During the recent Sunbelt Ag Expo, growing alfalfa in the Southeast was one of the topics discussed during sessions held in the cattle pavilion. Jennifer Tucker, assistant professor with the University of Georgia Animal and Dairy Sciences Department, and Kim Mullenix, beef cattle Extension specialist with Auburn University, teamed up to provide information on research efforts related to growing alfalfa. …

south

UGA Hosting Alfalfa in the South Workshops

Dan Cattle, Dairy, Education, Georgia, Livestock

The UGA Forage Team is proud to announce the return of the popular alfalfa workshops. UGA Extension will host four, one-day workshops entitled “Alfalfa in the South“. Jennifer Tucker, assistant professor with the UGA Animal and Dairy Sciences Department, says they are excited about the expansion of alfalfa. UGA Hosting Alfalfa in the South Workshops The workshops will be held: …

farm

USDA/NIFA Invests in Programs to Increase Crop Productivity, Profitability, and Stewardship of Three Crops

Dan Industry News Release

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced support for research to increase the productivity, profitability, and natural resources stewardship of canola, potato, and alfalfa production systems. The grants are funded through three NIFA programs: Alfalfa and Forage Research, Supplemental and Alternative Crops, and Potato Breeding Research. “For American farmers to continue to prosper …

Bee “Bed and Breakfast” Gets Helping Hand from Science

Dan Industry News Release, Research

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists are digging into the soil around alfalfa fields near Touchet, Washington, to unearth new clues to improve the lives of the crop’s chief insect pollinator: the alkali bee. Alkali bees are champion alfalfa flower pollinators—even outperforming the respected honey bee. So much so, some Touchet farmers maintain open soil parcels called “bee beds” to …

alfalfa forage

$1.9 Million for Alfalfa and Forage Research

Dan Industry News Release

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced the availability of $1.9 million in funding for research and development to improve the agricultural productivity, profitability, and conservation of the U.S. alfalfa forage industry. Funding is made through NIFA’s Alfalfa and Forage Research Program (AFRP).