Does alfalfa grow well in Georgia?
Introduction. Alfalfa is a high-yielding, perennial legume that is well-suited to hay, silage, or pasture production. Most of this production was concentrated on the Piedmont and Limestone Valley/Mountain regions and provided high-quality forage for the dairy and beef cattle industry in north Georgia.
How much does it cost to plant an acre of alfalfa?
Alfalfa has to be planted at around 25 pounds per acre if I remember correctly. A 50 pound bag of seed is around $200 last I heard a few years back, so $100 an acre just for seed. Probably $120-150 per acre including tillage costs.
Is it profitable to grow alfalfa?
It’s a profitable crop these days, with prices for high quality hay frequently reaching $250/ton. But in addition to its over $1 billion value to the state of California, alfalfa provides a host of environmental benefits that are frequently overlooked.
When should I plant my 805 Bulldog?
spring
Plant in the fall or spring, depending on location. This seed can be planted at a rate of 20 – 25 lbs per acre and at a depth of 1/4 inch. Bulldog 805 prefers a pH of 6.5. Plant in the fall or spring, depending on location.
Where is the best alfalfa grown?
Arizona is the highest-yielding state, with an average of about 7.9 tons/acre. Arizona grows mostly non-dormant varieties under irrigation, and alfalfa is harvested 8-10 times per year.
Is alfalfa hay annual or perennial?
Alfalfa is a perennial – it is planted in the spring or fall and then harvested for many years. The seedbed is usually prepared finely to cover the seed, but some growers seed alfalfa without tillage, directly into stubble. Alfalfa seed must be planted close to the soil surface since it is very small (1-2 mm).
Is alfalfa more profitable than corn?
As you can see below, using USDA & extension averages along with current market data, alfalfa may be up to $100 more profitable per acre than corn and even more so when compared to soybeans. Enter your own yield and related expenses to help determine your profitability.
Can you grow alfalfa in Georgia?
Many alfalfa varieties are on the market, but most were developed for use in other areas of the country and may not perform well in the Southeast. Also, varieties suitable for use in north Georgia may not perform well in south Georgia, or vice versa.
How were variety trials established in UGA?
All variety trials were established in accordance with UGA recommendations specific to the evaluated species. Plots were limed and fertilized according to recommendations from the Soil Test Handbook for Georgia. Harvest timing and pest management practices for these trials were also in accordance with standard University of Georgia recommendations.
What can we learn from forage variety trials?
Nonetheless, forage variety trial data generally identifies differences between species and among their varieties. Most research has shown that varieties that stand out (either positively or negatively) in variety trials will show similar traits when grazed and/or subjected to poorer conditions.
Where is alfalfa grown in the US?
The most dramatic increase in alfalfa acreage has been in the Coastal Plain region, where many plantings made on irrigated soils have produced yields ranging from five to eight tons DM per acre. Dryland alfalfa production in the Coastal Plain is riskier, as many soils in these areas are prone to drought.