Alfalfa production is already huge in the region, but interest continues to grow. Speaking at yesterday’s Alfalfa U in Sioux Falls, University of Nebraska Extension Forage Specialist Dr. Bruce Anderson says that’s because of the growing dairy industry in the I-29 corridor. Plus, alfalfa has been more profitable than other crops the last few years and that has made it a very attractive cash crop.

He says farmers are also able to produce higher tonnage and better quality alfalfa with new technology, including cutting edge genetics and biotech traits, and even equipment.

Anderson says the higher producing alfalfa does take more attention to management from weed control and fungicide applications to fertilization.

Other speakers also addressed harvest practices, making quality hay with steam and alfalfa insurance.