• Jul 24, 2024
  • Article

Flexible Cutting and High Quality With Advanced Alfalfa Genetics

Lush green alfalfa field with blue skies in backgroun
When you grow alfalfa, having a long list of things to consider and control is common. But with all that’s on your plate, what is the best way to plan for profitability? 
 
At Forage Genetics International (FGI), questions like this have continued to drive research and variety development for over 30 years. While there is no singular solution to guarantee success, embracing innovation can expand your options, and investing in technologies like HarvXtra® Alfalfa can help an operation thrive with unpredictable changes in the market or the weather.  
  
The HarvXtra Alfalfa trait is one of the most advanced on the market, developed to improve the quality of your alfalfa compared to conventional alfalfa at the same stage of maturity. Why does that matter? It offers unparalleled flexibility in crop management. 

 

Increased Flexibility 

With conventional alfalfa production, the earlier you cut, the higher the quality, but the lower the yield. The later you cut, the higher the yield because the plants have had a chance to develop more biomass, but the lower the quality. HarvXtra Alfalfa keeps quality for longer so you can wait out the rain with less worry. In fact, you can add up to 10 days to your cutting window without sacrificing forage quality compared to conventional alfalfa cut at the same maturity. 

With the unpredictability of weather conditions, many growers have gambled with their cutting time and lost. Harvesting conventional alfalfa early can lead to forage that is not fully matured and low in fiber, but waiting to harvest until inclement weather has passed can dramatically decrease quality. With HarvXtra Alfalfa, you don’t have to take such risky gambles.  

“When we experience bad weather, we can let HarvXtra Alfalfa sit for a week without losing quality,” shared Riely Lepianka, dairy producer and alfalfa grower. 


Gained Efficiencies  

“HarvXtra totally changed the way we make hay because we don't have to be tied down to a certain rotation,” Riely explained. “With HarvXtra Alfalfa, the pressure is gone, and we can cut whenever we think is right without sacrificing quality.” 
 
Many HarvXtra Alfalfa growers use the ability to delay the cutting to eliminate a cutting from their annual schedule. This saves time, money and energy while greatly increasing tonnage.  
 
While market conditions and weather will always fluctuate, the value of strategic investment in agricultural technologies does not waver. Help set your operation up for larger, longer term potential returns with HarvXtra Alfalfa. 
  
To learn more, contact your local alfalfa dealer or call 800-406-7662 to find a dealer near you.  

© 2024 Forage Genetics International. HarvXtra® is a trademark of Forage Genetics International, LLC. Roundup Ready® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC, used under license by Forage Genetics International, LLC. HarvXtra® Alfalfa with Roundup Ready® Technology is subject to planting and use restrictions. Visit ForageGenetics.com/legal for the full legal, stewardship and trademark statements for these products.
 
Pre-Harvest Maintenance Checklist For Your Alfalfa Mower
Article • Agronomy, Agronomy & Management, Farmer trials and experience, People and Partners, Pest & Disease, Research

Pre-Harvest Maintenance Checklist For Your Alfalfa Mower