Pro Brand Alfalfa

Pro Brand is a selected brand of alfalfa specifically chosen for local adaptation and is designed for sustainable management programs. Pro Brand is a good alfalfa for the economy-minded grower.

CHARACTERISTICS:

Overview:
Cutting System: 2-4
Fall Dormancy: 3.0
Winter Survival: 2.4
Total DRI: 25/30

Disease & Pest Control:
Phytophthora Root Rot: HR
Verticillium Wilt: R
Anthracnose: R
Bacterial Wilt: R
Fusarium Wilt: R
Aphanomyces Race 1: R
Aphanomyces Race 2: NR
Pea Aphid: NR
Potato Leafhopper: NR
Stem Nematode: NR

Characteristics:
Establishment: Med
Persistence: Med
Drought Tolerance: High
Winter Hardiness: High
Palatability: High
Yield Potential: High
Grazing Tolerance: High

Resistance Ratings:

HR = Highly Resistant, 51% or more resistant plants
R = Resistant, 31 – 50% resistant plants
MR = Moderately Resistant, 15 – 30% resistant plants
LR = Low Resistance, 6 – 14% resistant plants
S = Susceptible, 0 – 5% resistant plants
NR = Not Rated

SEEDING:

Seeding Rate:
Alone (lbs./acre): 15-20
Mixes (lbs./acre): 8-10
Seeds/lb.: 227,000
Depth (in.): 1/4 (fine textured soil); 1/2 (sandy soil)

Planting Time:
Mar.-May; Aug.-Sept.
Emergence (days): 7
Life Cycle: Perennial

Adaptation:
Grows best on deep, well-drained, friable soil with pH 6.5-7.5.

Establishment:
Plant alfalfa seed in clean, smooth, firm seedbed with adequate moisture. Ensure good surface drainage. Do not seed as first crop on newly leveled land where fill may settle and cause poor surface drainage. A combination drill and packer is desirable. Cultipack soil before and after seeding to help stand establishment.

Spring seeding can occur 30 days before last killing frost. Late summer-sown alfalfa seed can also be successful. Allow for adequate growth prior to first killing frost.

MANAGEMENT:

Rotational Grazing:

Graze early bloom (1/4 in. bloom) to 2 in. Potential bloat hazard. Use caution when grazing. Alfalfa best withstands grazing if rotated frequently or grazed in small strips.

Hay or Haylage Harvest:

Cut early bloom; last cutting should be 3-4 wks. before first killing frost.