Selecting alfalfa variety
The number of available alfalfa varieties makes it difficult to select one.
“In many cases, it’s difficult to obtain comparative production and longevity information, particularly on some of the new private varieties,” said Harvey Yoder, a forage crop specialist with Alberta Agriculture in Lac La Biche.
Some provincial agriculture departments provide regional variety trials but some information is available only from seed dealers.
When selecting an alfalfa variety, farmers should consider several questions:
- How long will the alfalfa remain in the rotation?
- Will the alfalfa be used mainly for pasture, hay, cash crop or a combination?
- Is it acceptable to sacrifice additional yield for longevity or vice versa?
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Most alfalfa varieties fit into one of four major types: standard, Flemish, creeping rooted or dryland, and Siberian.
“Standard types of alfalfa are most commonly grown, have a tap root and are considered winter hardy. They are often used in rotations that will be in production for at least four to five years or more. Standard varieties include Algonquin, Beaver, Vernal, Local Grimm and Peace.”
Flemish varieties are not as winter hardy but provide greater regrowth potential for second cuts. They have a deep-purple flower and are more productive that standard types, particularly for the first two or three years of stand.
Flemish varieties are best adapted for short rotations and are used for producing dehydrated hay or selling alfalfa as a cash crop. Flemish varieties include Alouette, Anchor, Angus, Surpass and MultiKing 1.
Dryland or creeping rooted varieties are usually used for pasture production, said Yoder.
“The creeping rooted types of alfalfa have a creeping root with the crown set deeper in the soil. These varieties are very winter hardy and can withstand grazing pressure, but are not as productive as the standard or Flemish types. In many cases, creeping rooted types don’t produce a reasonable second cut. These varieties have variegated and mixed color blossoms ranging from white to light purple flowers and are crosses between Siberian types and standard or Flemish types. Creeping rooted types include Spredor 2, Rambler, Rangelander and Heinrichs.”
Siberian alfalfa types have yellow flowers and are extremely winter hardy. They are not as productive, particularly in southern Alberta. Under northern Alberta conditions, they might produce a good first cut but no second cut. Anik is the only Siberian type registered.
A few new varieties are sold as multifoliate. Traditional alfalfa plants have three leaflets per leaf. Multifoliate varieties have the genetic potential to produce four or more leaflets per leaf resulting in a higher leaf to stem ratio. This trait is influenced by environmental conditions. Varieties such as Legend 2, MultiKing 1 and Gala are multifoliate varieties.
“Most of the new varieties have been selected for greater disease and insect resistance and plant breeders have attempted to increase the quality and production,” Yoder added.
In warmer, higher rainfall or irrigated areas, producers should consider selecting alfalfa varieties resistant to disease or insect pests for that specific area.
More winter hardy alfalfa varieties are generally not as productive. Knowing the end use and the major category the alfalfa variety fits in to will help in the selection process.
Precision ag software
A study of some precision agriculture software was conducted by Landwise Inc., in association with the Canada-Alberta Farm Business Management Program.
The software was compared for efficiency in four areas:
- Managing, accessing and anal-yzing physical record keeping and field-mapping data.
- Factors such as map resolution, import-export capabilities, cost effectiveness and service and help information.
- Improving the quality of information by providing capabilities such as yield and economic analysis and enhanced interpretation of spatial data.
- Improving communication among farm managers and among farmers and suppliers.
The project team of Ron McNeil, Brenda Sawyer and Carolyn Bowen compared 43 software packages assessed on 55 factors.
Things to consider
The study makes recommendations for hardware and software requirements. When choosing a software package, being user-friendly and having readily available technical support are the two most important factors.
Producers should consider several questions when making software decisions.
- Can a demonstration copy be used before purchase?
- Will timely technical support be available?
- Is there a cost for the support?
- Is the software easy to learn?
- Will the software connect to accounting/business management software?
- Will the software read data from a yield monitor?
- How will the software be used?
Detailed report information can be found on the internet. The study is posted on the FBMP web page at www.agric.gov.ab.ca/economic/mgmt/fbmp.html and on the Landwise web page at: www.telusplanet/public/landwise.
For further information, contact Anita Lunden, agriculture business management branch, 403-556-4278 or Craig Smith, FBMP representative, 403-626-3448.
