Production Regions:

● Tennessee ranks 31st of 42 states producing alfalfa. ● Tennessee produces less than one percent of the total alfalfa produced within the United States. ● Producers harvested 30,000 acres of alfalfa during 2003, yielding approximately 3.1 tons per acre for the season. In 2004, acreage was valued at $117 per ton with an approximate state value of $10,881,000 for the season. Pricing during 2003 ranged from $105 to 120 per ton. Acreage harvested for 2004 has been estimated at 25,000 acres. Warm weather and timely rain showers resulted in an average number of cuttings per field for 2003 of two and a half cuttings per acre for the season. Newly established areas in alfalfa and alfalfa mixtures was approximately 4,000 acres for 2004. The majority of alfalfa produced is used for dairy cattle with the remainder for horses. ● Annual production costs are approximately $38.00 after subtracting $165 value of a partial crop during the establishment year. Total production cost of $278 for a four year stand