Forage Potential of Cicer Milkvetch

Cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L), a legume native from the Causcasus Mountains in Asia across southern Europe to Spain, was introduced into the United States in the 1920’s. It’s used for grazing, hay, and soil conservation in the northern and central Rocky Mountain Region of the United States and western Canada. Cicer milkvetch is gaining popularity in other regions of the United States because it is more tolerant than alfalfa to acidic or alkaline soils and does not cause bloat in grazing animals. Several South Dakota producers planted small acreages of cicer milkvetch in spring 1989. These acreages are being monitored, and producer experiences with this crop will be publicized