Grazing Alfalfa at the Western Kentucky University Farm

Alfalfa has been around for centuries. In all this time, it was used in many different ways to provide high quality forage to livestock. In fact, in the area where alfalfa originated, the word actually means horse power . We have come a long way since then and alfalfa is used for a wide range of animals, from rabbits to rhinos. In order to maximize the efficiency of utilization of alfalfa, it has become necessary to graze it. Grazing is preferred over harvesting and storage for several reasons: less equipment and thus lower cost, less harvest loss, and greater quality forage because of retained leaves. These benefits are well known and they attract many producers to intensify their grazing to reap the benefits