Grazing Alfalfa — State Perspective

Alfalfa has been grown in Kentucky for many years, but in the last decade, its acreage has increased dramatically- from 208,000 in 1978 to 350,000 in 1981 (Ky. Agri. Statistics Service). Alfalfa is generally thought of as a hay crop but the practice of grazing alfalfa has received considerable attention recently. Much of this interest was generated by Graze-More-Beef demonstrations which have been conducted in the state. Demonstrations in which alfalfa was grazed averaged 791 pounds per acre during 1986-1988. Alfalfa\u27s ability to withstand dry weather and its excellent nutritional qualities make it an attractive grazing alternative to fescue - especially during the mid-summer period. Grazing also requires less equipment than expensive conventional harvesting of hay. But ... it also requires intensive management for optimum results