Grass-alfalfa mixes

About 30 year ago, after RFV became an accepted measurement for alfalfa quality, I was at an alfalfa symposium where an extension agent was giving a talk on alfalfa quality and why we should not include grass in with alfalfa. He said in his talk, now we know what bossie has been trying to tell us all these years. What bossie was probably trying to say was, the most grass is too early maturing to be in with alfalfa. Grass is of higher fiber than alfalfa, but the fiber is more digestible, however, overall quality in grass tanks quicker than alfalfa. The new RFQ rating gives value to the higher quality grass fiber. There are many good reasons to include a proper (late) maturing grass in alfalfa.

Advantages

1. Faster curing - probable number one

reason when curing alfalfa for hay.

2. Often higher yields - fills in areas.

where alfalfa plants wouldn't establish

or dies out.

3. Aids in winter-survival - the crowns act

as insulation for alfalfa and also better

captures and maintain snow cover.

4. Leafhopper deterrence - it has been

demonstrated that grass acts as a

deterrent to the leafhopper.

5. Reduces losses from diseases - grasses

will dilute disease inoculums and

alfalfa diseases do not affect grasses.

6. Weed control - the grass fills in bare

spots keeping out the weeds.

7. In some cases better quality - more

fiber, but fiber is more digestible

Disadvantages

1. Grasses are lower in protein.

2. Some complain about the clumps in

bunch grasses such as orchardgrass

and fescue, but I hear less of this than

I used to, probably do to bigger and

better equipment.

Establishment

Companion crops, weed control, insects
A cereal forage companion crop helps prevent erosion, will help control leafhoppers and weeds, considerable add to yield, but will substantially lower quality of the first cutting. A cereal grain crop may allow leafhoppers to get out of control and may result in a poor stand. I would not recommend using a cereal grain crop, but if used, select a short straw variety and reduce seeding rate by at least half.