Perceptions of adoption of alfalfa plantings by forage–livestock producers in the southern United States

Abstract

The development of newer alfalfa cultivars with improved adaptation to local growing conditions and dual-purpose applications (hay and grazing) has increased alfalfa incorporation into forage systems in the southern United States. The objective of this survey was to identify main challenges associated with alfalfa adoption by forage–livestock producers in the southern region. The web-based survey consisted of 24 questions and was distributed from May through December 2020 across 12 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Texas). There was a total of 211 respondents. Most participants had already considered planting alfalfa and sought out information through extension publications (84 and 66%, respectively). Thus, most participants were seeking alfalfa as an option to increase forage quality (48%) and profits (15%). The major considerations associated with low adoption of alfalfa plantings were cost of stand establishment (21%), longevity of stand life usefulness (22%), and “others” (22%). In the latter category, most participants mentioned weather-related conditions that represent a challenge to produce high-quality hay, along with proper management practices. Although environmental benefits of alfalfa incorporation are diverse, including decreasing reliance on nitrogen (N) chemical fertilizer input, only 10% of participants were interested in including alfalfa to reduce N input. Educational resources and trainings are needed to help farmers make decisions related to stand management and economics and understand environmental benefits that inclusion of alfalfa can provide to forage–livestock systems in the southern United States.