In a recent conversation with Dave Ribeiro, an alfalfa farmer and third-generation dairy owner of Rib-Arrow Dairy in Tulare, California, we discussed how advancements in alfalfa traits continue to enhance forage quality for farming operations.
“There are benefits of alfalfa that we don’t really have an analysis to know why it does what it does, but I can tell you alfalfa works great for dairy cows,” says Ribeiro. “I’ve heard it called ‘magic juice’ or ‘moo juice’ that makes alfalfa work so great for dairy cows.”
I have spent my career researching forage crops, and I can’t think of a better way to describe the forage quality alfalfa brings to farming operations. Alfalfa has been a staple crop for years as a high-quality forage with numerous agronomic benefits. With trait advancements likeHarvXtra®, alfalfa continues to transform the way farmers approach everything from harvest timing to feed management.
Why HarvXtra Alfalfa?
Alfalfa has long been a favorite of dairy farmers for its protein, digestibility and ideal amino acid profile for supporting milk production. However, conventional alfalfa has a narrow harvest window, requiring a careful balance between yield and quality.
HarvXtra alfalfa changes this dynamic. By genetically reducing lignin production, we’ve created a one-of-a-kind variety of alfalfa that allows farmers to delay harvest without sacrificing quality. This extended harvest window — up to 10 days — provides farmers with the flexibility to manage weather, labor or operational challenges without sacrificing quality.
Ribeiro has experienced this benefit firsthand.
“It’s pretty hard to screw up,” says Ribeiro. With HarvXtra alfalfa, he goes longer between cuttings if he needs to. If they are delayed by weather, the cows don’t notice.
“The rubber meets the road with the cow. A test can say whatever it says, but the cow is the judge and the jury,” Ribeiro says.
Consistency in forage quality simplifies the feed management process. Whether it’s the first cutting or the sixth, Ribeiro knows he’s delivering high-quality forage to his cows.
Real-World Impact: Environmental Benefits
As a perennial legume, alfalfa can help support sustainability goals by improving soil health, reducing the need for chemical inputs and decreasing erosion. HarvXtra alfalfa takes these benefits further by extending the lifespan of alfalfa fields and providing harvest flexibility.
Fewer cuttings may mean less fuel, less wear on equipment and fewer emissions from machinery — important considerations for farmers looking to minimize their environmental impacts.
In regions where water conservation is crucial, the ability to irrigate less and achieve high yields is a significant advantage. Ribeiro has seen water savings by using drip irrigation on his HarvXtra fields. He uses about half the water he would use with flood irrigation while still achieving the same yields.
The Future of Flexible Farming
For farmers seeking a reliable, flexible and efficient forage solution, HarvXtra alfalfa may be the answer. It’s not just about producing more forage; it’s about producing better forage with fewer headaches and greater returns.
As Dave Ribeiro puts it, “Weigh your benefit of what you're going to get out of it and the longevity of it. I think it's worth the investment.”
To explore alfalfa options, visit HarvXtra.com.
