What countries grow the most alfalfa?

Alfalfa hay supply is concentrated in the United States and Spain, and consumption is concentrated in China, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

What is the biggest use of alfalfa in the US?

Alfalfa is a highly nutritious, perennial legume that contains high concentrations of vitamins B, C, D, and E. Most of the alfalfa grown in the United States is used as feed, particularly for dairy cattle.

Where does the best alfalfa hay come from?

Arizona
Even though alfalfa hay is widely available across the United States, it reaches its best quality grown in Arizona.

Where is alfalfa grown globally?

It is estimated that there are more than 70 million acres of alfalfa grown around the world, with significant acreages present in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

How tall does alfalfa get?

3 feet 3 inches
Alfalfa is a perennial forage legume which normally lives four to eight years, but can live more than 20 years, depending on variety and climate. The plant grows to a height of up to 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches), and has a deep root system, sometimes growing to a depth of more than 15 m (49 ft) to reach groundwater.

Can humans eat alfalfa?

Although alfalfa is frequently used to feed horses and rabbits, it’s good for people, too. Besides consuming it as a supplement, humans eat alfalfa in the form of sprouted seeds, found in the produce section of most grocery stores.

How many years will alfalfa grow?

Alfalfa can remain productive in stands from four to ten years or more, but as plant population declines renovation eventually becomes necessary.

What livestock eats alfalfa?

It has the most feed value of all the perennial pasture forages. Alfalfa is used as for horses, dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, chickens, turkeys and other farm animals.

What is the best hay to feed cattle?

Timothy hay is recommended by many experts due to its ease on various animal’s digestive system as well as promotion of bowel regularity. Additionally, there have been scientific studies done that show Timothy hay is an ideal feed for pregnant or lactating cows.

What is the growing season for alfalfa?

Those living in cooler climates can plant alfalfa in spring while milder regions should opt for fall planting. Since alfalfa roots quickly, it doesn’t require deep planting—only about a half inch (1 cm.) deep.

Will alfalfa reseed itself?

Alfalfa is a crop that naturally tends to lessen its density over time because alfalfa doesn’t reseed itself. If population density is very low then a grower could consider planting a new field or interseeding with other species/grasses to improve the current crop.

What is the English word for alfalfa?

alfalfa in American English (ælˈfælfə) noun. a plant, Medicago sativa, of the legume family, usually having bluish-purple flowers, originating in the Near East and widely cultivated as a forage crop. Also called: lucerne, purple medic, Spanish trefoil.