January 2007

After years of testing, evaluating, and regulating, Roundup Ready® alfalfa is finally readily available. While last year's seed supply was quite limited, this spring plenty of seed should be available.

Roundup Ready alfalfa will only be available in top-of-the-line varieties with a tech fee of $2.50 per pound or $125 per 50 lb bag. That will be in addition to the regular price of the seed.

Where will Roundup Ready alfalfa fit best? If you consistently have weed problems when establishing new stands, this will easily solve the problem. More often, though, I expect Roundup Ready alfalfa will be used to help solve special problems in established stands, such as bluegrass in irrigated alfalfa, mustards and downy brome in spring growth, or curly dock or late season waterhemp or summer grasses like foxtail, crabgrass, and sandburs.

Because of the cost, Roundup Ready alfalfa will be most suitable for higher value uses such as feed for dairy cows or horses. By eliminating weeds, it will be easier for growers to produce this hay and capitalize on these cash hay markets.

It also should help extend stand life by eliminating weeds, especially winter annuals, that rob critical soil moisture when alfalfa needs it most.

Roundup Ready alfalfa may not be the best choice for everyone. Examine your needs and then decide if the investment is worth it to you.

Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist