Forage Genetics International

Check out the latest Progressive Dairy Podcast episode Enhancing your soil and cropping system with alfalfa featuring our very own, Dr. Emily Meccage, Sr. Manager of R&D at FGI. From improving soil properties to being a powerhouse ingredient in feed rations, alfalfa has a lot to offer dairy producers. Emily joins the discussion to share about the many opportunities for dairy farmers to capitalize on growing, harvesting and feeding alfalfa. Listen to the full episode: http://spr.ly/60439qfgf

NAFA + AgriLogic Consulting are developing a new alfalfa revenue crop insurance product. Please tune into a Listening Session tomorrow, June 11 at 6:30 pm CDT for an overview and to provide comments. To receive the virtual link, register for the Forage Revenue Crop Insurance Listening Session here: http://spr.ly/60465k5Ks

Don't forget about the value of alfalfa while you are making your forage decisions. Alfalfa protects the soil as it is a perennial, produces its own nitrogen, is high in protein, deep rooted, and somewhat drought resistant. Read more about how alfalfa is an integral part of many high producing herd's rations: http://spr.ly/6045bRmtN

Join us at Central Plains Dairy Expo, March 19-21, as the panelists below discuss how to Optimize Alfalfa Yields in Less Than Ideal Conditions. - Randy Welch, National Alfalfa Agronomist with Forage Genetics International - Dan Putnam, Prof. Emeritus, University of California, Davis - Greg Moes, Partner with MoDak Dairy in South Dakota - Don Winter, Upper Midwest Dairy Business Advisor with Land O'Lakes Dairy Member Relations Whether you’re a seasoned alfalfa grower or just exploring the idea of adding alfalfa into your rotation, this session is designed to share the latest insights and opportunities for growing quality alfalfa. Join the discussion to learn about various alfalfa technologies and how they can help you effectively manage resources, produce high-quality feed and meet sustainability goals on your operation. Register today! http://spr.ly/6041X235f

Thanks to the hard work and partnership with the National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance (NAFA) in DC this February, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) has just approved a revenue insurance product for alfalfa and will move into the development phase. There is still more work to be done, but this is a big step forward for alfalfa producers!

Forage Genetics International (FGI) hosted a panel seminar for dairy and alfalfa producers at the 2024 World Ag Expo in Tulare, CA last week. The panel focused on: The Challenges and Benefits of Raising Alfalfa in the West and touched on topics like water management, alfalfa’s role in the dairy diet and alfalfa cropping decisions using HarvXtra alfalfa technology to help achieve higher quality forage and higher yield alfalfa potential. The panel was moderated by Randy Welch, National Alfalfa Agronomist with FGI, and included Leaine Souza, Land O’Lakes Director of Core Services for Member Relations; Dave Ribeiro, Land O’Lakes Dairy Member and producer; and Dan Putnam, Prof. Emeritus, University of California, Davis.

Alfalfa U is coming up on February 27th, and you won't want to miss it. Hear Dan Putnam talk on "Technology and its Importance to Alfalfa's Future in a Changing Climate," in Dodge City, Kansas Learn more: http://spr.ly/6043popHT

Last week was a great week in DC with the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance, and a tremendous opportunity to advocate for alfalfa, the 4th most valuable field crop in the US! In attendance for FGI were Allison Foxx, Sr. Marketing Manager, Emily Meccage, Ph.D., R&D Lead and Glenda Gehl, President of Forage Genetics International. We are excited to share NRCS recently added a “Short Term Perennial” option to their Conservation Crop Rotation practice standards. It has been added in Minnesota and Michigan to date, and we worked this week to move the option nationally. We also focused on the ask of providing a more robust insurance opportunity to help alfalfa producers.

Dan Putnam, Professor Emeritus of University of California Davis will be speaking at the upcoming Alfalfa U event on February 27th. Pre-register by February 12th to save your spot: http://spr.ly/6040poTcE

Sustainable dairy production starts with feed. At the Sustainable Agriculture Summit this week, our own Glenda Gehl represented FGI in discussing how growing alfalfa can improve soil resilience, increase organic matter and serve as an incredibly efficient feedstuff for high-performing animals. All of which can improve the profitability and sustainability of a farmers’ operation.