Alfalfa is the No. 1 forage legume crop in the United States and plays an important role on farms throughout Kentucky with more than 300,000 acres in production.

On Feb. 26, alfalfa production will be center stage at the Cave City Convention Center for the 24thannual Kentucky Alfalfa Conference sponsored by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council.

Alfalfa has the highest yield potential and highest feeding value potential for all forage legumes, said Garry Lacefield, forages specialist with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.

Alfalfa is a versatile crop and can be used for pasture, hay, silage, green-chop, soil improvement and soil conservation, he said. It has great potential for the cash hay market and for grazing.

This year’s conference will include information on grazing, fertility, principles and practices of successful alfalfa establishment, Roundup Ready alfalfa, hybrid alfalfa, and thermometers for measuring temperatures in hay.

In the afternoon, breakout sessions will be held on balancing agronomics and economics of alfalfa hay production, marketing Kentucky alfalfa and moisture-temperature management during alfalfa hay and silage making and storing.

UK Cooperative Extension Service specialists along with Gary Bates, Extension forage specialist from the University of Tennesse; Dan Foor, marketing division of Monsanto; and Mike Velde, alfalfa breeder with Dairyland Seed Co., will present the daylong program.

There also will be exhibitors, an awards program and silent auction. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the program beginning at 9 and concluding at 3:30 p.m. There is a $15 registration fee that includes materials, break refreshments and lunch. The fee is $5 for students. The convention center is on Kentucky 70, a half mile east of the Interstate 65 exit.

Certified crop advisor credits will be available. For more information contact Lacefield at 270-365-7541 ext. 202, glacefie@uky.edu, or Christi Forsythe at 270-365-7541 ext. 221, cforsyth@uky.edu.

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