“NAFA’s Alfalfa Checkoff Review Committee focused funding on research projects which addressed a diverse range of topics within the industry,” said Beth Nelson, NAFA president. “It’s gratifying to see the program bringing new researchers into the alfalfa community.”
NAFA’s Alfalfa Checkoff request for proposals generated 16 research projects from a broad geographic area, stretching from California to New York, demonstrating continued demand among researchers for alfalfa research funding. Proposals addressed a wide range of topics intended to drive innovation and profitability in the alfalfa industry – from testing the value of genomic selection in breeding populations to improving our understanding of aphanomyces root rot in alfalfa. Research projects in California, Kentucky, New York, Washington and Wisconsin were funded. They include: (project objectives can be viewed on the NAFA website):
- Maximizing Alfalfa’s Yield Potential
Charles Brummer, University of California – Davis
- Forage Production of Alfalfa Established in Silage Corn vs. Conventional Production Systems
John Grabber, USDA-ARS, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center
- Developing Practical Phosphorus & Potassium Tissue Test Recommendations & Utilizing Struvite in Modern Alfalfa Systems III
Steve Norberg, Washington State University
- Evaluating Approaches to High-Throughput Phenotyping & Genotyping for Genomic Selection in Alfalfa
Kelly Robbins, Cornell University
- New Approaches to Improve Alfalfa Round Bale Storage
Kevin Shinners, Matthew Digman, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- “Grazing Alfalfa” Publication Update
Ray Smith, University of Kentucky
- Improving Our Understanding of Aphanomyces Root Rot of Alfalfa
Kiersten Wise, University of Kentucky
The NAFA review committee selected projects that best met established research priorities, including: new and updated NAFA publications; agronomic management; feed value consistency; forage quality improvements; new uses and market development; fertility, soil management, soil health, macro/micro nutrients; and yield improvements. Proposals were scored on methodology/analytical approaches, industry need, cost-effectiveness/budget/matching funds, partnerships and outreach.
The Alfalfa Checkoff call for proposals is released twice a year: in May with proposals due in June and in November with proposals due in December. Final reports continue to roll in and reveal important data and information. Those reports are available at the NAFA website. Be sure to bookmark this page, and continue to monitor it for continuing results throughout the year.
NAFA strongly encourages alfalfa farmers to patronize checkoff-facilitating alfalfa seed brands to support the Alfalfa Checkoff: Alforex Seeds, America's Alfalfa, Channel, Croplan, Dekalb, Dyna-Gro, Fontanelle Hybrids, Forage First, FS Brand Alfalfa, Gold Country Seed, Hubner Seed, Jung Seed Genetics, Kruger Seeds, Latham, Hi-Tech Seeds, Legacy Seeds, Lewis Hybrids, Nexgrow, Pioneer, Prairie Creek Seed, Rea Hybrids, S&W Seed Co., Simplot Grower Solutions, Specialty, Stewart, Stone Seed and W-L Research.
If your favorite alfalfa brand is not on the list, contact NAFA at (651) 484-3888 for information on how a seed marketer can become a participating brand. 
—From a National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance news release
