NAFA is asking alfalfa farmers and industry representatives to weigh in on research topics they feel are a priority for the industry. To do so, you are encouraged to visit NAFA's website and provide your input. The survey results will be utilized in establishing research priorities for the first call for proposals, which will be announced later this spring.
The NAFA board of directors voted unanimously to begin the national checkoff program to facilitate a farmer-funded program to advance industry research. The U.S. Alfalfa Farmer Research Initiative, implemented voluntarily by seed brands, will be assessed at the rate of $1 per bag of alfalfa seed.
"This is the first farmer-funded checkoff program the alfalfa industry has ever created," said Beth Nelson, NAFA president. "The unique thing about this program is that 100 percent of the funds raised will be used to support public research into alfalfa and alfalfa forage systems, and it will be driven by the alfalfa industry, primarily farmers."
Seed marketers who have committed to facilitating the checkoff and helping farmers invest in the future of the alfalfa industry include:
- Alforex Seeds
- Gold Country Seed
- ProHarvest Seeds
- America's Alfalfa
- Hubner Seed
- Rea Hybrids
- Browning Seed
- Jung Seed Genetics
- S&W Seed Company
- Channel
- Kruger Seeds
- Simplot Grower Solutions
- CROPLAN
- Latham Hi-Tech Seeds
- Specialty
- DEKALB
- Legacy Seeds
- Stewart
- Dyna-Gro
- Lewis Hybrids
- Stone Seed
- Fontanelle Hybrids
- NEXGROW
- W-L Research
- Forage First
- Prairie Creek Seed
—From National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance news release