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How to Avoid Cattle Bloating Problems with Alfalfa Seedgrazing

- March 15, 2018

Alfalfa grazing is a time-honored and highly effective practice. It can be grazed alone or with other crops to feed livestock and preserve the health of the soil. Alfalfa is an extremely nutritious vegetable. However, some farmers are leery of letting their cattle graze on alfalfa. What is the reason for this? It is because of eating too much alfalfa can cause bloating in cattle. Why is this so bad? This article will review cattle bloat and what people can do to prevent it from occurring. What is so Bad About Cattle Bloating? Cattle actually like eating alfalfa very much. Alfalfa is an excellent source of protein and easily digested by cows. However, as a cow’s stomach begins to digest alfalfa, problems begin to arise. When cattle digest food, the first two chambers in their stomach start producing gas. Normally, they can simply release this gas by burping. With alfalfa, cows cannot do this. This is because digesting the legume produces both gas and slimy b

How Alfalfa Helps Soil & Much More

- February 02, 2018

Alfalfa is one of the most important and popular forage crops not just in the United States but around the world (outside of North America, it is called “Lucerne”). What makes it so great? Read below to learn about the wonderful properties of this perennial. Good for People & Animals Alike Alfalfa was introduced to the Americas by the Spanish back in the 1500s. They had already believed for centuries that it made a more effective feed for horses than grasses did. The Spanish were right. Alfalfa is rich in protein and calcium. It also has such vitamins as: • Vitamin B Family • Vitamin C • Vitamin D • Vitamin E Alfalfa’s nutritional value makes it a great addition to the diet of both humans and animals. Today, it is still frequently used for seed grazing with sheep, cattle and other livestock. Farmers can also use alfalfa to feed rabbits and chickens. It is worth noting, however, that eating large amounts of raw alfalfa seed can harm people on different medications

The Importance of Alfalfa in Farming Operations

- January 30, 2018

Famously known as “The Forage Queen,” alfalfa is one of the most important forage crops in the world. The United States produces more alfalfa than any other country in the world and the top states in terms of overall production are California, Idaho, and Montana. In addition to its value for cattle grazing, hay and silage, alfalfa is very beneficial to organic farming operations as a cover crop and green manure.It reduces expenditures on nitrogen-based fertilizers since, in comparison to other crops—particularly legumes—alfalfa organically introduces higher levels of nitrogen into the soil. Alfalfa is an important crop because of its high biomass production and without the need for supplemental irrigation. As an animal feed, alfalfa is an outstanding staple for horses, cattle (dairy and beef), sheep, chickens, turkeys and other animals. It acts as a rich source of essential vitamins (A, E, K, D, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, and U), minerals (calcium, potassium, manganese, sulfur, an

The Importance of Alfalfa as a Crop and Animal Feed

- January 01, 2018

Alfalfa is among the most important forage crops in the world. Also known as “The Forage Queen,” it is one the top five crops grown in the United States (the others are corn, soybean, wheat and cotton). What makes it so special? Read below to find out. Where Does Alfalfa Grow? Alfalfa grows in most of the US. The largest producers include California, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota and North Dakota. According to research, the average annual yield of alfalfa in the US is approximately 3.35 tons per acre. Farmers often grow it with several other plants, including legumes and grasses. Alfalfa is frequently used in biomass energy production. Also, it fixes more nitrogen than any legume crop can. This allows farmers to grow other crops easier and reduce their reliance on expensive nitrogen fertilizers. Alfalfa in Animal Feed Alfalfa makes excellent animal feed. Not only is it a rich source of minerals and vitamins, it also contains up to 22% of crude protein. It contains vitam

The Importance of the Cover Crop Seed in Organic Farming

- December 29, 2017

Organic farming is sustainable, profitable and healthy. Organic food gives consumers a nutritious and ethical alternative to the products of industrial agriculture. Organic farming involves using natural fertilizers such as cover crops (also known as “green manure”) and compost manure. Farmers also use techniques like companion planting, mixed planting, crop rotation and biological pest control to produce the best crops. Cover crop seed helps nurture soil in a variety of ways. The biggest benefits of using green manure or cover crops include: • Inhibits soil erosion by water and wind – When a piece of farmland is left bare, it is vulnerable to water and wind erosion. The roots of cover crops hold the soil in place and keep it from getting washed or blown away. They protect the rich topsoil and prevent the compaction of the soil underneath. • They add organic matter to the soil - The matter from organic crops enhances the soil in which it is planted. It provides the soil wit

Know the Benefits of Cover Crops in Organic Farming Practices

- December 05, 2017

Organic farming involves more than simply farming without chemicals. It also requires rotating crop production, weed and nutrient management techniques and the integration of diverse organic pesticides. Innovative genetics are crucial for maintaining plant health, as chemical-based products cannot be used to control diseases and pests. A fundamental part of any sustainable organic operation is the use of cover crops. Organic farmers utilize cover crops to control weeds, reduce soil erosion and enhance soil quality by introducing organic matter. Because problems can arise due to unsuitable species or poor-quality cover crop seeds , it is essential to source from a trusted and reputable supplier. Important benefits of cover crops include: 1. Erosion Control Cover crops form a protective canopy over the soil, minimizing the impact of rain, high winds and the breakdown of soil aggregates. This increases the soil’s filtration and, most importantly, reduces erosion of the nutrient-ric

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