If used, oats are less competitive than barley, and lower seeding rates on wider rows are favorable for alfalfa growth. Small grain should be harvested for hay or silage early in the milk dough stage. Then alfalfa understory should be irrigated to optimize root development before frost. Alternatively, many irrigated producers plant a cereal forage as early as possible, harvest in July, work the ground, seed alfalfa and irrigate the new stand. For most of Montana, seeding before Aug. 7 optimizes overwintering.
Good seed is important for successful alfalfa.
Seed should have high viability and be free of weed seeds. Montana ranchers are urged to deal with reputable, local seed dealers. Over the life of a stand, seed cost is minimal compared with other inputs. The Experiment Station has tested many varieties. Ladak 65 continues to be a good dryland variety.