Alfalfa-based mixtures remain the principle choice of perennials for stored feed production with at least 2.1 million acres grown. Timothy is the main grass used with alfalfa. There has been some movement away from its use due to producer dissatisfaction. Producers have expanded use of other grass species with alfalfa to improve feed quality and acceptability, seasonal yield distribution, and stand winterhardiness. A broader range of legume and grass species are used in improved pastures as a result of the greater diversity of growing conditions, management practices and production goals for pasture systems.
Red clover is the primary legume used for plowdown in cash crop rotations.
Red clover, timothy and birdsfoot trefoil are the major seed crops. Higher cash crop prices encouraged producers to plough up older forage stands which, combined with winterkill, increased the value of both standing and baled hay in 1996. Increased winterhardiness, especially in alfalfa, has become an area of great concern for producers. Unexpected winterkill forces producers to alter crop rotations to avoid a feed shortage or else purchase forage in a high-priced market. To increase the security of feed supply, producers are demanding increased winterhardiness in the forage varieties on the market.