If used, oats are less competitive than barley, and lower seeding rates on wider rows are favorable for better alfalfa growth. The small grain should be harvested for hay or silage early C milk dough stage. Then the understory alfalfa should be irrigated to optimize root development prior to frost. Alternatively, many irrigated producers now plant a cereal forage as early as possible, harvest in July, then work the ground, seed alfalfa, and irrigate the new stand. For most regions in Montana, summer seeding would have to occur before August 7 to optimize over wintering.
Good seed is a major component of successful new alfalfa stands.
Seed should have high viability, and should be free of weed seeds. There are currently over 300 alfalfa varieties in the US, and Montana ranchers are urged to deal with reputable, local seed dealers. Over the life of an alfalfa stand, seed cost is minimal compared with other inputs. Adapted varieties should be chosen. Ladak 65 continues to be a good dryland variety.