The three main forms of Lucerne production are, for Seed (Alfalfa), Pasture Improvement, and Hay, either Dryland or Irrigated Forage Hay. Two off-shoots of planting Lucerne are, Honey production and Control of ground water and salinity.
The Biloela/Thangool (Queensland) area is at present not involved in seed production. Seed growing would be done over the Jan–April period, however due to this being our wet season the chances are that it will get damaged. There for most seed production is done down South (N.S.W.) in their dryer months. Also the producers have to be registered to grow the top of the line seeds like “Pioneer L90”.
Seeds are grown for recultivation and used as a food source for both humans and animals. For humans, seeds are sprouted and sold commercially as “Alfalfa Sprouts”. For animals they are often added to other seeds to produce feed mixes.
To fatten livestock some farmers plant a mixture of a grass, example Panic or Buffle, with approx 3-6 kg per hectare of Lucerne seed ( about 30% of the mix). These paddocks need to be spelled (animal free), approx six weeks out of eight, or the Lucerne will either become over-grown by the grass and weeds or eaten out in only one season.
In low rainfall areas these paddocks may also need light irrigation approx 50-80 mm per hectare every 4-6 weeks in the first season to establish the Lucernes root system. The Lucerne content of these pastures often only lasts 2-3 years at best.Dryland hay (non-irrigated Lucerne), doesn't produce as many tons per hectare for the same cost outlays. It is planted at around 12-20 kg of seed per hectare depending on soil type and variety. This regions rainfall tends to be unevenly distributed, so at best you can get 3-4 cuts a year off the fields.
If it is to be harvested it will also require being sprayed more often to reduce weed growth where regular cutting helps keeps weeds down, very little is grow in this region. Some times it is grown instead of Beans, simply to rejuvenate a paddock for later cereal crop planting.The Lucerne grown in the Biloela/Thangool (Queensland) region is mostly Irrigated Forage Hay. The paddocks are planted at around 18-25 kg of seed per hectare depending on soil type and variety. The heavier sowing helps reduces weed from taking over by providing a dense groundcover and maximum growth potential for the plants. It can be cut every 5 to 7 weeks depending on the time of year (longest periods are in winter) and the amount water put onto the paddock.
It is mostly used to feed horses, fatten calves, and nourish other livestock in dry times. There are three main forms it sold in, Prime Lucerne, Weaner Hay and Mulch.
Is generally used to feed horses and sheep and/or mixed with other products like molasses to make feed blocks for livestock.
This is the Lucerne that is worth the most to the producer with prices (in the year 2000) averaging between $7.00 AU* a bail at peak demand and $4.50 AU a bail at low demand. For the best prices it needs to be healthy, weed and grass free, and not “stalky”.
*AU for Australian dollars.
May farmers like to feed cows and calves a mixture of about 25 to 35% grass/clover mixed with the Lucerne, this is to reduce the chance of them getting sick from Bloat. See Pests & Diseases for more details.
If a paddock has some grass infestation (this often the result of less seeds/hectare at planting and/or non spraying of herbicides), it can still be sold as Weaner hay. The prices here in Biloela/Thangool (Queensland), very depending on the amount of grass to Lucerne ratio and availability, often around $4.50 AU to $3.00 AU a bail.
In areas where Salinity and rising ground water are problem it has been proven that the growing of Lucerne long term will greatly reduce this excess water as well as providing a saleable crop or better feed for live stock.
Pages of this Site-
To Top Lucerne
Growing
Pests & Diseases
Production
Bibliography - Links to other Sites -
DPI
Alfalfa
Forage Lucerne
Bloat
Salinity
Hardness
Natural Resources QLD
Scale
Temperate Zone