5 Simple Steps for Success with Late-Summer Alfalfa Seeding

Aug 11, 2020


Alfalfa Growth Stages

Late-Summer Seeding

Alfalfa is a versatile crop with a wide range of recommended seeding dates, but if you have land available for alfalfa, you must finalize your plan soon. Follow these five steps to help make your next alfalfa seeding a success:

1. Alfalfa requires a neutral soil

Perform a soil test to determine pH, potassium and phosphorus levels. Alfalfa requires a neutral soil pH of 6.8 to 7.2 to reach its yield potential, and incorrect soil fertility levels will lead to lost production.

2. Plant at the right depth

Planting alfalfa can be more challenging in the summer than in fall or spring. The key is to plant into firm soil where you can control the depth, ideally planting seeds one-quarter to three-eighths of an inch below the soil surface.

3. Check for herbicide carryover

If there is any residual chemistry leftover from the previous crop, it could inhibit alfalfa crop establishment.

4. Control weeds

The first 30 days of an alfalfa seedling’s establishment are very important, and if you don’t have adequate weed control, some of those alfalfa seedlings may be lost.

5. Try a reduced-lignin variety

Alfalfa varieties with the HarvXtra® reduced-lignin trait, such as CROPLAN® HarvXtra® HarvaTron, HVX Driver or HVX MegaTron, provide flexibility to increase time between cuttings, which can result in improved forage quality or increased stand persistence. Click here to view varieties.

For more information on alfalfa seeding and management strategies, contact an agronomist below. We’ll help you develop a customized plan that fits your specific needs and goals.

Joel Mezera

Agronomy Production Specialist
 

Nick Crary

Agronomy Production Specialist

Latest Posts

Oct 29, 2025
We’re excited to announce that construction is now complete on the Mineral Point feed mill expansion, marking a major milestone for Premier Cooperative and the communities we serve. This project brings significant upgrades to our manufacturing speed, capacity, and efficiency, ensuring we’re ready to meet your needs today and well into the future.
Oct 29, 2025
A successful spring starts long before the first seeds hit the soil. The foundation for healthy crops and high yields begins now with smart soil sampling and strategic fall fertilizer applications. These practices provide the data and nutrients your fields need to thrive, ensuring balanced fertility, improved soil health, and a head start on next season’s growth.
Oct 01, 2025
Fall is here and harvest is underway for most of our area. Our grain facilities located in Mazomanie, Mineral Point, Richland Center, and Westby are anxiously awaiting this year’s crop. A few weeks ago, the Premier grain team spent the day reviewing safety and operational procedures to better prepare to serve our members’ needs during the upcoming season. Whether you need help hauling this year’s crop to the elevator or are still looking to finalize your grain marketing plan, give us a call. Our knowledgeable staff is looking forward to working with you to make this year’s harvest as safe and smooth as possible. Our team will do their best to meet your needs and they always appreciate the communication of trucking needs and your planned delivery dates. Thanks for your support and please be safe this harvest season.

Related Posts