Although the chart below depicting break-even alfalfa hay prices from Wyoming was completed in 1996, the comparative values are still worth noting. The chart assumes you pay an additional $1 per pound for the improved variety seed compared to the cost of Ranger, a variety resistant to bacterial wilt that was developed by the USDA and released commercially in 1942. The Ranger + 1% column indicates that if hay prices are higher than $102.59 per ton and interest rates are 13 percent, it is still a good business decision to plant the improved variety.

With CROPLAN GENETICS® alfalfa varieties [historically yielding 5 percent to 25 percent higher than public varieties, and dairy-quality hay selling for much more than $150 per ton, now is a great time to take advantage of the potential profits from products such as Rebound 5.0 and Dura 843 alfalfa varieties. No matter which dormancy category you select, CROPLAN GENETICS® alfalfa varieties have a product to fit your market’s nutritional needs and your field’s agronomic conditions.

1.  Hewlett J, Kettle R, and Gray A. 1996  An Economic Evaluation of the Yield Advantage of Improved Varieties of Alfalfa. University of Wyoming, Cooperative Extension. B-1044.
2.  Because of factors outside of Winfield Solutions’ control, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields, financial performance, profits, losses or otherwise, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by Winfield Solutions, LLC.