Source: UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA submitted to NRP
ALFALFA FORAGE SYSTEM MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES SOCIAL CONCEPTS FOR EXPANDING THE INTEGATION OF ALFALFA INTO SOUTHERN FORAGE LIVESTOCK OPERATIONS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
OTHER GRANTS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1021000
Grant No.
2019-70005-30360
Cumulative Award Amt.
$502,244.00
Proposal No.
2019-02842
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2019
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2023
Grant Year
2020
Program Code
[AFRP]- Alfalfa and Forage Program
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
200 D.W. BROOKS DR
ATHENS,GA 30602-5016
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The South is an area often overlooked when considering increasing alfalfa acreage. Increased research and Extension efforts in the region have determined there is growing interest among producers in the utilization and management of alfalfa in the South, however there is still much hesitation as producers try to determine how alfalfa might fit in their forage system. Data is needed to determine the optimum management strategies to maximize both forage and livestock performance and profitability. Applied evaluations of the use of alfalfa-grass systems for cut, graze, and dual purpose cut and graze systems are needed to decrease risk and provide guidance to potential alfalfa producers in the region. This project aims to (1) identify barriers to the adoption of alfalfa among stakeholders and create awareness on management for alfalfa in the South, (2) evaluate varied harvest management strategies of alfalfa forage systems in the South to improve management practices and expand alfalfa utilization in the region, (3) develop economic tools for producers considering alfalfa, and (4) provide practical strategies for managing alfalfa-grass mixtures in the South. This is an Agricultural Research and Extension project over two years with combined efforts from three universities in the Eastern region (University of Georgia, Auburn University, and University of Florida).
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2051640107050%
3071610101050%
Knowledge Area
205 - Plant Management Systems; 307 - Animal Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
1640 - Alfalfa; 1610 - Pasture;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology; 1010 - Nutrition and metabolism;
Goals / Objectives
We hypothesize that:Defining management strategies for a cut-and-graze alfalfa-bermudagrass system will improve forage yield, quality, animal performance, and economics of southern forage systems for forage-livestock producersCapitalizing on alfalfa's long growing season in the South may provide a fall forage option for forage-livestock producers through stockpiling of mixturesAssessment of current perceptions of alfalfa among southern forage-livestock producers and targeting early adopters will improve the regional presence and educational strategies for alfalfa integration in the SouthThe objectives of this project are:To evaluate varied harvest management strategies of alfalfa forage systems in the South to improve management practices and expand alfalfa utilization in the region. This will help to develop best management practices and recommendations for use of alfalfa-bermudagrass mixtures in the South.To develop an economic analysis of dual-purpose alfalfa-bermudagrass systems. This will result in user-friendly interactive budgets for producers considering utilization of alfalfa-bermudagrass mixtures in their operation.To identify barriers to the adoption of alfalfa among stakeholders, and create awareness on management for alfalfa integration among forage-livestock technical educators and producers. This will provide Extension education and resources for producers to make informed decisions about alfalfa management in the region.
Project Methods
Methods and Procedures: Research will be conducted at two locations on university research stations from 2020 to 2022. Research evaluations will be conducted on the University of Georgia Coastal Plains Experiment Station Beef Cattle Center in Tifton, GA (31°29'43.71"N; 83°31'42.15"W). In Alabama, research evaluations will be conducted at the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center in Headland, AL (31°21'07.78"N; 85°18'58.51"W). Given the geographical location of these research stations we anticipate similar dates of initiation and conclusion for experiments one and two. 'Bulldog 805' alfalfa will be utilized, chosen based on suitability to the region, grazing tolerance, and seed availability. Industry recommended varieties in the region include 'Bulldog 805' and 'Alfagraze 600RR'.Experiment 1: Evaluation locations in Tifton and Headland will be prepared for interseeding in fall 2019. Prior to establishment soil (12 cm) and sub-soil (30 cm) samples will be collected to measure surface and sub-soil pH and nutrient status. Fertility applications of phosphorous, potassium, lime, and micronutrients boron and molybdenum will be applied based on soil analysis for stand maintenance. Bermudagrass will be harvested to a height of 5 cm and sprayed with a non-selective herbicide (glyphosate) to suppress sod growth and induce dormancy. In October, alfalfa will be established using a no-till drill with small seedbox, planting no deeper than 1.3 cm and on ~ 35 cm rows, at a seeding rate of 16 kg per ha. After initial alfalfa emergence, and throughout the life of the stand, paddocks will be screened for insect presence using the bucket and sweep net methods, and insecticide applications will occur as needed to control common alfalfa pests. Likewise, chemical control of weeds will be applied as necessary.Once establishment is deemed successful six two-acre paddocks in Headland and twelve 2. 5 acre paddocks in Tifton will be randomly assigned to one of three treatments and managed according to recommendations by specfic treatment (i.e. timing of fertility applications, treatment initiation, and grazing rotation). Treatments have been designed to represent varied harvest methods of management and use of alfalfa forage systems in the South and include (1) Cut (hay/baleage production only), (2) Graze (rotational grazing only), and (3) Cut-and-Graze (dual use combination seasonal hay/baleage production with strategic rotational grazing during active growth and on stockpiled material). Measurements collected will include herbage accumulation (yield), vegetative cover, botanical composition (via separated hand samples and post-harvest counts), canopy light characteristics using LI-COR technology, forage quality (nutritional analysis via NIRS and wet chemistry), alfalfa stand density and persistence, animal performance (ADG; gain/hectare), stocking density and rate,and the correlated change over time. Measurements will vary based on suitability to treatment.Experiment 2:Alfalfa-bermudagrass plots will be established following methodology described for experiment one. Beginning in spring through summer each year all plots will be harvested and managed according to our mechanical harvest recommendations.In mid-August plots will be clipped to a three inch stubble height and fertilized with 75 units K2O to initiate growth accumulation for fall stockpiling analysis.The experimental design will be a randomized complete block with four replications and five treatments . Twenty plots (1.5 x 4.6 m) will be randomly assigned to one of five harvest timings (6, 8, 10, 12, or 14 weeks) to determine expected forage yield, composition, and nutritive value as a livestock feed source. Initial harvest (6 weeks) would occur in late September and final harvest (14 weeks) would occur in late November. Treatment timings are designed to capture optimum timing of fall stockpile utilization in relation to available forage yield and nutritional value of accumulated forage.Measurements collected will include herbage accumulation, vegetative cover, botanical composition, canopy light characteristics using LICOR technology, forage quality and rumen digestion kinetics, lodging and leaf shatter rating, alfalfa stand density and persistence under this system, and final root TNC analysis.Objective 2:An economic analysis will be conducted to determine the economic feasibility and impact of the three different alfalfa-bermudagrass production system treatments as defined in objective 1. A financial enterprise budget approach which includes the establishment and production costs and returns will be developed and used for each of the forage systems. The analysis will evaluate the economics of hay, baleage, and grazing for their revenues generated, cost of production, and net returns to alfalfa-bermudagrass systems from the research data collected. The financial enterprise budgets will include the variable and fixed costs, revenue generated, and resources used for each system. The resulting net returns will be described as net returns above specified costs. The costs, revenues, and resources used will based on the research data collected in Objective 1. The financial enterprise budgets will be used to evaluate the sensitivity of various levels of performance, costs, and market prices received to measure their impacts on net returns for forage systems. This evaluation will provide greater details in analyzing when returns may be higher during the production year. The nutritional values of the alfalfa-bermudagrass forage system will be evaluated for crude protein and total digestible nutrients to gain further understanding of the cost of alfalfa-bermudagrass nutrition during the growing season. Given the current economic environment of low commodity prices, the risk of implementing a new forage system can be high. To reduce the risk of producer failure, interactive financial budgets will be developed in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for the three alfalfa-bermudagrass forage systems.Objective 3:(1) Conduct a regional case study to identify barriers to adoption and use of alfalfa in livestock systems among stakeholders.A regional survey on perceptions of alfalfa use in the region and potential limitations for integration into existing forage systems.Qualtrics software will be used to distribute the survey through Auburn University following Human Subjects Research (IRB) approval. The release of this survey will be conducted with the support of the ASAS Southern Section Extension Committee, the American Forage and Grassland Council, and the Southern Pastures and Forage Crop Improvement Conference Planning Committee. Livestock-focused extension specialists from these groups will be asked to distribute the survey electronically through existing producer listservs in their states and to their respective state commodity groups for beef, dairy, and forage. We estimate that this survey will reach 5,000 producers.(2)Create awareness and train livestock-focused technical service providers on best management practices to integrate alfalfa in bermudagrass.The project team will conduct a regional symposium on alfalfa-bermudagrass systems (grazing, hay/baleage production, and results of the proposed project efforts) for technical service providers through the SERA 041 Symposium at the 2021 American Society of ASAS Southern Section Meeting (January 24, 2021 - Raleigh, NC). The purpose of the SERA 041 group is to conduct regional extension and research efforts related to livestock and forage production. The primarily audience is beef extension and research faculty from the Southeast US. (3) Expand educational efforts in the region targeting early adopters in the livestock sector using a multi-tiered delivery approach.Early adopters will be targeted through farm and industry partnerships, online educational engagement, and at the community level.

Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:Scientific Community (colleagues, research and extension faculty), Personnel involved in livestock and forages in the region County Extension Faculty, Extension Agents through in-service trainings Stakeholders - commodity groups, forage and livestock producers General Audience: Via Social Media posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Target audience were reached through Extension field days, online webinars, social media content, and presentations at national and international meetings. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?2023 Alfalfa in the South Workshop reported elsehwere How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results or a portion of results were presented at the 2022 World Alfalfa Congress (San Diego, CA), the 2023 International Grassland Congress (Covington, KY), the 2023 AFGC and SS ASAS meetings, the 2023 KY Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference, the 2022 OSU Winter Crops School (OK),as well as refrenced in popular press and Extension materials. Manuscript development is in final stages for dissemination among peers. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?This is the final reporting period - manuscript publishing should be forthcoming.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Thesis development was completed and manuscripts (n=2) are in final stages of revisions before submission in Fall 2023.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Tucker J, Burt J, Silva L, Mullenix K, Prevatt C, Baxter L, Stewart L. Integrated Systems for Harvest Management 2022 World Alfalfa Congress, San Diego, CA, 14 Nov 2022 - 17 Nov 2022. https://calhaysymposium.com/proceedings/. https://calhaysymposium.com/proceedings/. 04 Nov 2022 (Proceedings of conference (published))
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Smith R, Lea K, Henning J, Basgalup D, Putnam D, Lehmkuhler J, VanValin K, Tucker J, Teutsch C. Alfalfa Informational Resources: Staying Current 2022 World Alfalfa Congress, San Diego, CA, 14 Nov 2022 - 17 Nov 2022. 07 Nov 2022 (Proceedings of conference (published))
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Brummer C, Putnam D, Sumner D, Matthews B, Baron V, Berti M, Biligetu B, Boe A, Cassida K, Claessens A, et al. Alfalfa in North America 2022 World Alfalfa Congress, San Diego, CA, 14 Nov 2022 - 17 Nov 2022. 08 Nov 2022 (Proceedings of conference (published))
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Tucker J, Oakes R, Whatley K, Baxter L. Restoring Grasslands With the Addition of Alfalfa in an Effort to Sustainably Increase Alfalfa Production in the Southeast 2022 World Alfalfa Congress, San Diego, CA. 14 Nov 2022 (Proceedings of conference (published))
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Burt JC, Baxter LL, Prevatt CG, Kimberly Mullenix M, Stewart RL, Tucker JJ, Han G. Improving bermudagrass in the Southeastern United States with alfalfa as an alternative nitrogen source in grazing systems Grassland Research 1(4):280-289 Dec 2022
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Burt J, Baxter L, Tucker JJ. Evaluating nondestructive forage sampling techniques in alfalfabermudagrass mixtures in the southeastern United States Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management 8(2) Jan 2022
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Tucker J, Mullenix K, Silva L, Prevatt C, Baxter L. Incorporating Alfalfa into Bermudagrass: Success Stories 2023 International Grassland Congress, Covington, Kentucky, 14 May 2023 - 19 May 2023. 15 May 2023 (Proceedings of conference (published))
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Tucker J, Mullenix K, Prevatt C. Alfalfa Production and Adaptability as Monoculture and Mixed Grass Systems 2023 International Grassland Congress, Covington, Kentucky, 14 May 2023 - 19 May 2023. 2023 International Grassland Congress. 16 May 2023 (Proceedings of conference (published))
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Mullenix, M.K., Silva, L.S., Prevatt, C.G., and Tucker, J.J. 2023. Farmer experiences with alfalfa in the southern USA. Proceedings of the 25th International Grassland Congress, Covington, KY.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Vasco, C., L. Silva, J. Burt, K. Mason, M.K. Mullenix, C.G. Prevatt, and J.J. Tucker. 2023. Agronomic and structural responses of stockpiled alfalfa-bermudagrass mixtures. Crop, Forage, and Turfgrass Management. https://doi.org/10.1002/cft2.20223.


Progress 09/01/19 to 08/25/23

Outputs
Target Audience:Scientific Community (colleagues, research and extension faculty), Personnel involved in livestock and forages in the region County Extension Faculty, Extension Agents through in-service trainings Stakeholders - commodity groups, forage and livestock producers General Audience: Via Social Media posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Target audience were reached through Extension field days, online webinars, social media content, and presentations at national and international meetings. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Extension workshops and trainings have been reported elsewhere in the Reeports. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Educational outreach presentations (30+) have been given at both virtual and in-person field days, workshops, professional conferences, and techinical provider in-service trainings. Information was also shared with county extension faculty, Extension specialists, and researchers at University of Florida, University of Georgia, and Auburn Unviversity in-service trainings. Additionally information has been presented at state Cattlemen's meetings in all three states and Alfalfa in the South Workshops in all three states throughout the life of the grant. September 7-11, 2020 - organized and implemented a social media campaign "Alfalfa in the South Week" Results or a portion of results were presented at the 2022 NAAIC Conference, AFGC, and ASAS Meetings, the2022 World Alfalfa Congress (San Diego, CA), the 2023 International Grassland Congress (Covington, KY), the 2023 AFGC and SS ASAS meetings, the 2023 KY Alfalfa and Stored Forage Conference, the 2022 OSU Winter Crops School (OK), as well as referenced in popular press and Extension materials. Manuscript development is in final stages for dissemination among peers. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Accomplishments have been reported elsewhwere in the Reeports System

Publications


    Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22

    Outputs
    Target Audience:Scientific Community (colleagues, research and extension faculty), Personnel involved in livestock and forages in the region County Extension Faculty, Extension Agents through in-service trainings Stakeholders - commdity groups, forage and livestock producers General Audience: Via Social Media posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Target audience were reached through Extension field days, online webinars, social media content, and presentations at national meetings as reported in this progress report. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?2022 Alfalfa in the South Workshop - hosted by Clemson University - The research team associated with this project collaborated with Dr. Liliane Silva, Forage Extension Specialist at Clemson University, to organize and deliver information on alfalfa management in the South at an alfalfa field day in Laurens, SC. Dr. Silva is a former post-doctoral fellow associated with the alfalfa grants funded to Tucker et al. The field day was hosted at the farm of Reed Edwards, who grows alfalfa, sericea lespedeza and various cool-season grass mixtures for commercial hay production. Specialists participated from Georgia, Florida, Alabama and South Carolina. Industry partners from Athens Seed Company and Barenbrug Seed also helped sponsor the field day. The South Carolina Forage and Grassland Council helped promote the meeting to members across the state, and there were over 100 attendees. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been presented at the 2022 NAAIC conference, AFGC and ASAS meetings. Results have also been refrenced in popular press and Extension materials. Manuscript development is underway for dissemination among peers. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Economic evaluation of the sytem will be completed soon. Manuscript submission will occur soon.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? In-field research evaluations have been completed and are in final stages of manuscript development. Varied harvest systems seemed to optimize alfalfa/bermudagrass system performance agronomically, economic evaluation still on-going. Perceptions were asssed and reported in a manuscript in 2021 - this information has been utilized regularly in the development of training and educational opportunities.

    Publications

    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Silva, L. S., Mullenix, M. K., Prevatt, C., & Tucker, J. (2021). Perceptions on adoption of alfalfa plantings by forage-livestock producers in the Southern US. Applied Animal Science, 37(6), 665-669. doi:10.15232/aas.2021-02194
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: da Silva, L. S., Burt, J. C., Mullenix, M. K., & Tucker, J. J. (2021). Forage Production and Nutritive Value of Alfalfa-bermudagrass Mixtures Managed Under Contrasting Defoliation Strategies in the Southeast US. In JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE Vol. 99 (pp. 96). OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC. Retrieved from http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Lehmkuhler, J., VanValin, K., Smith, R., Henning, J., Tucker, J., Teutsch, C., & Lea, K. (2021). Alfalfa for Beef Cows. https://www.alfalfa.org/pdf/AlfalfaForBeefCows.pdf. Retrieved from https://www.alfalfa.org/pdf/AlfalfaForBeefCows.pdf
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Tucker, J. (2021). Beefing up Bermudagrass with Alfalfa  Getting the Facts!. Georgia Cattlemen Magazine Contribution: Trade publication
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Vasco, C., L. Silva, J. Burt, K. Mason, M.K. Mullenix, C.G. Prevatt, and J.J. Tucker. Submitted in June 2022 and In Review. Agronomic and structural responses of stockpiled alfalfa-bermudagrass mixtures. Crop, Forage, and Turfgrass Management.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Silva, L.S., J.C. Burt, J.J. Tucker, M.K. Mullenix, K. Groce, L. Jacobs, and K. Mason. 2022. Forage mass and nutritive value of stockpiled alfalfa-bermudagrass systems. J. Anim. Sci. 100:Suppl 1. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac028.055.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Silva, L.S., J.C. Burt, M.K. Mullenix and J.J. Tucker. 2021. Forage production and nutritive value of alfalfa-bermudagrass mixtures managed under contrasting defoliation strategies in the Southeast US. J. Anim. Sci. 99:Suppl 3. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab235.172.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Silva, L.S., M.K. Mullenix, S.L. Dilalrd, G.L. Thompson, and J.J. Tucker. 2021. Development of online alfalfa management extension education resources amid the COVID-19 pandemic. J. Anim. Sci. 99:Suppl 2. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab096.014.
    • Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Tucker, J., K. Mullenix, L. Silva, C. Prevatt, D. Samac, K. Kesheimer, and M. Tomaso-Peterson. 2021. Alfalfa-bermudagrass management guide. National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance, St. Paul, MN. https://www.alfalfa.org/pdf/AlfalfaBermudagrass-LowRes.pdf
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Tucker, J., K. Mullenix, L. Silva, C. Prevatt, D. Samac, K. Kesheimer, and M. Tomaso-Peterson. 2021. Alfalfa-bermudagrass management calendar. P. 33. Tucker, J., K. Mullenix, L. Silva, C. Prevatt, D. Samac, K. Kesheimer, and M. Tomaso-Peterson. 2021.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Silva, L., Mullenix, K., & Tucker, J. (2022). Stockpiled Alfalfa-Bermudagrass helps Cut Purchased Inputs. Hay and Forage Grower Magazine, 28-29 Contribution: Magazine
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Tucker, J. (2021). Beefing up Bermudagrass with Alfalfa  Getting the Facts!. UGA Beef Tips n' Advice Newsletter Contribution: Newsletter


    Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21

    Outputs
    Target Audience:Scientific Community (colleagues, research and extension faculty), Personnel involved in livestock and forages in the region County Extension Faculty, Extension Agents through in-service trainings Stakeholders - commdity groups, forage and livestock producers General Audience: Via Social Media posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Target audience were reached through Extension field days, online webinars, social media content, and presentations at national meetings as reported in this progress report. Changes/Problems:No Cost-Extension applied for and approved as data collection is on-going at all locations. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Educational outreach presentations (20) have been given atboth virtual and in-person Extension field days, workshops, professional conferences, and techinical provider trainings across the region. September 7-11, 2020 - organized and implemented a social media campaign "Alfalfa in the South Week" Development of the Southern Beef and Forage Workgroup occured in 2020 as a way to engage additinoal specialist from across the region in specific focus areas and enhance engagment and adoption of practices among stakeholders. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Educational outreach presentations (20) have been given at both virtual and in-personfield days, workshops, professional conferences, and techinical provider in-service trainings.Information was also shared with county extension faculty, Extension specialists, and researchers atUniversity of Florida, University of Georgia, and Auburn Unviversityin-service trainings. Additionally information has been presented at state Cattlemen's meetings in all three states. September 7-11, 2020 - organized and implemented a social media campaign "Alfalfa in the South Week" What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Data collection is on-going for year two. In-person workshops have been planned at the Better Grazing location in Tifton, GA to highlight this project and the utilization of Alfalfa in the South. Results from our survey are in final stages of manuscript approval and will be released and disseminted. The team is continuing combined efforts on a follow-up evaluation in these paddocks to evaluate nutrient cycling in field and in animal and bale package preservation.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? 1. Data collection is on-going but first year data has been evaluated and disseminated creating engagement from stakeholders and increasing number of calls and questions related to the system management and use. 2. Economic tools are being continually updated and enhanced as new data are generated to help refine budgets to provide the best information possible.Surveys were distributed at five economic presentations made on behalf of the project. Of the 78 producers that attended these presentations, 46 completed the survey. The topics presented included: incorporating alfalfa into warm-season perennial forage systems, breakeven analysis of Alfalfa in the South, and budgeting for a profit with legumes. Exit surveys indicated that 61% planned to integrate alfalfa into their perennial pastures and 73% planned to integrate alfalfa into their hay fields. An average of 38 acres per producer was reported for a total of 2,964 acres. The results of the survey indicated that programs would save $145,236 by reducing their nitrogen fertilizer costs as well as increase their revenue per acre due to improvements in animal performance by $101,637. This provided a total economic benefit to producers of $246,873. 3. The stakeholder survery was executedsuccessfully and information obtained has been used in refining educational opportunities, Extension acitivities, and used in the development of future research and Extension projects and programs related to Alfalfa. Survey data was compiled in a manuscript and accepted for publication. Success Story: Based on the interaction with this project. A row-crop producer in northeast Florida planted 50 acres of alfalfa into their bermudagrass to market to nearby dairy operations and horse owners during the fall of 2020. Based on their success during their first year of production, they will be expanding their operation to grow 150 acres of alfalfa-bermudagrass in year 2.

    Publications

    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: 2. Mullenix, K.; Silva, L.; Tucker, J. J. 2020. Survey: Understanding producer challenges related to growing alfalfa in the South. Progressive Forage, Issue: July 15. Available at: https://www.progressiveforage.com/news/industry-news/survey-understanding-producer-challenges-related-to-growing-alfalfa-in-the-south
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Mullenix, K.; Silva, L.; Tucker, J. J. 2020. Understanding producer challenges related to growing alfalfa in the South. Georgia Cattleman, Issue: August 2020.
    • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Mason, K.; Groce, K.; Marks, L.; Silva, L.; Tucker, J.; Mullenix, K.; Dillard, L.; Prevatt, C. 2020. Frequently asked questions: alfalfa-bermudagrass systems. SE cattle advisor. Available at
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Silva, L.; Burt, J; Tucker, J.J.; Mullenix, M.K.; Groce, K.; Jacobs, L; and Mason, K. 2021. Forage Mass and Structural Responses of Stockpile Alfalfa-Bermudagrass Systems. 2021 American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Meeting. Savannah, GA.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2021 Citation: Silva LS, Mullenix MK, Prevatt C, Tucker J. Perceptions on adoption of alfalfa plantings by forage-livestock producers in the Southern US Applied Animal Science 16 Aug 2021
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: da Silva LS, Mullenix KK, Dillard SLL, Tucker JJ, Thompson G. Development of Online Alfalfa Management Extension Education Resources Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE. OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC. 99: 9-9. 01 May 2021 (Proceedings of conference (published))
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Silva L, Burt J, Mullenix K, Tucker J. Forage production and nutritive value of alfalfa-bermudagrass mixtures managed under contrasting defoliation strategies in the Southeast US 2021 ASAS-CSAS-SSASAS Annual Meeting and Trade Show, Louisville, KY, 14 Jul 2021 - 18 Jul 2021. 14 Jul 2021
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Mullenix KK, Tucker JJ. Economics and Feasibility of Legume Inclusion in Southeastern Perennial Grass-Based Systems JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE. OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC. 99: 35-35. 01 May 2021
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Tucker JJ. Incorporating Alfalfa into Warm-season Grass Systems in the Southeast JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE. OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC. 99: 35-35. 01 May 2021
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: L.S. Silva, M.K. Mullenix, J.J. Tucker, C.G. Prevatt. Perceptions of Alfalfa adoption in the Southeast US. 2021 American Forage Grassland Council, Savannah, GA.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Mullenix, K.; Silva, L.S. 2021 Growing Alfalfa  Is it a Fit for My Farm? Alabama Cattlemen`s Association Magazine. March issue, 2021.


    Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/20

    Outputs
    Target Audience:Scientific Community (colleagues, research and extension faculty) International attendees at IFTBC field day (130 attendees from 9 countries representing industry, academia, and non-for profit organizations) Personnel involved in livestock and forages in the region County Extension Faculty, Extension Agents through in-service trainings Stakeholders - commdity groups, forage and livestock producers General Audience: Via Social Media posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Changes/Problems:The COVID-19 pandemnic and delay in recieving initial funds from NIFA have created unforeseen challenges, however the team has been able to stay on track for the most part with this project. One adjustment that has been made due the pandemic, potential graduate students have not been able to visit university campuses, therefore PI Tucker has assigned this project to a current PhD student in her program. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Project has been introduced through Extension presentation, presentations at National Conferences, webinars, and through events/field days directed by members of the proposal team. Additionally project progress has been highlighted on social media. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Data collection will continue at all locations for the remainder. As further data is collected it will be included in our current economic model to project economic results of including alfalfa in bermudagrass in the South. Extension programming efforts will continue virtually until authorized to resume in person meetings. Survey data collection is underway and will be analyzed and applied to future Extension outreach efforts.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Even though there were significant delays in receiving funds at each institution, combined with the COVID-19 Pandemic, the team of Co-PIs have been able to successfully continue with the project progress and stay on the projected timeline. Project Updates - Research A post-doctoral research associate was hired at Auburn University in March 2020 to lead Alabama research and Extension efforts associated with the project. Dr. Liliane Silva has worked to organize and implement the plans described in the report below in the last month. Alfalfa-bermudagrass stands at UGA Tifton Campus in Tifton, GA, the EV Smith Research Center in Shorter, AL, and the Wiregrass Research and Extension Center in Headland, AL were established in November 2019. The PIs in AL and GA initiated field scouting in these areas throughout establishment and anticipate initiation of the dual-purpose alfalfa-bermudagrass use study in Tifton, GA and Headland, AL in early June 2020. Animal Use Protocols have been submitted and approved for both institutions for the grazing portion of the evaluation. In Tifton, GA and Shorter, AL small-plot alfalfa-bermudagrass stockpiling studies were initiated in August 2019, and the first year of data collection concluded in November 2019. Year 1 results are being summarized (yield, nutritive value, stand lodging ratings, alfalfa stand density, and canopy light interception) and a second year of data collection is anticipated in fall 2020. Project Updates - Extension Extension outreach product development was initiated in January 2020 with drafting a regional survey for forage-livestock producers in the Southeast US on perceptions regarding alfalfa use in the region. This survey was submitted to the Auburn University IRB for review in early March, and approval was received for release of the survey via online platforms on 4/6/2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, scheduled in-person Extension education programming related to alfalfa management in the Southeast was postponed. However, the PIs have worked with other regional experts on this topic to develop, record, and archive video lectures on management topics. Video lectures (n = 6, 20 to 30 minute lectures) have been archived on:https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forages-livestock/alfalfa-in-south/ An interactive roundtable discussion with regional experts on alfalfa was held on May 13 at 1 PM CT to answer stakeholder questions regarding alfalfa use in the Southeast. Registrants for the roundtable were sent the alfalfa perceptions survey following attendance in the live Zoom meeting. The roundtable discussion was led by Drs. Kim Mullenix, Liliane Silva, Leanne Dillard, and Alabama Extension Regional Agent Gerry Thompson. Two alfalfa producers from Alabama (Wade Hill and Steve Stroud) also participated in the virtual meeting, and provided feedback on their experiences using alfalfa in monocultures and mixed stand management systems in the South. Zoom webinar registrants had the opportunity to ask questions to Extension personnel and farmers using the chat feature. There were 46 attendees as part of the meeting from 6 states (AL, GA, FL, TN, TX, and SC) and two foreign countries (Brazil and Ethiopia). The recorded roundtable discussion has been archived at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67N4JktUygg&feature=youtu.be. The team has developed a one-page requirements protocol for soliciting producer participation in on-farm alfalfa in bermudagrass demonstration work that will be distributed through Extension agents in each state to stakeholders. Extension agents and the PIs on the project will work together to identify/establish two demonstration sites per state (AL, GA, and FL). Farmer participants in the demonstration will share their experiences in a series of short videos (described in Extension section above, n = 3 total) that can be used as part of educational outreach efforts associated with the project. Two farms have been identified in Alabama for fall 2020 establishment. Site visits to other potential farm sites will occur in summer 2020 to confirm establishment potential in GA and FL.

    Publications