美国苜蓿生产特点介绍.pdf

Ronald Cornish General Manager – Alforex Seeds LLC Bengbu, China October 25, 2015 Alfalfa Often referred to as the “Queen of Forages” United States Alfalfa, Hay Haylage ~21 million Acres (8.5 million Hectares) 3rd or 4th largest crop in most U.S. states –(both in value and acres) Alfalfa Market Challenges Opportunities 23% decline in newly seeded acres in the last 10 years Source: USDA – NASS Data 19% decline in alfalfa acreage in the last 10 years Source: USDA – NASS Data Historical On-farm Alfalfa Yields Source: Genetic Advances in Alfalfa and Grasses: Are we making progress? E. Charles Brummer. Alfalfa Forage News; University of California Extension – Daniel Putman, Bill Matthews and Daniel A. Summer authors: April 28, 2015 Alfalfa Challenges in the U.S.  Competing with corn silage  one harvest per year  higher dry matter per acre  Increasing percentage of dairy diet  Concentration of dairies  Higher value crops pushing alfalfa to more marginal soils  Record high commodity prices in the U.S. between 2010 – 2013  No government subsidies Alfalfa Opportunities in the U.S.  A good protein source  Crude protein production per acre is greater than any other crop  Recent improvements in fiber digestibility  Sustainability properties  Less tillage  Less nutrient needs  Soil conservation  Realized benefits of alfalfa in the cropping rotation Alfalfa Opportunities in the U.S.  New forage tests better indicator of animal performance  Crop insurance improvements coming for forage crops 