Alfalfa Varieties
Alfalfa is a perennial legume used for hay and grazing. Establishment requires a firm seedbed, high levels of P & K, and a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Alfalfa stands cannot be thickened with interseeding. Alfalfas are rated on the Wisconsin Disease Index (WDI), X out of 30, and by Fall Dormancy (FD), the higher the number the longer the growing season. Newer varieties may be scored on a 35-point scale with the addition of aphonomyces race 2 testing.
High-Yielding, Persistence for Long Term Success
Optimum 4.2 is Green Valley Seed’s premium alfalfa variety engineered for growers who demand top-end yield, exceptional forage quality, and stand longevity. Built with a balanced 4.2 fall dormancy rating, Optimum 4.2 delivers vigorous cutting performance while maintaining strong winter survival throughout the Midwest and beyond. With fast recovery after cutting, excellent fiber digestibility, and high relative forage quality, Optimum 4.2 sets itself apart as a reliable, profitable choice for alfalfa growers aiming to maximize both yield and feed value.
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Key Features |
Description |
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High Yielding |
Delivers top end tonnage across multiple cuttings |
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WDI Score |
35/35 – Industry-leading disease package |
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Fall Dormancy |
4.2 – Best winterhardiness score available |
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High Forage Quality |
Excellent RFQ, protein, and digestibility |
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Fast Regrowth |
Supports 3–4 cuttings per year |
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Conventional |
No herbicide trait |
Optimum DP WDI – 35/35, FD: 4
Hybrid Dual Purpose Alfalfa for Grazing and Haying
Optimum DP is Green Valley Seed’s premier Dual Purpose alfalfa, engineered to excel in both high-quality hay production and grazing systems. Its standout features are a naturally sunken crown, which sits lower in the soil profile to protect growing points from hoof traffic, and a branch root structure that gives it improved tolerance to poorly drained soils. This makes Optimum DP significantly more graze-tolerant than traditional alfalfa varieties, ideal for cattle operations looking to maximize forage flexibility and field longevity.
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Key Features |
Description |
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Sunken Crown |
More tolerant to hoof traffic |
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WDI Score |
35/35 – Industry-leading disease package |
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Fall Dormancy |
4 – Strong cold tolerance, long persistence |
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High Forage Quality |
leafy, high RFQ, strong digestibility |
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Fast Regrowth |
Branch root feature quicker and more productive growth in poorer drained soil |
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Conventional |
No herbicide trait |
Optimum LH WDI – 35/35, FD: 4
High-Performance Alfalfa with Leafhopper Resistance
Optimum LH is a premium, conventional alfalfa variety engineered for maximum persistence, top-end forage quality, and exceptional leafhopper resistance. Designed for producers seeking dependable performance and top-tier disease protection. Optimum LH tolerates a wide range of environmental and soil conditions, offers excellent persistence and a fast recovery after cutting, and high relative feed quality. Optimum LH is a top choice for producers wanting top end quality and yield with the piece of mind of having natural potato leafhoppers resistance.
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Key Features |
Description |
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Leafhopper Resistant (LH) |
Protects stands and yields |
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WDI Score |
35/35 – Industry-leading disease package |
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Fall Dormancy |
4 – Strong yield and winter survival |
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High Forage Quality |
Excellent RFQ, protein, and digestibility |
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Fast Regrowth |
Decreased potential for insect stress |
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Conventional |
No herbicide trait |
Optimum RR WDI – 30/30, FD: 4
Roundup Ready® Alfalfa
Optimum RR is Green Valley Seed’s premium Roundup Ready® alfalfa, designed for growers who want clean, weed-free stands and maximum management flexibility. The simplicity and improved crop safety of using one herbicide along with high leafhopper resistance enables you to be in control instead of mother nature. This variety combines the convenience of the RR trait with strong agronomics, excellent forage quality, and dependable regrowth.
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Key Features |
Description |
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Roundup Ready® trait |
Superior weed control with over the top application of glyphosate |
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WDI Score |
30/30 – Industry-leading disease package * |
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Fall Dormancy |
4 – Adapted over wide conditions |
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High Forage Quality |
Consistent clean feed quality |
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Fast Regrowth |
Less stress from weed pressure |
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Traited Alfalfa |
Bayer Technology Stewardship Agreement needed |
Resolute WDI – 28/30, FD: 4
Our best-selling alfalfa. Resolute is a blend of alfalfas chosen for their ability to produce high quality feed while maintaining stand integrity. Most often used in forage mixtures or short duration stands.
Planting Recomendations
Soil PH
Maintain soil pH between 6.8–7.2 to support strong establishment, nutrient uptake, and long-term stand performance.
Seeding Rate
18 -20 lbs/acre drilled; 20 – 25 lbs/acre broadcast
Planting Window
Plant in March–May or August–early September, allowing 6–8 weeks of establishment before frost or heat stress.
Alfalfa seed is very small, so plant shallow (¼ inch, no deeper than ½ inch) and ensure a firm seedbed for good seed-to-soil contact. This prevents seeds from sinking too deep, improves moisture uptake, and promotes uniform emergence for a stronger stand.
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