Hay and Forage Grower reported this winter on research from South Dakota State University that says many of us are using more seed per acre than marginal yields justify. In this study it was found that seeding rates as low as 12.5 pounds per acre generated the highest yields, or 9.6 tons of dry hay per acre over two years. (These yields were made in drought conditions.)
For conditions around the Great Lakes, the best yield strategy appears to be: seed 12 to 16 lbs of alfalfa seed with 2 lbs red clover (14 to 18 lbs total) in the establishment year. Follow this with an overseeding of high energy grass in the second or third year of stand life, which will aid in maintaining peak yields for an additional two years, resisting weed incursions.
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