Making hay pay

Both old and new technology could solve the problems associated with harvesting alfalfa and help develop marketable products, according to the Alfalfa New Products Initiative. Some of the options include:

Dehydrating alfalfa, a process in use since the 1920s. Cut alfalfa is transported wet or damp to a dehydration facility where it is dried and pelleted. Increased energy costs in the 1970s reduced both the profitability of drying alfalfa and the number of dehydration facilities. Recently developed in-field dryers may cut dehydration energy and transportation costs, however.

Dry fractionation separates alfalfa leaves and stems. Leaf meal can be used as poultry and swine feed, or as a protein supplement for cows. Stems are high in fiber and can be used for animal feed, paper and hardboard, and energy production.

Wet fractionation squeezes the juice out of green alfalfa. The juice contains proteins, carotenoids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other products. For example, a French cooperative has extracted and developed a protein supplement to replace casein, an emulsifier used by the baking industry.

Have some questions about the alfalfa market study?
Contact a member of the Alfalfa New Products Initiative:

Rudy Radke
North Dakota State University Extension
(701) 845-8528
rradke@ndsuext.nodak.edu

Shannon Jordre
South Dakota Department of Agriculture
(605) 773-4432
shannonj@doa.state.sd.us

Keith Sannes
AURI
(218) 281-7600
ksannes@auri.org

Richard Straub
University of Wisconsin, Madison
(608) 262-0605
rjstraub@facstaff.wisc.edu