Alfalfa Planting Guide

Alfalfa stands should be re-evaluated each year to monitor deterioration. The grower may wish to establish new seedlings when stands are less than the levels shown in the Alfalfa Stand Evaluation Guide below.

**Alfalfa Stand Evaluation Guide**
Stand Age	Optimum Stand (Crowns/Sq Foot)	Adequate Stand (Crowns/Sq Foot)
New Spring Seeding	25-40	12-20
1st Hay Year	12-20	6-10
2nd Hay Year	8-12	4-6
3rd Hay Year & Older	4-8	2-5

**Alfalfa Seeding Rates**
Expected Moisture	lbs. of Seed/Acre	Acres/Bag (50lbs)
Limited Irrigation or Favorable Dryland Direct Seeding	15-18	2.8-3.3
With Companion Crop	12-15	3.3-4.2
Full Irrigation	18-20	2.5-2.8
Dryland	10-12	4.2-5