Discover expert insights, practical tips, and the latest innovations by DLF in forage seed to help you maximize yield, quality, and pasture performance. From high-demand staples like alfalfa seed, clover seed, ryegrass seed, and grass seed to specialized solutions such as pasture seed mixes, hay seed, livestock forage, and drought tolerant seed, this resource hub brings together the most searched and trusted topics in the forage industry. Whether you're focused on improving grazing systems or boosting soil health and productivity, explore in-depth articles designed to help you make smarter seeding decisions and get the most out of every acre.
Fertilizer prices remain one of the most unpredictable (and costly) inputs in modern agriculture. For many growers, the challenge isn’t just volatility, but access. A recent nationwide survey found that a majority of farmers say they may not be able to afford all the fertilizer they need this season. In that environment, crops that reduce dependency on purchased inputs are more valuable than ever. Alfalfa is one of them.
Alfalfa winterkill continues to be a challenge across parts of Western Canada, forcing growers to make quick decisions to protect forage supply. When stands are severely thinned or lost, reestablishing alfalfa right away isn’t always the best option, especially in older stands.
Whether you’re planting forage for yield and persistence or turf for performance and durability, successful establishment starts long before the seed hits the ground. Seedbed preparation, seed selection, and planting practices all play a critical role in early growth, stand uniformity, and long-term success. While species and systems may differ, the fundamentals behind good establishment remain remarkably consistent.
Winter can be one of the most challenging periods for forage stands, especially alfalfa. Conditions such as fluctuating temperatures, excess moisture, and ice can weaken or kill plants long before spring growth begins. That’s why early-stand assessment is critical. The sooner you evaluate winter survival, the more options you have to protect yield potential and make informed management decisions for the season ahead.
Frost seeding isn’t just a backup plan — it’s one of the smartest ways to strengthen forage stands. By taking advantage of natural freeze–thaw cycles, growers can boost stand density, improve genetics, and get seed positioned early for fast spring green up. Here’s how to make frost seeding work for your fields and pastures.
Matching cool‑season grass varieties to alfalfa’s Reproductive Maturity (RM) is essential to preserving yield and forage quality in mixed stands. DLF’s Forage Maturity Index standardizes maturity ratings across species, helping producers choose grasses—such as orchardgrass, tall fescue, meadow fescue, timothy, festulolium, and perennial ryegrass—that align with alfalfa’s first‑cut harvest timing. Newer “late” or “early” varieties prevent grasses from maturing too far ahead or behind alfalfa. This system, supported by ongoing university–industry collaboration, gives producers a practical tool for selecting varieties that synchronize growth and optimize total‑forage performance.
After a challenging growing season and a long Canadian winter, now is the perfect time to assess your forage inventories and set up a strong spring strategy. From choosing the right mixes to fine‑tuning your crop rotation, DLF’s high‑quality forage solutions can help you rebuild supply and prepare for a productive year ahead.
The alfalfa seed industry has experienced significant change in recent years, leaving many growers and agronomists asking the same question: What happened to the Pioneer® alfalfa genetics we’ve trusted for decades? The answer is straightforward—and reassuring. Those genetics have not disappeared. They have found a new and permanent home with DLF, the global leader in forage seed innovation.
DLF's North American business unit is excited to announce the launch of its 'We Love Alfalfa' campaign, which highlights alfalfa's importance to society and DLF's role in driving the alfalfa industry forward through research, innovation and collaboration.
Selecting less expensive alfalfa seed may appear cost-effective, but this decision can ultimately result in an overall loss due to reduced yields, diminished quality, and increased expenditures on supplemental feed. Avoid letting short-term savings jeopardize long-term farm profitability—explore the true value of thoughtful alfalfa variety selection.