The U.S. Alfalfa Farmer Research Initiative, better known as the Alfalfa Checkoff, recently awarded the fifth round of funding to projects submitted by researchers from across the country.

“NAFA’s Alfalfa Checkoff Review Committee focused funding on research projects which addressed a diverse range of topics within the industry,” said Beth Nelson, NAFA president. “It’s gratifying to see the program bringing new researchers into the alfalfa community.”

NAFA’s Alfalfa Checkoff request for proposals generated 16 research projects. Proposals addressed a wide range of topics intended to drive innovation and profitability in the alfalfa industry - from testing the value of genomic selection in breeding populations to improving our understanding of Aphanomyces root rot in alfalfa. Research projects in California, Kentucky, New York, Washington, and Wisconsin were funded. They include:

The NAFA review committee selected projects that best met established research priorities, including: new and updated NAFA publications; agronomic management; feed value consistency; forage quality improvements; new uses and market development; fertility, soil management, soil health, macro/micro nutrients; and yield improvements. Proposals were scored on:

The Alfalfa Checkoff call for proposals is released twice a year, in May with proposals due in June, and in November with proposals due in December. Final reports are available at http://alfalfa.org/USAFRI_FinalReports.php.

Source: National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.