Dr. Dennis Hancock: Alfalfa and Perennial Forages | Ep. 17

Cutting costs with feed is becoming a challenge on dairy farms due to increasing prices. In that scenario, growing adequate quantities of high-quality forages with quality and productivity is a key strategy for reducing costs. But how can we do that? What forages are suitable for that purpose? In this episode, with Dennis Hancock, we will talk about the main challenges in growing alfalfa, the ways we can overcome those challenges, and the benefits of using perennial forages.

“We've had a lot of challenges in keeping alfalfa on the stand, and persistence is an issue.” – Dr. Dennis Hancock

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (01:30)
• Key management strategies for alfalfa (7:26)
• Challenges on alfalfa in southern USA (11:20)
• The advantages of perennial forages (14:01)
• Future investments in forage research (18:50)
• Can grazing be sustainable? (30:44)
• The final questions (34:05)

Meet the guest: Dr. Dennis Hancock

Experience:

• Current: Center Director of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Past: Professor and Extension Forage Agronomist at the University of Georgia

Background:

• Ph.D., Agronomy and Crop Science (University of Kentucky)
• M.Sc., Plant Sciences (University of Kentucky)

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

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