Perennial Forage Legume • Hay • Forage
Alfalfa
CUF 101
Medicago sativa
CUF 101 is a very non-dormant alfalfa variety developed for warm, long-season production areas where winter growth, forage production, and an upright growth habit are desired.
About Alfalfa
Alfalfa is one of the most important perennial forage crops in Western agriculture. Established stands can remain productive for multiple years and provide repeated harvests of high-quality forage.
As a legume, alfalfa forms a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, allowing established plants to obtain much of their nitrogen through biological fixation.
Its deep perennial root system also allows alfalfa to explore a large soil volume and makes it fundamentally different from shallow-rooted annual forage crops.
CUF 101 Alfalfa
A California-Developed Non-Dormant Variety
CUF 101 was developed through a cooperative effort involving the University of California, USDA, and California farmers and was released in 1976.
It is a very non-dormant, upright-growing variety developed for warm production regions where continued fall and winter growth is valuable.
CUF 101 is best suited to warm-winter production environments. Variety selection should always be matched to local climate, pest pressure, irrigation, and the intended production system.
Agronomic Characteristics
Why Grow Alfalfa?
Alfalfa combines perennial forage production with biological nitrogen fixation and a deep-rooted growth habit.
High-Value Forage
Alfalfa produces nutrient-dense forage widely used for dairy, livestock, hay, and other forage systems.
Biological Nitrogen Fixation
As a legume, properly nodulated alfalfa can obtain nitrogen through its association with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia.
Deep Root System
Established alfalfa develops an extensive root system capable of exploring deeper portions of the soil profile.
Perennial Production
A well-managed stand can remain productive across multiple growing seasons without annual re-establishment.
Multiple Harvests
In suitable climates, alfalfa can provide repeated forage harvests throughout the growing season.
Rotation Value
Alfalfa can add a perennial legume phase to agricultural rotations and contribute substantial root and crop residue to the system.
Establishment
Plant Alfalfa Shallow Into a Firm Seedbed
Alfalfa seed is small and should be placed shallowly. A firm, well-prepared seedbed with good seed-to-soil contact is important for consistent emergence.
A general full-stand seeding rate is 15–25 lb/acre. Actual rate can vary with seed type, planting equipment, field conditions, planting date, and management system.
Maintain adequate moisture through germination and early establishment while avoiding conditions that leave young seedlings saturated for extended periods.
Where Alfalfa Fits
Forage & Agricultural Applications
Hay Production
A major perennial forage crop for production of high-quality baled hay.
Dairy Forage
Widely grown as a high-quality forage ingredient for dairy production systems.
Livestock Forage
Useful for a range of livestock forage and managed hay-production systems.
Agricultural Rotations
Adds a perennial legume phase, deep rooting, and nitrogen fixation to crop rotations.
Variety Considerations
Match CUF 101 to the Production Environment
CUF 101's Fall Dormancy 9 rating means it remains relatively active during fall and winter compared with dormant alfalfa varieties.
That growth pattern makes it most appropriate for warmer production areas with long growing seasons. Colder and higher-elevation regions generally require varieties with greater dormancy and winter hardiness.
CUF 101 Alfalfa Seed
Need Alfalfa Seed for Your Operation?
Contact Weaver Seed for current CUF 101 availability, wholesale quantities, pricing, and help determining whether a non-dormant alfalfa variety fits your growing area.