Photo by Jubal Pierson
Important Resources for Hay Growers
National Alfalfa Alliance The National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance is an alliance between the growsers, genetic suppliers and university segments of the alfalfa and alfalfa seed …www.alfalfa.org
Their public policy focus includes: farm bill initiatives, developing grant programs for critical research needs, USDA-ARS research, and developing alfalfa as a feedstock for bio-energy as well as bio-products.
Supported by seed producers and other industry sources, NAFA offers something state associations can’t — a presence in Washington, D.C. and contacts with legislators and government agencies. Their mission and objectives are to ensure “the ability of the alfalfa/forage industry to compete effectively and profitably, domestically and abroad. NAFA provides a forum for consensus building among stakeholders and is a political advocate on behalf of the industry.”
According to its Web site, NAFA was launched “as a hybrid of the former National Alfalfa Alliance and other industry organizations and includes state/regional seed and hay grower associations, genetic suppliers, seed marketers, allied industries, and university/Extension personnel.” It serves as an “umbrella organization in an effort to be an effective political advocate on behalf of the alfalfa/forage industry on a national level.”
Hay & Forage Grower – Hay & Forage Grower is the only national publication devoted exclusively to alfalfa and other forage crops. Edited for big-acreage growers, the magazine covers a wide range of forage-related topics, from stand establishment to harvesting and marketing.
Oregon Department of Agriculture / Programs / Market Access / Market Access Certification and Inspection / Weed Free ForageCertified weed free hay and straw is in high demand in Oregon and throughout the western states. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Weed Free Forage Program, as part of an integrated weed management approach, helps limit the spread of noxious weeds and protect Oregon agriculture.
North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference
The North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference promotes the exchange of information among researchers involved in alfalfa improvement in North America and other countries around the world.Their miission is: To accomplish that vision, our mission is to promote the development of improved alfalfa cultivars through education, communication, and professional development of research scientists, educators, and commercial representatives in North America and around the world. Click here for their website.
The American Forage and Grassland Council (AFGC) is dedicated to advancing the use of forage as a prime feed resource. Our members represent the academic community, producers, private industry, institutes and foundations. Together, they unite in a common cause to promote and develop the forage industry. You can learn more about AFGC – including programs and services, events, awards, resources, and more – by paging through their web site.
National Hay Association Welcome to our website. The National Hay Association is made up of people that are involved in the production, sale and transport of forage products across the United States and the world. As an organization we work for the good of the hay industry through knowledge among members, to legislation from our government. We are an independent organization with no commitments to any government groups.
On a personal level the members of NHA have provided me with tremendous knowledge, from equipment, types of forage to raise, marketing information, and buying and selling my products. I have also found some of my best friends through the NHA and always look forward to the next convention and seeing them again.
I hope you will join us at our next convention. I look forward to meeting you and learning something from you. Till then “Have a Hay Day”
E. J. Croll, Croll Farms
Oregon State University’s Forage Information System
The Forage Information System is a comprehensive resource for forage-related topics, including Extension, research, and teaching information.
Inside the Forage Information section find subsections for News, Publications, Projects, Topics, Visual Media and Web Links to other information systems. Topics includes information on species, varieties, grazing, hay, and silage systems, management, quality and testing, and livestock utilization.
Inside Educational Opportunities find Conferences/Workshops/Seminars, a National Forages Curriculum, and links to On-line and Classroom-based courses.
Inside Professional Resources find forage Experts, Grant information, forage, livestock, range, and seed Organizations, and Vendors for forage-related products.
The Search Tools includes entire system and subsection Searching Capacity and an Index, Glossary, Site Map, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and answers.