Foragecast Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:04:02 -0500 https://foragecast.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 Foragecast yes 706317cf-7ada-5f50-955e-6643db485af6 FGI episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) FGI https://storage.buzzsprout.com/5iyqdqopj0a4pk1wb0vq55j7qdyv?.jpg Foragecast Foragecast Episode 13 - The Future of Forage Research - Alfalfa Panel Foragecast Episode 13 - The Future of Forage Research - Alfalfa Panel Join our host Dr. Emily Meccage with four highly regarded agronomists and forage specialists with close to a combined 200 years of forage experience:

In this episode we answer the questions:

  • What has improved in alfalfa?
  • What has you most excited about the future?
  • what is your best piece of advice for someone early in their career

Learn more about the past and the future of alfalfa with this team! 
 
About Foragecast
Take a deep dive into alfalfa topics and address real, on-farm issues that revolve around alfalfa’s integration into cropping systems.

Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI. Results are based upon FGI controlled tests and field trials and public trials. Results may vary. 

]]> Join our host Dr. Emily Meccage with four highly regarded agronomists and forage specialists with close to a combined 200 years of forage experience:

In this episode we answer the questions:

  • What has improved in alfalfa?
  • What has you most excited about the future?
  • what is your best piece of advice for someone early in their career

Learn more about the past and the future of alfalfa with this team! 
 
About Foragecast
Take a deep dive into alfalfa topics and address real, on-farm issues that revolve around alfalfa’s integration into cropping systems.

Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI. Results are based upon FGI controlled tests and field trials and public trials. Results may vary. 

]]> FGI Buzzsprout-10686429 Thu, 26 May 2022 09:00:00 -0500 2364 full false Foragecast Episode 12 - Alfalfa benefits for horses Foragecast Episode 12 - Alfalfa benefits for horses "Alfalfa is the cheese on top of the broccoli"

Join us as we talk with Dr. Krishona Martinson from the University of Minnesota. In this episode we discuss the many benefits of alfalfa for horses.

Some of the benefits of alfalfa for horses

  • More protein dense for elite horses
  • Higher digestible energy for horses needing higher calories
  • Non-structural carbs
  • Leafier, softer more palatable 
  • Alfalfa has higher calcium which allows for buffering  and that helps with ulsers
  • Dietary influence of certain diseases

 About Foragecast
Take a deep dive into alfalfa topics and address real, on-farm issues that revolve around alfalfa’s integration into cropping systems.

Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI. Results are based upon FGI controlled tests and field trials and public trials. Results may vary. 

 

]]> "Alfalfa is the cheese on top of the broccoli"

Join us as we talk with Dr. Krishona Martinson from the University of Minnesota. In this episode we discuss the many benefits of alfalfa for horses.

Some of the benefits of alfalfa for horses

  • More protein dense for elite horses
  • Higher digestible energy for horses needing higher calories
  • Non-structural carbs
  • Leafier, softer more palatable 
  • Alfalfa has higher calcium which allows for buffering  and that helps with ulsers
  • Dietary influence of certain diseases

 About Foragecast
Take a deep dive into alfalfa topics and address real, on-farm issues that revolve around alfalfa’s integration into cropping systems.

Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI. Results are based upon FGI controlled tests and field trials and public trials. Results may vary. 

 

]]> FGI Buzzsprout-10355219 Thu, 31 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -0500 1489 full false Foragecast Episode 11 - Herbicide carryover in alfalfa Part 2 Foragecast Episode 11 - Herbicide carryover in alfalfa Part 2 This episode is part 2 with Randy Welch and Dr. Emily Meccage.  In this series, they discuss tips and watch-outs on herbicide carryover in alfalfa.

In part 2 they discuss the impact of:

  • Tillage
  • Rainfall
  • Different active ingredients including; 
    • Rate of herbicide - it's not the same as other chemistries
  • Deciding when to reseed

Please join us to learn these tips and many more on herbicide carryover.


About Foragecast
Take a deep dive into alfalfa topics and address real, on-farm issues that revolve around alfalfa’s integration into cropping systems.

Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI. Results are based upon FGI controlled tests and field trials and public trials. Results may vary. 

]]> This episode is part 2 with Randy Welch and Dr. Emily Meccage.  In this series, they discuss tips and watch-outs on herbicide carryover in alfalfa.

In part 2 they discuss the impact of:

  • Tillage
  • Rainfall
  • Different active ingredients including; 
    • Rate of herbicide - it's not the same as other chemistries
  • Deciding when to reseed

Please join us to learn these tips and many more on herbicide carryover.


About Foragecast
Take a deep dive into alfalfa topics and address real, on-farm issues that revolve around alfalfa’s integration into cropping systems.

Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI. Results are based upon FGI controlled tests and field trials and public trials. Results may vary. 

]]> FGI Buzzsprout-9906647 Tue, 18 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0600 1125 full false Foragecast Episode 10 - Herbicide carryover in alfalfa Foragecast Episode 10 - Herbicide carryover in alfalfa This week Dr. Emily Meccage joins Randy Welch, alfalfa agronomist to discuss herbicide carryover.

In this episode, they share tips and watch outs so you can raise better alfalfa in the future.

Did you know, herbicide carryover is commonly confused with disease?

Tip: One way to help identify herbicide carryover vs disease is to look for patterns. Are there patterns where a sprayer may have overlapped? That could be carryover
A spotty type of pattern may mean disease.

To get more tips join us on this week's episode.

About Foragecast
Take a deep dive into alfalfa topics and address real, on-farm issues that revolve around alfalfa’s integration into cropping systems.

Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI. Results are based upon FGI controlled tests and field trials and public trials. Results may vary.

]]> This week Dr. Emily Meccage joins Randy Welch, alfalfa agronomist to discuss herbicide carryover.

In this episode, they share tips and watch outs so you can raise better alfalfa in the future.

Did you know, herbicide carryover is commonly confused with disease?

Tip: One way to help identify herbicide carryover vs disease is to look for patterns. Are there patterns where a sprayer may have overlapped? That could be carryover
A spotty type of pattern may mean disease.

To get more tips join us on this week's episode.

About Foragecast
Take a deep dive into alfalfa topics and address real, on-farm issues that revolve around alfalfa’s integration into cropping systems.

Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI. Results are based upon FGI controlled tests and field trials and public trials. Results may vary.

]]> FGI Buzzsprout-9727457 Wed, 15 Dec 2021 15:00:00 -0600 1213 full false Foragecast Episode 9 - Tips on growing Forage Sorghum Foragecast Episode 9 - Tips on growing Forage Sorghum Did you know sorghum is 30% more efficient in nitrogen and water usage than corn?

On this episode of Foragecast we get tips on growing Forage Sorghum with Matt Sowder, a sorghum enthusiast and expert in the industry. He does a great job discussing all the benefits this warm season grass has to offer.

Learn why you should consider Forage Sorghum!


About Foragecast
Take a deep dive into alfalfa topics and address real, on-farm issues that revolve around alfalfa’s integration into cropping systems.

Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI. Results are based upon FGI controlled tests and field trials and public trials. Results may vary.

]]> Did you know sorghum is 30% more efficient in nitrogen and water usage than corn?

On this episode of Foragecast we get tips on growing Forage Sorghum with Matt Sowder, a sorghum enthusiast and expert in the industry. He does a great job discussing all the benefits this warm season grass has to offer.

Learn why you should consider Forage Sorghum!


About Foragecast
Take a deep dive into alfalfa topics and address real, on-farm issues that revolve around alfalfa’s integration into cropping systems.

Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI. Results are based upon FGI controlled tests and field trials and public trials. Results may vary.

]]> FGI Buzzsprout-9553124 Mon, 15 Nov 2021 14:00:00 -0600 1941 full false Foragecast Episode 8 - Alfalfa Myth Busting Foragecast Episode 8 - Alfalfa Myth Busting Myth: Alfalfa doesn't work well in the south.

Fact: Alfalfa does work!

Seeing is believing. Dr. Jennifer Tucker debunked the myth that alfalfa isn't suitable in the south when she partnered with the 'got bermuda grass' and 'Alfalfa in the South' workshops. When producers stood in a field and got to see first hand how well it did.

Dr. Jennifer Tucker is an  Assistant Professor of Beef Nutrition and Forage Management in the Animal and Science Department at the University of Georgia.

Her dad holds the record for the most pounds of beef produced in the state of Kentucky.

Follow her on Twitter https://twitter.com/DrJJTuga?s=20



About Foragecast
Take a deep dive into alfalfa topics and address real, on-farm issues that revolve around alfalfa’s integration into cropping systems.

Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI. Results are based upon FGI controlled tests and field trials and public trials. Results may vary.

Episode is Live

Published: Sep. 20, 2021 @ 2PM Edit

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]]> Myth: Alfalfa doesn't work well in the south.

Fact: Alfalfa does work!

Seeing is believing. Dr. Jennifer Tucker debunked the myth that alfalfa isn't suitable in the south when she partnered with the 'got bermuda grass' and 'Alfalfa in the South' workshops. When producers stood in a field and got to see first hand how well it did.

Dr. Jennifer Tucker is an  Assistant Professor of Beef Nutrition and Forage Management in the Animal and Science Department at the University of Georgia.

Her dad holds the record for the most pounds of beef produced in the state of Kentucky.

Follow her on Twitter https://twitter.com/DrJJTuga?s=20



About Foragecast
Take a deep dive into alfalfa topics and address real, on-farm issues that revolve around alfalfa’s integration into cropping systems.

Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI. Results are based upon FGI controlled tests and field trials and public trials. Results may vary.

Episode is Live

Published: Sep. 20, 2021 @ 2PM Edit

Unpublish

Add a Transcript

Get episode better indexed by search engines.

View/Edit Chapters

Listeners can tap through & see what’s coming up.

Visual Soundbite Available
Square Soundbite - 0:35
Great for Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.Download Soundbite
Delete this Soundbite and create a new one.

Share Episode On

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

More Options

Email Link to Episode
Copy

Direct Link to MP3CopyDownload MP3

Embed this ONE Episode




]]> FGI Buzzsprout-9356613 Tue, 12 Oct 2021 14:00:00 -0500 1935 full false Foragecast Episode 7 - Nutritional Impacts of Alfalfa for Livestock Foragecast Episode 7 - Nutritional Impacts of Alfalfa for Livestock Dr. David Weakley, Director of Forage Nutrition Research, joins this week to discuss how to best evaluate the nutritional impacts of alfalfa for livestock diets.

Want to better understand the importance of high-quality forage testing?
- RF, TDN RFQ, ADF, NDF, UNDF - we got you. We help sort through these and recommend what to focus on and why.

- Alfalfa has the highest protein containing forage for dairy and beef cattle
- Alfalfa allows high-producing dairy cows to meet their genetic potential more quickly
- Alfalfa makes the animal more efficient in producing milk components

Join us as we take away some of the mystery around the high-quality forage analysis!

About Foragecast
Take a deep dive into alfalfa topics and address real, on-farm issues that revolve around alfalfa’s integration into cropping systems.

Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI. Results are based upon FGI controlled tests and field trials and public trials. Results may vary.

]]> Dr. David Weakley, Director of Forage Nutrition Research, joins this week to discuss how to best evaluate the nutritional impacts of alfalfa for livestock diets.

Want to better understand the importance of high-quality forage testing?
- RF, TDN RFQ, ADF, NDF, UNDF - we got you. We help sort through these and recommend what to focus on and why.

- Alfalfa has the highest protein containing forage for dairy and beef cattle
- Alfalfa allows high-producing dairy cows to meet their genetic potential more quickly
- Alfalfa makes the animal more efficient in producing milk components

Join us as we take away some of the mystery around the high-quality forage analysis!

About Foragecast
Take a deep dive into alfalfa topics and address real, on-farm issues that revolve around alfalfa’s integration into cropping systems.

Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI. Results are based upon FGI controlled tests and field trials and public trials. Results may vary.

]]> FGI Buzzsprout-9229506 Mon, 20 Sep 2021 14:00:00 -0500 1667 full false Foragecast Episode 6 - Tips From a Farmer on Growing the Best Alfalfa Foragecast Episode 6 - Tips From a Farmer on Growing the Best Alfalfa In Episode 6, Emily talks with farmer Sam Brandenburg about his experience with HarvXtra.

Sam farms over 2,000 acres of corn, soybeans and alfalfa and has a cow-calf beef operation.
In our conversation, Sam discusses how he rotates his crops to get the most out of the soil. He was a skeptic at first, so he tested a few aces of HarvXtra to see how it would work on his field and now is a believer.
He discusses how he is experimenting  with different cutting practices to take advantage of the flexibility of HarvXtra. 

"It will make you sleep better at night to know if it rains or something comes up it's gonna be ok. It is still going to be good hay. " - Sam Brandenburg

Join us!

About Foragecast
Take a deep dive into alfalfa topics and address real, on-farm issues that revolve around alfalfa’s integration into cropping systems.

Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI. Results are based upon FGI controlled tests and field trials and public trials. Results may vary.

]]> In Episode 6, Emily talks with farmer Sam Brandenburg about his experience with HarvXtra.

Sam farms over 2,000 acres of corn, soybeans and alfalfa and has a cow-calf beef operation.
In our conversation, Sam discusses how he rotates his crops to get the most out of the soil. He was a skeptic at first, so he tested a few aces of HarvXtra to see how it would work on his field and now is a believer.
He discusses how he is experimenting  with different cutting practices to take advantage of the flexibility of HarvXtra. 

"It will make you sleep better at night to know if it rains or something comes up it's gonna be ok. It is still going to be good hay. " - Sam Brandenburg

Join us!

About Foragecast
Take a deep dive into alfalfa topics and address real, on-farm issues that revolve around alfalfa’s integration into cropping systems.

Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI. Results are based upon FGI controlled tests and field trials and public trials. Results may vary.

]]> FGI Buzzsprout-9130357 Thu, 02 Sep 2021 15:00:00 -0500 1454 full false Foragecast Episode 5 - Ten Reasons Why Alfalfa is Highly Suitable for the West Foragecast Episode 5 - Ten Reasons Why Alfalfa is Highly Suitable for the West On this episode of Foragecast we discuss the article, "Ten Reasons Why Alfalfa is Highly Suitable for the West" with Dr. Earl Creech. In the conversation, we talk about how alfalfa has the ability to survive an incredible range of environmental conditions, elevations and can adapt based on how much moisture it has available. Join us!

Ten Reasons why alfalfa is highly suitable for the West:

  •  High Water Use Efficiency 
  •  Irrigation Flexibility 
  • Low Input
  • Resilient and adaptable
  • Benefits other crops in rotation
  •  Improves Soil, Water, and Air Quality 
  •  Pollinator and Insect Diversity 
  •  Wildlife Habitat 
  •  Harvest Flexibility and Storage
  •  Low Risk and Local Food Production 
Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI.  Results may vary.


]]> On this episode of Foragecast we discuss the article, "Ten Reasons Why Alfalfa is Highly Suitable for the West" with Dr. Earl Creech. In the conversation, we talk about how alfalfa has the ability to survive an incredible range of environmental conditions, elevations and can adapt based on how much moisture it has available. Join us!

Ten Reasons why alfalfa is highly suitable for the West:

  •  High Water Use Efficiency 
  •  Irrigation Flexibility 
  • Low Input
  • Resilient and adaptable
  • Benefits other crops in rotation
  •  Improves Soil, Water, and Air Quality 
  •  Pollinator and Insect Diversity 
  •  Wildlife Habitat 
  •  Harvest Flexibility and Storage
  •  Low Risk and Local Food Production 
Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI.  Results may vary.


]]> FGI Buzzsprout-8868866 Thu, 15 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0500 1726 full false Foragecast Episode 4 - Benefits of HarvXtra for the Whole Farm Foragecast Episode 4 - Benefits of HarvXtra for the Whole Farm Phil Bollman grew up on a dairy farm and has a passion for alfalfa. He has experience as a dairy nutritionist and in this episode he talks with us about why HarvXtra can be so important in the diet.

 We  will dive deeper into each of the benefits such as, better performance, more yield or better quality. 

“HarvXtra is the first product in the marketplace that has a meaningful  step-change in digestibility and forage quality”

If you have been wondering if HarvXtra is right for you, want to better understand what it can do for your farm or even if you heard myths  about HarvXtra this is the podcast for you. 

 
Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI. Results are based upon FGI controlled tests and field trials and public trials. Results may vary.

]]> Phil Bollman grew up on a dairy farm and has a passion for alfalfa. He has experience as a dairy nutritionist and in this episode he talks with us about why HarvXtra can be so important in the diet.

 We  will dive deeper into each of the benefits such as, better performance, more yield or better quality. 

“HarvXtra is the first product in the marketplace that has a meaningful  step-change in digestibility and forage quality”

If you have been wondering if HarvXtra is right for you, want to better understand what it can do for your farm or even if you heard myths  about HarvXtra this is the podcast for you. 

 
Legal
Due to factors outside of Forage Genetics International’s (FGI) control, such as weather, crop production patterns, and other factors, results to be obtained, including but not limited to yields or financial performance, cannot be predicted or guaranteed by FGI. Results are based upon FGI controlled tests and field trials and public trials. Results may vary.

]]> FGI Buzzsprout-8605689 Wed, 02 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0500 1238 1 4 full false Foragecast Episode 3 - Benefits of Including Alfalfa in Crop Rotations- Part 2 Foragecast Episode 3 - Benefits of Including Alfalfa in Crop Rotations- Part 2 Join us this week as we continue our conversation with Dr. Craig Sheaffer. Listen as we discuss the positive benefits of including alfalfa in crop rotations, it’s potential impact on soil and water quality, as well as overall pest management benefits.

Learn more at foragegenetics.com



]]> Join us this week as we continue our conversation with Dr. Craig Sheaffer. Listen as we discuss the positive benefits of including alfalfa in crop rotations, it’s potential impact on soil and water quality, as well as overall pest management benefits.

Learn more at foragegenetics.com



]]> FGI Buzzsprout-8322490 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 17:00:00 -0500 1399 1 3 full false Foragecast Episode 2 - Benefits of Including Alfalfa in Crop Rotations Foragecast Episode 2 - Benefits of Including Alfalfa in Crop Rotations Dig up roots with us as we talk to Dr. Craig Sheaffer in this week’s Foragecast episode. We will discuss the benefits of alfalfa’s nitrogen credits, and how this can be important for your crop rotations.

]]> Dig up roots with us as we talk to Dr. Craig Sheaffer in this week’s Foragecast episode. We will discuss the benefits of alfalfa’s nitrogen credits, and how this can be important for your crop rotations.

]]> FGI Buzzsprout-8124033 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 15:00:00 -0600 1304 1 2 full false Foragecast Episode - Herbicide Management within Alfalfa (Bonus: a hidden benefit) Foragecast Episode - Herbicide Management within Alfalfa (Bonus: a hidden benefit) Host: Emily Meccage

Want to learn more about herbicide management within alfalfa and get a hidden benefit? Join our conversation with Dr. Undersander about the benefits of Roundup Ready Alfalfa. 

About Foragecast
Take a deep dive into alfalfa topics and address real, on-farm issues that revolve around alfalfa’s integration into cropping systems.

]]> Host: Emily Meccage

Want to learn more about herbicide management within alfalfa and get a hidden benefit? Join our conversation with Dr. Undersander about the benefits of Roundup Ready Alfalfa. 

About Foragecast
Take a deep dive into alfalfa topics and address real, on-farm issues that revolve around alfalfa’s integration into cropping systems.

]]> FGI Buzzsprout-7679464 Thu, 04 Feb 2021 13:00:00 -0600 1169 full false