Dryland Sainfoin Variety Trials and On-Farm Application
Applied Research
Kalen Taylor
Extension assistant Professor - Agriculture
Utah State University Extension
Delta
Abstract
Agricultural producers are actively seeking innovative methods to enhance productivity in dryland farming areas. These lands are often underutilized or relegated to pasture due to arid conditions. Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) presents a promising crop for economic benefits in dryland agriculture. While sainfoin exists in limited dryland sites across Utah, much of the variety and yield research is decades old (Hansen & Krueger, 1973), necessitating updated data. To address this, USU Extension and the Forage and Range Research Laboratory initiated alfalfa and sainfoin variety trials at the Levan Dryland Research Farm. The 2024 harvest revealed three significantly higher-yielding sainfoin varieties: Delaney (1.32 tons/acre), Shoshone (2.55 tons/acre), and Eski (2.64 tons/acre). Protein content ranged from 11-13% across varieties. Assuming an average production of 2.5 tons/acre, a producer converting four 8-acre pivot corners could yield an additional 80 tons of forage annually with minimal inputs beyond seed and field preparation/harvest. Following the initial research plot harvest and analysis, two larger 9-acre plots were established in Millard County, Utah, in fall 2024 and spring 2025. Initial germination results and progress from these on-farm trials, as well as the original research plots, will be presented. This poster details insights from developing and conducting dryland research, including effective planting strategies, timing, and yield data.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: Kalen Taylor, Jacob Hadfield, Mike Pace, Justin Clawson
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Taylor, K. Extension assistant Professor - Agriculture, Utah Association of County Agriculture Agents, Utah, 84624
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Hadfield, J. Extension assistant professor, Utah Association of County Agriculture Agents, Utah, 84648
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Pace, M. Extension Professor, Utah Association of County Agriculture Agents, Utah, 84302
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Clawson, J. Extension assistant professor, Utah Association of County Agriculture Agents, Utah, 84321