Alfalfa is one of the leading forage crops. It was first originated in Asia before 700 BC. It was thought to have been cultivated first in Iran. From South America, alfalfa was first brought to California during the Gold Rush. From California, the crops spread to the Midwest and then further eastward. The common name of alfalfa issued in the U.S. , but Europeans call the crop Lucerne. Regardless of the common name, the crop is a herbaceous perennial that can produce large amounts of nutritious forage material. The energy and protein yieldacre by alfalfa rivals that of a corn crop used for silage purposes. It is considered the Queen or Cadillac of forages. The alfalfa crop can be used as a pasture, hay, or silage crop. It can also be cut and dehydrated to make protein rich meal or pellets for livestock.

Website: http://agri.atu.edu/people/Hodgson/FieldCrops/StudentWork/Vicki_Shaw.html