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A joint research effort between Washington State University and USDA, as well as others, has identified ten genetic markers that point to a possible boost in alfalfa hay quality. WSU’s Regional Forage Specialist Steve Nordberg, said there's several areas of possible improvement for alfalfa hay quality, but fiber is their main focus.

"The first research area at is trying to decrease the amount of fiber and also increase the digestibility of the fiber. Basically improve our hay quality for different types of livestock.”

Nordberg said this research will benefit growers, as well as the livestock industry.

"What we're doing is developing tools for the alfalfa breeding industry in the United States and beyond. If we can identify which genetic markers are influencing, say fiber digestibility, they can use that tool to accelerate their breeding program.”

Worth more than $9 billion annually, alfalfa is the nation’s third-most valuable field crop. And it’s currently grown on more than 400,000 acres across the state of Washington.

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