The various strains of Common Alfalfa produced in the United States are usually described by the name of the state in which they are grown such as Kansas or Oklahoma common, or by some other term descriptive of conditions, under which the seed is grown such as dry land, irrigated or non-irrigated alfalfa.

It is estimated that the common varieties of alfalfa comprise from 60 to 75% of the alfalfa grown in the United States and are adaptable to a larger territory than any other variety. They thrive as far north as Kansas and as far south as Texas and Louisiana. They are generally deep-rooted and, therefore can withstand long spells of dry, hot weather.

Cody

Cody Alfalfa was developed and cooperatively released by the Kansas Agricultural Research Station and the USDA. It has good resistance to both bacterial wilt and the spotted alfalfa aphid. The variety was developed from plants selected from Buffalo Alfalfa and is similar to Buffalo in growth habit and other morphological characteristics.

Dawson

Dawson Alfalfa was developed in Nebraska. It has high resistance to spotted alfalfa and pea aphids and is intermediate in resistance to potato leafhopper and common leaf spot disease. It has some resistance to bacteria wilt. Dawson is very winter hardy.

Dawson Alfalfa has been found to be one of the most drought resistant varieties rested in New Mexico. It is being used in some areas for dry land production.

Ladak

Ladak Alfalfa was originally introduced to the U.S. from northern India in 1910. It yields exceptionally well in the early part of the season. It is very winter hardy in areas of adaptation in northern New Mexico and Colorado.

Mesilla

Mesilla Alfalfa is a high-yielding variety of alfalfa developed by New Mexico State University's Agricultural Experiment Station. It was developed specifically for resistance to the green pea aphid and the spotted alfalfa aphid, as well as bacterial and fusarium wilt organisms.

Mesilla's hay yields have averaged 22% more than Zia in all experimental plantings in New Mexico. It is suited for hay production in all areas of the state with the possible exception of the higher mountain valleys. Its increased yield and resistance to aphids and disease have proven to be of great value in the areas where it has been grown.

New Mexico

New Mexico Alfalfa is a strain that has been bred and developed in New Mexico. It gives good hay yields in the southwest areas, producing early in the spring to provide a maximum number of cuttings. It gives good hay yields in the southwest areas, producing early in the spring to provide a maximum number of cuttings. It has some resistance to green pea aphid. It recovers more quickly and yields more than some of the other varieties used in the Southwest. New Mexico Select is used more widely throughout New Mexico than any other variety.

Nomad

Nomad Alfalfa was developed to fill the need for a perennial legume that is winter hardy, drought resistant, holds its own with grass and weeds, can survive and recover from rodent damage, persists under tough grazing conditions typical of western rangelands, and responds to adequate moisture with an acceptable hay yield. Spring plantings are preferred in areas of cold winters and limited early fall moisture. Fall seeding is suggested in areas where there is adequate moisture and where there is time to allow 40 to 60 days growth before winter dormancy. In general, Nomad alfalfa should be highly useful on rangelands to increase forage production.

Ranger

Ranger is a multi-strain variety selected from Cossack, Turkistan and Ladak. Due to its varied parentage, the plants show individual characteristics. Variegated and yellow flowers are both found. The plants range from upright to sprawling Ranger is resistant to bacterial wilt, but it shows susceptibility to leafspot diseases and leafhopper yellowing. Ranger shows rapid recovery after cutting.

Zia

Zia Alfalfa is a strain that has been bred at New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Stations. Special emphasis has been placed on forage yield and quality. This variety was also bred for resistance to the spotted alfalfa aphid. More than any other variety, it has a greater resistance to plant diseases that are prevalent in New Mexico.