Lucerne
for 2026
Lucerne is the world’s most widely grown forage crop for ruminants and is increasingly valued in the UK as farmers look to produce more homegrown protein. Its strong performance during recent hot, dry seasons has highlighted its resilience and long-term value, particularly on free-draining, high-pH soils in drier regions.
A deep-rooted, leafy forage legume, lucerne delivers exceptional yields of high-quality forage without the need for nitrogen fertiliser, fixing around 150 kg N/ha/year.
Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and typically remains productive for four to five years, with yields often improving over the first three seasons.
Lucerne produces very high dry matter yields, commonly exceeding 13–14 t DM/ha, with protein levels of 18–22% crude protein. It provides
good structural fibre, complements high-maize diets, and is well suited to summer zero-grazing systems.
Unlike red clover, lucerne contains no oestrogen, making it suitable for autumn grazing of ewes and lambs where grazing systems allow.
To have the best chance of getting the varieties you require, please speak to Jonathan on 07841 163776.
good structural fibre, complements high-maize diets, and is well suited to summer zero-grazing systems.
Unlike red clover, lucerne contains no oestrogen, making it suitable for autumn grazing of ewes and lambs where grazing systems allow.
To have the best chance of getting the varieties you require, please speak to Jonathan on 07841 163776.
Lucerne Varieties
Lucerne Varieties
| Variety | Mean DM Yield – t DM/Hectare |
Protein Content % |
Persistence (10=Best) |
Eelworm Resistance (10=Best) |
Verticillium Resistance (10=Best) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sibemol | 17.7 | 19.1 | 7.5 | 7.0 | 6.8 |
| Artemis | 17.4 | 18.8 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 5.7 |
| Volga | 17.3 | 19.3 | 8.2 | 7.1 | 5.3 |
| Galaxie | 17.0 | 19.3 | 7.9 | 6.5 | 5.6 |
| Timbale | 16.6 | 19.6 | – | 5.7 | 5.7 |
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Key Benefits of Lucerne
- Very high dry matter yields, often exceeding 13 t DM/ha
- High protein content (18–22% crude protein)
- Provides structural fibre and complements high-maize diets
- Ideal for summer zero-grazing systems
- Yields improve over the first three years and persist for 4–5 years
- Exceptionally drought tolerant
- Excellent break crop for grass and cereals
- Free from oestrogen, suitable for autumn grazing
- Fixes approximately 150 kg N/ha/year
- Improves soil structure and long-term soil health
Considerations
- Slow to establish and requires careful field selection
- Only suited to deep, free-draining, high-pH soils
- Limited weed control options
- Requires strict cutting and ensiling management
- High demand for phosphorus, potassium and sulphur
- Low sugar content can complicate fermentation
- Cutting at the correct stage is essential for feed quality
- Requires a 4–5 year break before re-establishment
- Grazing options are limited, though specialist systems— particularly for sheep—are developing