Best Alfalfa varieties for Upper Southeast 2026.
1 variety with documented performance data for alfalfa in Upper Southeast. Rankings reflect independent university trial data and publicly-documented agronomic fit — not seed-company marketing claims.
The Upper Southeast is double-crop country — full-season soybeans behind winter wheat, drought-tolerant corn, and aggressive food plot management around heavy deer pressure. Disease resistance (especially against tar spot in corn and SDS in soybeans) drives much of the variety conversation.
WL Alfalfa Fall Dormancy 6
GoodFall dormancy 6 is the right balance for the transition zone — enough late-season growth to capture the long Upper Southeast growing season, with enough winter dormancy to survive a typical Kentucky / Tennessee winter. Strong Phytophthora package is essential here given humidity and rainfall.
Editorial top pick is selected based on overall performance rating and regional fit — not on seed-company sponsorship or affiliate relationships. Bield: Farm has neither.
Where this data comes from
Alfalfa variety trials in Upper Southeast
Independent · Public UniversityThese results come from independent university variety trials — not seed company marketing materials. Variety entries, planting dates, and harvest measurements are controlled by the trial program. Land-grant universities publish full results annually.
- NC State Variety Trialsresearch-crops.ces.ncsu.edu ↗
- University of Tennessee UT Cropsutcrops.com ↗
- University of Kentucky Variety Trialsgraincrops.ca.uky.edu ↗
- University of Arkansas Cooperative Extensionwww.uaex.uada.edu ↗
Trial reports are typically released in January–March of the year following harvest. For Alfalfavariety selection, the most recent year’s report is the most relevant data source.
All reviewed varieties — Upper Southeast
- Fall Dormancy 6·Non-GMO·Seed Company Data
Fall dormancy 6 is the right balance for the transition zone — enough late-season growth to capture the long Upper Southeast growing season, with enough winter dormancy to survive a typical Kentucky / Tennessee winter. Strong Phytophthora package is essential here given humidity and rainfall.
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