FARMING
With the gift of Mother Nature and Rhuma Ranch bordering the Palala River supplying us with a surplus of water, it was in our favour to start farming AAA grade Lucerne and supplying the local community as well as feeding our antelopes in the Winter season, keeping them in prime condition.
Lucerne is also known as ‘alfalfa’, which means ‘best fodder’ – and this says it all. Lucerne is the king of fodder, yielding a large volume of high quality hay that’s rich in protein.
WATER SUPPLY
Lucerne requires a well-drained soil for maximum production. Lucerne is renowned for its drought tolerance, but at the same time is very responsive to water.
OUR USE FOR LUCERNE
Lucerne can provide a high quality feed for livestock and improve animal health. It also reduces groundwater recharge and helps to alleviate the effects of salinity.
SEEDS
Lucerne is one of the few crops which will thrive on a soil with a high pH.
First cutting should commence at the bud stage and the subsequent cuttings follow just after flowering.
IRRIGATION
In South Africa, lucerne is grown under irrigation and as a dryland crop.