The University of Idaho Extension reported that sainfoin outyielded several alfalfa varieties in trials conducted at the Kimberly Research and Extension Center. Sainfoin, a drought-tolerant forage legume, produced 2.6 tons per acre of dry matter across three cuttings in 2026, surpassing the top-yielding alfalfa variety, which averaged 2.5 tons per acre. The trial, led by researcher Pramod Acharya, tested four alfalfa varieties alongside sainfoin, cicer milkvetch, and birdsfoot trefoil under identical conditions. Sainfoin’s relative forage quality (RFQ) matched alfalfa despite having lower crude protein levels, according to the study. Farmers in drought-affected regions of Idaho, where irrigation access has been reduced, are exploring alternatives to water-intensive crops like alfalfa. The research was funded by a $4,285 UI Extension innovative projects grant.
Acharya’s findings highlight sainfoin’s potential as a resilient crop for sandy, alkaline, or lime-rich soils. While alfalfa varieties bred for glyphosate resistance and low-water conditions yielded 2.4 and 2.2 tons per acre respectively, sainfoin’s performance remained competitive. The trial also evaluated cicer milkvetch and birdsfoot trefoil, with cicer milkvetch showing the highest second-cutting yields and birdsfoot trefoil demonstrating favorable protein levels. Acharya noted that sainfoin’s yield and quality could make it a viable option for farmers seeking drought-resistant forage. “If yield is good and quality is relatively similar, it would be one of the alternatives in this region,” he said. The researcher plans to analyze water usage and nitrogen fixation differences between sainfoin and alfalfa in future studies.
Sainfoin’s Yield and Quality in Trials
Sainfoin’s 2.6-ton-per-acre yield outperformed multiple alfalfa varieties, including a glyphosate-resistant strain that produced 2.4 tons per acre and a low-water variety yielding 2.2 tons. Despite lower crude protein content, sainfoin’s RFQ—measuring digestible fiber and nutrients—matched alfalfa’s. The crop was planted in 20-by-40-foot plots within a 2.2-acre field, with cuttings taken in May, July, and September 2026. Sainfoin’s ability to thrive in challenging soils and reduce livestock bloat further distinguishes it from alfalfa, which requires more irrigation. The trial also tested cicer milkvetch and birdsfoot trefoil, both of which showed promise as drought-tolerant alternatives.
Research Funding and Methodology
The study received $4,285 in funding from the University of Idaho Extension’s innovative projects grant. Acharya planted sainfoin, cicer milkvetch, and birdsfoot trefoil alongside four alfalfa varieties in replicated plots during the spring of 2025. Herbicide applications were conducted in mid-October 2026 to assess termination methods, with results informing future recommendations. The research aims to address water scarcity challenges faced by farmers with junior water rights on the Snake River Plain. Acharya emphasized the need for long-term data, as initial results suggest sainfoin’s yields may hold up in subsequent growing seasons.
Future Research Directions
Acharya plans to compare the water usage and nitrogen fixation benefits of sainfoin and alfalfa, which could provide insights into their environmental impact. The researcher also intends to evaluate how sainfoin performs in repeated trials, as initial results indicate potential for broader adoption. “Sainfoin yield is as good or better than some of the varieties of alfalfa,” Acharya said. “If we look at all of the nutrient levels, it is more or less similar to alfalfa.” The findings could influence crop selection for farmers adapting to prolonged drought conditions in Idaho.
University of Idaho Extension research at the Kimberly Research and Extension Center documented sainfoin’s superior yield compared to alfalfa varieties. The study, funded by a $4,285 grant, highlights the legume’s potential as a drought-resistant alternative for farmers facing water restrictions. Sainfoin’s performance in sandy and alkaline soils, coupled with its ability to reduce livestock bloat, positions it as a promising option for arid regions. Acharya’s ongoing research will explore water efficiency and nitrogen fixation differences between sainfoin and alfalfa, offering further insights into sustainable forage production.
