Lucerne Hay for sale in Kenya
- BeyondForest
- Nov 28, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 2, 2025
1.)Lucerne Hay vs Alfalfa
3.Uses of Lucerne Hay for Livestock
4.)How to Make Lucerne Hay
Lucerne is a high-protein, nitrogen-fixing legume that boosts milk and meat production.
Lucerne and alfalfa are actually the same plant, scientifically known as Medicago sativa, one of the world’s oldest cultivated fodder crops. The difference in naming comes from regional language variations, not the plant itself. The word “Lucerne” is commonly used in Kenya, East Africa, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, while the term “Alfalfa” is widely used in the United States, Canada, and parts of South America.
Lucerne Yellowing is caused due to lack of Boron
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This nitrogen contribution, as well as alfalfa’s weed- and pest-suppressive abilities, make it an especially valuable crop for farmers using integrated pest management or organic practices.
Both names refer to the same high-protein perennial legume originating from South-Central Asia, especially the ancient regions of Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan, where it was first domesticated over 3,000 years ago.
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Image of Lucerne Flowers by tribepermaculture
Nutritionally, Lucerne/Alfalfa hay contains 16–22% crude protein, high calcium, and a rich mix of vitamins A, D, E, and K. It is renowned for promoting high milk production, rapid growth in calves and kids, and excellent body condition in dairy animals.
Although the nutritional profile is identical, farmers may notice slight differences based on climate, soil quality, harvesting stage, and curing methods, not the name.
Alfa alfa roots extend up to 16 feet into the soil, much deeper than other crops. The deep root system holds the soil and creates channels that promote water infiltration, biological activity in the root zone and Improved nutrient cycling
The word "Alfalfa" comes from the Arabic al-fac-facah, meaning "father of all foods," a reference to its nutritious value.
Alfalfa is a perfect habitat for an enormous diversity of insect species. Scientists have observed over 1000 species of insects and other arthropods (including mites, spiders, etc.) living or feeding in alfalfa fields.
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Image of lucerne pellets
Alfalfa is grown for various purposes: as hay, silage, or green chop, and in some cases, its seeds are harvested for use as sprouts. Alfalfa is also important for crop rotation because of its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which enriches the soil and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Lucerne Seeds | 1000Ksh |
25 Kilogram Lucerne Hay | 400Ksh |
In Kenya, high-grade lucerne hay typically sells at about 350Ksh–600Ksh per bale, with premium dairy-grade bales fetching 700Ksh.
Image of Lucerne Hay by Solai Farm
Seasonal demand peaks in dry months push prices upward.
Image of Lucerne Sprouts by mg_cist
Lucerne (alfalfa) is not commonly eaten by humans as a whole plant but its sprouts are edible and used in salads and sandwiches. These sprouts are rich in vitamins A, C, K, and minerals. However, raw sprouts should be consumed in moderation due to potential digestive or hormonal effects.
Lucerne hay is widely used as a high-protein, highly digestible feed for a variety of livestock. For dairy cows, it boosts milk production, supplies essential amino acids, and improves overall body condition. Calves and young animals benefit from its rich calcium and energy, which support rapid growth. Goats and sheep thrive on lucerne due to its palatability and balanced nutrient profile. It is also ideal for horses, especially those in heavy work or recovering from illness. Because it contains 16–22% crude protein, lucerne is commonly mixed with grass hay like Boma Rhodes to create a balanced ration.
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1. Site Selection
Lucerne grows best in temperate to warm climates with moderate rainfall (400–800 mm annually) and Prefers deep, well-drained loamy or sandy soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.lucerne is sensitive to poor drainage thus one should avoid water logged areas
2. Land Preparation
Plow the field to a depth of 20–30 cm to loosen the soil. Harrow to break up clods and create a fine tilth. Ensure the land is leveled to prevent waterlogging.
3. Soil Testing and Liming
Test soil for pH and nutrients. If pH is below 6.0, apply lime 2–3 months before planting to reduce acidity.
Deep fertile and free-draining soils with little or no murram or small rocks is ideal for lucerne growth. Farmers interested in growing alfalfa grass should have their soil tested for acidity before planting. The soil samples should be taken from the top (0-10cm) and the subsoil(30-40cm). The soil PH should be neutral up to 5.6. If the sub-soil sample has a PH of less than 5.5, it is considered too acidic and unsuitable for growing lucern -Aecare Agrochemicals
Image of Lucerne Hay by Solai Farm
4. Seed Selection and Inoculation
Choose certified, disease-free Lucerne seed. Inoculate seeds with Rhizobium meliloti (a nitrogen-fixing bacteria) just before planting for improved root nodulation and nitrogen fixation. (Optional)
Inoculate (in agriculture) means treating seeds with beneficial microorganisms, usually nitrogen-fixing bacteria, before planting.
Image of Inoculant for Legumes, Beans, Lucerne by Davis Mugera
For example, when growing legumes like Lucerne (alfalfa), farmers inoculate the seeds with a specific type of bacteria (e.g., Rhizobium meliloti). These bacteria help the plant capture nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form the plant can use, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
5. Planting
Best time to plant is early rains or just before the rainy season begins. The seedling rate is 8–12 kg/ha for broadcasting; 5–8 kg/ha for row planting Maintain as Spacing of 20–30 cm between rows; 2–5 cm between plants. Sow seeds shallowly (1–2 cm deep), as they are small and need light to germinate.
6. Fertilization
Apply phosphorus and potassium based on soil test results. Typical recommendation 20–40 kg/ha of P and 40–60 kg/ha of K at planting. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers as Lucerne fixes its own nitrogen.
7. Irrigation (if applicable)
Water lightly and frequently during germination. Once established, water every 7–10 days in dry areas to maintain yield.
8. Weed Control
Weed frequently during early growth stages.Avoid chemical herbicides in young stands unless they’re lucerne-safe. Mulching can help suppress weeds naturally.
9. Harvesting
Avoid cutting your Lucerne too low (not below 5 cm) to allow regrowth from crown buds.
First cut of Alfa alfa is 60–75 days after planting or when 10% of plants are flowering. Subsequent cuts: Every 4–6 weeks.
10. Management and Longevity
Lucerne can last 3–5 years with good care. One should Rotate after productivity declines, and reseed if needed. Practice pest and disease monitoring, especially for aphids, weevils, and root rots.
Alfalfa grass does well in a warm and sunny climate with well-distributed rainfall of more than 1200mm annually. The grass may require supplementary irrigation under prolonged dry spells.
Is Lucerne hay the same as alfalfa?
Yes. Lucerne and alfalfa refer to the same plant, scientifically known as Medicago sativa. Different regions use different names: Kenya and Europe commonly say Lucerne, while the USA uses Alfalfa. Both names refer to the same highly nutritious fodder crop.
How much is Lucerne hay in Kenya?
Lucerne hay is more expensive than most grasses due to its high protein content. In Kenya, prices range from Ksh 350–600 per bale, depending on quality, dryness, cut stage, and location. Premium dairy regions like Kiambu, Nyeri, and Nakuru may charge slightly higher.
What is the use of Lucerne hay?
Lucerne hay is used as a high-protein livestock feed, especially for dairy cows, calves, goats, rabbits, and horses. It promotes higher milk production, improves body condition, supports growth in young animals, and provides essential minerals like calcium and potassium.
Lucerne is cut when 10–20% of the plants are flowering for maximum leafiness and protein. Farmers then wilt the crop for several hours, turn it lightly to avoid leaf loss, and bale it once it reaches 20–25% moisture for safe storage.
Image of a post by Kibois breeders around Lucerne
Is Lucerne hay good for horses?
Yes. Lucerne hay is excellent for horses due to its high protein, high calcium, and rich energy content. It helps working horses, growing foals, pregnant mares, and animals recovering from illness. However, it should be fed in moderation for idle or overweight horses.
Is Lucerne grass or a legume?
Lucerne is a legume, not a grass. This is why it has higher protein (16–22%), nitrogen-fixing ability, and better digestibility than ordinary grass hay.
Image of Lucerne Pellets Marula Estates Dairy Farm
Well-cured Lucerne hay contains 85–90% dry matter, making it easy to store, transport, and feed without risk of molding.
What is the difference between Lucerne and Boma Rhodes hay?
Lucerne hay is a high-protein legume suitable for boosting milk production, while Boma Rhodes is a grass hay with medium protein, ideal for maintenance feeding. Most farmers combine both for balanced nutrition.
