Alternative Forage Crops
 Increasing water challenges in the Colorado River Basin, combined with the high percentage of irrigation water dedicated to growing hay and pasture crops, have stimulated interest in exploring more drought-resilient alternatives to the alfalfa and grasses typically grown in the region. Beginning in 2023, an alternative forage working group consisting of Colorado State University, The Land Institute, Trout Unlimited, American Rivers, and The Nature Conservancy, along with Upper Basin farmers and ranchers, began working together to explore the feasibility and drought resilience of several promising options. 
Three test crops were chosen for their potential to produce high-quality hay and pasture while supporting soil and water conservation. Sainfoin, a legume with similar nutritional characteristics to alfalfa, is showing particular promise with respect to drought, pest resistance, and avoiding cattle bloat. The Kernza® variety of intermediate wheatgrass also produces grain that can be used in baking and beer brewing. Silphium, a sunflower that can be grown as an oilseed and as a forage, has been tested on a more limited basis due to a small seed supply, but has shown good production under low-water conditions.
The Colorado Basin Roundtable has supported the working group’s applications for funding to support this research from the Colorado Basin Roundtable.  The following fact sheets and reports have resulted from these investigations, as well as additional economic research commissioned by The Nature Conservancy.