Clover offers growers more than just a seed crop. With quick establishment, nitrogen fixation, and the ability to improve soil health, it provides long-term benefits that extend well beyond harvest, making it a reliable and profitable option for seed growers.
A Crop That Benefits Your Farm
Clover is a short-lived perennial legume commonly used in hay and pasture stands, cover crops, and lawn mixtures. It establishes quickly, helping reduce soil erosion, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure early in the growing season.
One of clover’s greatest advantages is its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through a partnership with soil bacteria. This natural process helps reduce fertilizer requirements while improving soil biology, water-holding capacity, and soil aeration. Its deep taproot also breaks through soil compaction and accesses moisture and nutrients below the surface, creating a healthier growing environment for future crops.
For livestock producers, clover delivers additional value. It produces highly digestible, protein-rich forage, and naturally occurring compounds called isoflavones help reduce protein loss in the rumen, making more protein available to the animal.
Most clover seed production contracts are one-year opportunities, making them easy to incorporate into annual rotations while helping improve soil quality, break disease cycles, and attract beneficial pollinators. Clover markets have also remained relatively stable compared to many annual crops, providing growers with another way to diversify risk.
Choosing the Right Clover
BrettYoung currently contracts three types of clover:
Red Clover – Performs best on well-drained, fertile soils and is well suited to productive acres with good drainage.
Alsike Clover – Thrives on wetter, heavier soils and tolerates more acidic conditions, making it an excellent choice for fields where other crops may struggle.
Sweet Clover – The most drought-tolerant of the three species. Its aggressive taproot allows it to access deep soil moisture while contributing significant improvements to soil structure.
Each species fills a different role, allowing growers to match the crop to their field conditions and management goals.
Management Considerations
Most clover crops are established by underseeding into wheat, although oats and flax can also be used as companion crops. Clover performs best in soils with a pH between 5.8 and 7.0, where nitrogen fixation is most effective.
While herbicide options are limited, established clover provides excellent competition against weeds. Because seed production depends on cross-pollination, healthy populations of honeybees and native pollinators are essential for maximizing yields. Regular field scouting is also important, as insect pressure can occasionally require management.
For growers looking to improve soil health, diversify their rotation, and produce a dependable seed crop, clover offers a practical fit for a wide range of farming operations.
If you’re interested in producing seed with BrettYoung, contact your local seed production specialist.
FAQ
What are the benefits of growing clover for seed?
Clover offers more than just a seed crop. It helps improve soil health, fixes atmospheric nitrogen, supports beneficial pollinators, and provides an opportunity to diversify crop rotations while producing a marketable seed crop.
Which type of clover is best for my farm?
The best choice depends on your field conditions. Red clover performs well on fertile, well-drained soils, alsike clover is better suited to wetter or more acidic soils, and sweet clover excels in drier conditions thanks to its deep taproot.
How does clover improve soil health?
Clover fixes atmospheric nitrogen through a partnership with soil bacteria, reducing fertilizer needs while improving soil biology, structure, water-holding capacity, and aeration.
How is clover typically established for seed production?
Most clover seed crops are established by underseeding into wheat, although oats and flax can also be used as companion crops. Proper field selection and healthy pollinator populations are important for maximizing seed yields.
