b'The Alfalfa REVIVALAfter decades of shrinking acres and market competition, alfalfa is being rebuilt from the ground up. By Aimee Nielson, Seed World U.S. EditorPLANT BREEDER DON MILLER,aka The Alfalfa Doc, walks through the genetics, traits and strategies that could put the Queen of Forages back at the center of U.S. agriculture.For much of the 20th century, alfalfa was the undisputed Queen of Forages, claiming millions of acres across the United States. Its deep roots and protein-rich leaves made it the foundation of dairy and livestock systems, while its nitrogen-fixing abilities quietly enriched soils for crops that followed. But over the past few decades, that crown has slipped.Corn, driven by high-yield hybrids and silage demand, muscled into dairy rations. Other forages competed for ground. Public and private breeding programs consolidated or closed. In many regions, alfalfa acreage slid year after year.To some, this might look like a slow decline. To breeders like Miller, its the moment to rebuild.Weve come a long way, says Miller, who joined the team at Mountain View Seeds in 2023. And were still just scratching the surface of what alfalfa can do.6/ SEEDWORLD.COMOCTOBER 2025'