Drought and Alfalfa in Europe: Agricole Forte’s Production Response

Drought is putting alfalfa and forage production under increasing pressure across many parts of Europe.

Insufficient rainfall, high temperatures and the rapid loss of soil moisture are making it increasingly difficult to ensure regular regrowth after each cutting. In non-irrigated fields, or in areas where water availability is limited, yields can decrease and production can become less consistent.

Agricole Forte is also facing the challenges caused by heat and water scarcity. However, the characteristics of our land, the experience we have developed in the field and the careful management of the entire production cycle allow us to continue growing and processing Italian alfalfa for livestock farming.

Drought is reducing forage availability across Europe

Alfalfa, also known internationally as lucerne, is one of the most important forage crops used in animal nutrition.

Its deep root system allows the plant to access water stored in the lower layers of the soil and makes it more resistant than other crops to short periods of water shortage. However, this natural resistance does not make alfalfa immune to prolonged drought and extreme temperatures.

When soil moisture decreases even at greater depths, the plant slows its development. After cutting, regrowth may take longer and the amount of biomass produced may decline.

The result is a less predictable forage supply, with consequences not only for farmers, but also for livestock producers, feed manufacturers and distributors.

For many European companies, finding reliable alfalfa suppliers capable of providing continuity, quality and consistency over time is therefore becoming increasingly important.

The same challenges, supported by the strength of our land

The effects of drought are clearly visible in our fields as well.

During the hottest months, cracks in the soil show how water shortages can affect even its deeper layers. These conditions require daily observation, agronomic expertise and carefully timed interventions.

Agricole Forte operates in the Po Delta, an agricultural area characterised by fertile soils and a network of drainage ditches and irrigation channels that can support water management.

These characteristics are an important resource, but they must be managed carefully.

The water levels in the channels, overall water availability and water quality are assessed before irrigation begins. In particular, when the level of the Po River is low and high tides encourage the salt wedge to move inland, it is essential to avoid using water with a salt concentration that could damage crops.

Producing in this area therefore means understanding the relationship between the soil, the river, the channels and changing weather conditions.

Italian alfalfa from a controlled supply chain

Agricole Forte’s production capacity does not depend on a single factor.

It is the result of the integration of cultivation, raw material control, cutting schedules and alfalfa processing.

We directly manage the different stages of the supply chain in order to preserve the nutritional characteristics of the product and obtain forage suitable for the needs of livestock farms.

The alfalfa is harvested while still green and undergoes a controlled low-temperature dehydration process. This method rapidly reduces moisture and helps limit the losses that can occur during prolonged natural drying in the field.

The finished product is brought to approximately 10% moisture, supporting its stability and preservation over time.

Through this process, we produce several solutions for animal nutrition, including:

• dehydrated alfalfa pellets;
• dehydrated alfalfa wafers;
• dehydrated alfalfa bales.

Different formats allow us to meet the needs of different livestock species and feeding systems.

Why alfalfa remains a strategic resource for livestock farming

Alfalfa is valued in animal nutrition for its natural content of protein, fibre, minerals and plant-based nutrients.

It is used in feeding programmes for cattle, buffaloes, horses, sheep, goats, camelids, rabbits and other herbivorous animals, as part of rations designed according to their specific nutritional needs.

At a time when the availability of fresh and locally produced forage may become less consistent, dehydrated alfalfa provides several important advantages:

• improved product stability;
• easier storage and transport;
• availability during periods of lower production;
• more consistent characteristics compared with forage exposed to variable weather conditions;
• the possibility of selecting the most suitable format for each farm.

For distributors, feed manufacturers and livestock companies, access to a planned and reliable supply is becoming increasingly important.

An Italian alfalfa supplier for the European market

Climate change is making agricultural production less predictable in many parts of Europe. For this reason, supply security can no longer depend exclusively on the quantity produced during a single season or in one geographical area.

Agricole Forte is a partner for companies looking for an Italian supplier of alfalfa and dehydrated forage.

Our production originates in Italy, in the Po Delta area, and is supported by an organised supply chain, dedicated processing facilities and daily experience in crop management.

We are not exempt from the difficulties caused by drought. Like other European farmers, we face these challenges every day, but we work to manage them through:

• knowledge of soil characteristics;
• monitoring of water availability and quality;
• careful cutting schedules;
• harvesting alfalfa while it is still green;
• controlled dehydration;
• direct supply chain management;
• availability in different commercial formats.

This organisation allows us to continue producing and to position ourselves as a reliable partner for companies requiring Italian alfalfa for animal feed.

Continuity, quality and supply planning

Today, purchasing alfalfa is not only about assessing the price of the product.

It also means evaluating its origin, the processing method, the supplier’s production capacity and the possibility of planning future deliveries.

In a market affected by drought and lower yields, continuity of supply has become a strategic factor.

Agricole Forte works to offer its customers not only forage, but also an organised Italian supply chain and a direct relationship with the producer.

Livestock farms, distributors and feed industry operators experiencing difficulties in sourcing alfalfa in Europe can contact Agricole Forte to discuss product availability, formats and suitable supply solutions.

Are you looking for an Italian alfalfa supplier?

Agricole Forte produces Italian dehydrated alfalfa in pellets, wafers and bales for domestic and international markets.

Contact us to learn more about our products, check current availability and identify a supply solution suited to the needs of your company or livestock farm.