Medicago sativa
54HG27
Fall Dormancy: 4
Winter Hardiness: 2
Disease Rating Index: 35/35
StandFast FastGrowth Rating: 1.84cm/Day-Avg
Featuring the newest Hi-Gest® technology, 54HG27 is a conventionally bred alfalfa that offers improved yield potential and high-quality, digestible forage. A 5–8% higher leaf-to-stem ratio, higher crude protein content, and improved fiber digestibility support better animal performance compared with other conventional varieties. Producers can harvest on a normal cutting schedule for higher quality or delay harvest up to 7 days to increase yield potential. An upgraded disease package with multi-race Aphanomyces (HR) supports persistence in challenging environments, with broad adaptation from west to east across diverse soil types and growing conditions. This variety sets a new standard for Hi-Gest® now packing increased yield while maintaining the the improved quality expectation.
The Forage First® 5 Series by DLF features high-quality alfalfa varieties, continuing the legacy of previous seed suppliers. With proven genetics and exceptional yield, quality, and digestibility, it supports dairy and livestock production, backed by expert support and innovative research.
Hi-Gest® alfalfa is conventionally bred for enhanced fiber digestibility and forage quality, resulting in improved animal intake and increased milk or meat production. The elite genetics include a high leaf-to-stem ratio, more crude protein, and added flexibility on the farm as growers can choose to delay harvest and increase yield potential without sacrificing quality.
Key features
- Newest Hi-Gest® technology with improved yield, best positioned where high quality/ digestibility feed is demanded
- Higher leaf to stem ratio, crude protein, and digestibility allows producer to harvest at normal cutting schedule for higher quality or delay harvest up to 7 days to increase yield potential
- Upgraded disease package with multi-race Aphanomyces (HR) for superior persistence in challenging environments
- Positions well west to east where the highest quality potential, and performance is demanded across a wide range of soil types and growing conditions
- Product of conventional plant breeding that features 5-8% higher leaf to stem ratio, improved fiber digestibitlity, and better animal performance when compared to other conventional varieties
General Characteristics
Seeding Information
Pest and Disease Resistance
| % Resistant Plants | Resistance Class | Class Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| > 50 % | High Resistance | HR |
| 31 – 50 % | Resistant | R |
| 15 – 30 % | Moderate Resistance | MR |
| 6 – 14 % | Low Resistance | LR |
| < 5 % | Susceptible | S |
StandFast FastGrowth ratings are calculated from weekly measurements of varieties grown side‑by‑side from green‑up to harvest through the growing season. Expressed as average centimeters of growth per day.
| Average cm / day | Growth Rating |
|---|---|
| > 2.20 | Very Fast |
| > 2.00 | Fast |
| > 1.80 | Average |
| > 1.60 | Slow |
| < 1.60 | Very Slow |