Developing an Alfalfa CD-ROM and WWW Information System

David B. Hannaway, Dept. of Crop & Soil Science, Oregon State Univ., Corvallis, OR 97331-3002; Dan Undersander, Department of Agronomy, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706; Dan Putnam, Department of Agronomy & Range Science, Univ. of California, Davis, CA 95616; Garry Lacefield, West Kentucky Research & Education Center, Univ. of Kentucky, Princeton, KY 42445; Neal P. Martin, Department of Agronomy & Plant Genetics, Univ. of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108; John Caddel, Department of Agronomy, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078

This project will develop an educational CD-ROM and WWW segment for alfalfa production, management, marketing, and utilization. These products will be useful for all individuals involved in marketing, advising farmers and ranchers, and producing or using alfalfa. University alfalfa experts from across the US will develop materials in concert with industry experts and experienced alfalfa producers. Experts will be organized into regional teams to assure that geographical, climate, and soil "agroecozone" differences are included in management recommendations. This will result in a comprehensive multimedia information resource (including text, graphics, full color pictures, video and audio segments, and instructor materials) for technically correct and up-to-date information readily available and easy-to-use. Topics will include variety selection; establishment (no-till and traditional techniques); growth and development; fertility, harvest, grazing, irrigation, and pest (weed, insect, disease, nematode, vertebrate) management; hay quality and testing; silage making; utilization by dairy, beef, sheep, horses, and other livestock and wildlife; marketing and production statistics, university and industry contacts, references, and alfalfa-related organizations. The CD will contain active links to the WWW for rapidly changing information. Yearly updates will be available at a reduced cost following initial purchase. Development will require a combination of alfalfa-related agribusiness sponsorship and USDA grant funding. A prototype is available for inspection at the following URL:http://www.forages.css.orst.edu/Topics/Species/Legumes/Alfalfa/AISDS/