ONE of the region's agricultural colleges is fighting low milk prices by planting a crop selected to reduce feed costs.

Dominic Naylor, farm manager at Bishop Burton College, near Beverley, has planted 19 acres of lucerne, also known as alfalfa.

Although traditionally difficult to establish, it is suited to the drought-prone East Riding as the long tap root reaches deep into the soil for moisture.

Mr Naylor said: "This crop is the ideal solution. Not only is it suited to the dry weather the region normally enjoys, its drought resistancy will ensure there is still plenty of forage available during drier periods."

Grown primarily for haylage, lucerne helps the rumen work at optimum levels and adds structure to the diet.

At 22 per cent protein and with high mineral levels, it will provide high-quality cattle feed at a time of escalating costs.

As a nitrogen fixer, it also provides savings by not requiring a nitrogen fertiliser application.

The crop was drilled at 20kgs per hectare at the end of April, when establishment was a struggle because of a two-week drought. It also had competition from mayweed and thistles.

However, the crop is now well-established and should last up to five years, providing savings on establishment costs.

Mr Naylor plans to get at least one cut off it this month and four to five in subsequent years.