Alfalfa is the most widely cultivated crop in California. Grown on more than 1 million acres from the Imperial Valley to the Oregon border, it reaps more than $800 million annually. Not only is alfalfa a key cash crop, it also is the most important feed crop for the state's dairy herds and is crucial to the horse, sheep and beef industries. Alfalfa growers from throughout the state will gather Dec. 8 and 9 at the Radisson Hotel in Visalia for the 23rd annual California Alfalfa Symposium. UC farm advisors and researchers, and industry representatives will discuss improved alfalfa varieties, water marketing, hay harvesting equipment, improved pest management, winter forage production, fertilization and analyzing hay quality.