In an attempt to find the optimum time of sowing for lucerne to manage insect pests to achieve a maximum yield of green fodder, sowing in early November, yielded the maximum, related to the least damaging intensity of leafhoppers, lucerne weevil and aphids, the optimal time for vegetative growth and the temperature and humidity. Other sowings gave a poor yield. Variety IGFRI‐244, was less attractive to these pests than variety, S‐932, and yielded more green fodder.