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Abstract. When harvesting alfalfa, a swather feeds cut alfalfa through a crimper to decrease drying time. A faster dry-down time is desirable because it reduces plant stress (e.g., less etiolation, earlier irrigation), and minimizes the chance of the crop being rained on which decreases hay quality. Crimper systems can reduce drying time, but they can also increase dry matter loss. Few studies have examined the performance of specific crimper systems. This study looks at three crimper systems to determine which works best in a cold, semi-arid climate. Utilizing a randomized complete block design (RCBD), the three crimper systems were evaluated: 1) single rubber roller (SR); 2) high contact roller [smooth roller] (HC); and, 3) single metal roller without auger (SM). After harvest, in one randomly selected block, a cross-section of one windrow for each treatment was taken for visual assessment of crimping. Forage samples were also taken from each plot to determine dry-down time immediately after cutting and each day until baling. The forage was baled within 24 hours of being dry enough. The SR and HC treatments were baled after four days while SM treatment was baled six days after harvest. Core samples were taken from the bales and analyzed using NIR Expanded Equations. From the NIR analysis the SM and SR conditioners were statistically better (P < 0.05) than the HC conditioner for Relative Feed Value (RFV), Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN), and Protein.