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Utilization of alfalfa could be greatly improved if the protein-rich leaves were efficiently separated and preserved from the fibrous stems. This work envisions a new harvest scheme combining three processes: mechanical leaf separation, pressing, and anaerobic storage. To quantify the effectiveness of leaf dewatering, experiments were conducted in which leaves were pressed in a replicated factorial design, including maceration and four levels of backpressure. The amount of press filtrate extracted varied proportionally with press backpressure from 211 to 612 L Mg-1 fresh leaves and was composed of about 90% water. The resulting partially dewatered leaves were successfully ensiled and were found to be chemically similar to high-quality, whole-plant alfalfa silages. Additionally, we demonstrated that nutritionally valuable components in the press filtrate could be conserved by anaerobic storage. Based on our work, protein and lactic acid could be obtained from the ensiled press filtrate in quantities as high as 300 and 143 kg ha-1, assuming an average annual leaf yield of 10 Mg ha-1 and optimal process conditions. However, more work is necessary to determine these values.