2018 Michigan Forage Variety Test Report now available

Philip Kaatz<kaatz@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension - February 27, 2019

Report helps producers in selecting varieties to optimize forage production.

Grass variety trial — MSU grass variety trial. Photo by Phil Kaatz, MSU Extension.

Michigan is home to a diverse agriculture community and forage crops are integrated into many of these different types of operations. While the weather is one factor producers cannot control, there are other factors where producers can make decisions that will have a high impact on profitability.

Selecting and using improved forage varieties for better yield per acre is recommended by Michigan State University Extension. Many forage producers are faced with competition with other crops for limited agricultural acreage, and so optimizing forage production yield and efficiency per acre is critical for long-term economic viability. To assist producers in selecting well-adapted and productive forage varieties, the 2018 Michigan Forage Variety Test Report is now available at the MSU Forage Connection website.

The Michigan Forage Variety Test Report includes 2018 yield trials for alfalfa, annual grasses and perennial forage grasses conducted at East Lansing, Chatham and Lake City, Michigan. The long-term yield averages for alfalfa, annual and perennial forage grasses and red clover varieties can also be found dating back to 2006. Fall dormancy ratings, winter survival index and disease resistance ratings for alfalfa cultivars and planting recommendations for perennial grasses are included to guide hay and livestock producers.

For more information, contact Kim Cassida, MSU forage specialist, at cassida@msu.edu or Phil Kaatz at 810-667-0341 or kaatz@msu.edu.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).