The results of the 2024 Kansas Performance Tests for cool-season annual forage varieties are now available online. You can access the detailed findings at K-State Agronomy's crop performance tests page (https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/outreach-and-services/crop-performance-tests/forages/hay-and-silage/). The results are organized by location, covering Garden City, Hays, and Scandia. Currently, yield results are only available for these cool-season forages, but quality results will be released soon.
These annual forage performance tests are conducted by the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station (Figure 1). The primary objectives of these variety trials are to evaluate the performance of both released and experimental varieties, determine their adaptability to different locations, and enhance the visibility and understanding of cool-season annual forages in Kansas. The data collected from these trials is invaluable for breeders, marketers, and producers, aiding them in making informed decisions about variety selection.
This important research is funded in part by the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station and contributions from seed suppliers. We extend our sincere appreciation to all participating researchers and seed suppliers who contribute to advancing and promoting annual forage production across the United States.
Figure 1. Harvesting a forage variety trial at the Southwest Research and Extension Center in Garden City, KS. Photo from John Holman, K-State Research and Extension.
John Holman, Cropping Systems Agronomist, Southwest Research-Extension Center
jholman@ksu.edu
Augustine Obour, Agricultural Research Center – Hays
aobour@ksu.edu
Scott Dooley, Agronomist-in-Charge, North Central Kansas Experiment Field
sjdooley@ksu.edu
Jane Lingenfelser, Assistant Agronomist, Crop Performance Testing
jling@ksu.edu
Tags: Performance Tests forage variety selection cool-season