Alberta farmers and ranchers will soon have access to expanded silage crop research, thanks to a $650,000 investment from Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR). The funding, which includes $610,000 from the federal and provincial governments through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership and an additional $40,000 from Alberta Beef Producers (ABP), will extend Silage Crop Regional Variety Trials (RVTs) across the province for the next three years.
The trials, led by Alberta Seed Processors, aim to provide producers with critical data on the performance of silage and green feed crops. Following successful trials in 2023 and 2024, the initiative will expand to include additional test sites and new crops such as fall rye and corn. Researchers will also explore ways to present crop yield and nutrient stability data, helping farmers assess production risks associated with specific varieties.
Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay said the initiative will help Alberta producers make more informed decisions.
“Every day, producers make tough choices to protect their businesses, land, and livestock. We’re committed to ensuring Alberta’s farmers and ranchers have the information they need to expand their operations and boost their bottom line,” MacAulay said.
Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson, emphasized the importance of silage as a feed source.
“Silage is increasingly critical to Alberta farms. The investments and progress in RVTs are significant, and I’m pleased to see RDAR’s commitment extended and leveraged across the province. This research will provide essential, practical data to help farmers improve yields and reduce costs,” Sigurdson said.
RDAR CEO Mark Redmond said early results from the trials demonstrated their value.
“The promising initial findings encouraged RDAR to expand this initiative. Our goal is to equip Alberta producers with the insights they need to make informed crop selection decisions and enhance productivity,” Redmond said.
The trials are part of the Canadian Beef Cattle Research and Technology Transfer Strategy, a five-year program aimed at improving feed efficiency and adoption of new technologies. Alongside field trials, researchers will increase outreach efforts by developing feed calculators, example diets, webinars, and seed data interpretation guides.
The Alberta Regional Variety Advisory Committee (ARVAC) Silage Subcommittee will continue vetting data before publication in the Alberta Seed Guide, ensuring producers receive reliable information.
Alberta Seed Processors General Manager Monica Klaas acknowledged the efforts behind the initiative and welcomed new leadership for the project.
“This project will provide significant benefits to the beef, cropping, and dairy industries. We want to recognize Dr. Sheri Strydhorst, the past project coordinator, for her leadership in making this happen. Moving forward, we’re excited to welcome Western Crop Innovations as the new project coordinator to continue driving progress,” Klaas said.
Silage RVT results are available in the Alberta Seed Guide at seed.ab.ca. More information on the Canadian Beef Cattle Research and Technology Transfer Strategy can be found at beefresearch.ca.
