2021/2022 Regional Silage Variety Trials
Alberta’s applied research and forage associations ran trials to assess the performance of varieties for silage production. These silage regional variety trials were coordinated by Chinook Applied Research Association (CARA) and Lakeland Agricultural Research Association in 2021 and 2022 as the program transitioned away from provincial government coordination. CARA’s leadership is greatly appreciated. Due to the complications of heat and drought in 2021, there was only limited data and updated tables were unavailable for publication in the spring 2022 edition of the Alberta Seed Guide. The tables presented here are the first publication of the limited 2021 and new 2022 silage regional variety trial data. Pulse/cereal and winter/spring cereal mixes, as well as some alternatives to traditional annual forages, have been evaluated at select sites during the past few years, but data was too variable for inclusion in these tables.
Varieties in the 2021 and/or 2022 trials:
Barley: AB Advantage, AB Cattlelac, AB Hague, AB Prime, AB Tofield, AB Wrangler, Altorado, Amisk, Canmore, CDC Austenson, CDC Bow, CDC Churchill, CDC Cowboy, CDC Fraser, CDC Maverick, CDC Renegade, Claymore, Esma, KWS Kellie, Oreana, Stockford, Sundre
Oats: AAC Douglas, AC Juniper, AC Morgan, CDC Arborg, CDC Baler, CDC Endure, CDC Haymaker, CDC Nasser, CDC S0-1, CS Camden, Murphy, ORe3542M
Triticale and Wheat: AAC Awesome VB, AAC Delight, AAC Paramount VB, AB Stampeder, AC Andrew, Bunker, KWS Alderon, Sadash VB, Sunray, Taza, WPB Whistler
Participating Organizations
Battle River Research Group, Forestburg, Alta. (780) 582-7308
Chinook Applied Research Association, Oyen, Alta. (403) 664-3777
Gateway Research Organization, Westlock, Alta. (780) 349-4546
Lakeland Agricultural Research Association, Bonnyville, Alta. (780) 826-7260
Mackenzie Applied Research Association, Fort Vermilion, Alta. (780) 927-3776
North Peace Applied Research Association, Manning, Alta. (780) 836-3354
Peace Country Beef and Forage, Fairview, Alta. (780) 835-6799
West Central Forage Association, Sangudo, Alta. (780) 785-3411, ext. 3621
Major Sponsors
A & L Canada Laboratories Inc.
Barley, Oat, Wheat and Triticale Seed Provided by:
Alliance Seed, Canterra Seeds, Fabian Seeds, FP Genetics, Mastin Seeds, Proven Seed/Nutrien Ag Solutions Inc., SeCan, SeedNet Inc., Solick Seeds
Trial Information
The barley, oats, and triticale/wheat silage regional variety trials were planted at recommended seeding density rates with recommended fertility. Yield data should only be compared with the check variety. The information is presented as compared to the check variety (in bold). Yield of the test varieties are expressed as wet tons/ac (i.e., 65 per cent moisture, typical of silage production). Data sets which did not pass minimum statical quality and experimental standards were excluded.
Test Yield Categories
Historically, silage yields have been presented in three ways. First, the overall provincial yield. Second, yield in different geographic growing areas of the province. Third, in low, medium and high yield categories.
Due to re-structuring the silage RVTs, yield data is only presented if there are six site-years of data. Due to limited amounts of data in some yield categories, only overall provincial yield will be presented. This change has been made to reflect the practice used for the grain yield data. Yield data from fewer than six site-years can be very misleading which is why the change has been made to only present yield data where is there are at least six site-years of data, from several sites, to represent the potential of a variety.
It should also be noted that yields are from small plot trials, which can be higher than yields expected under commercial production.
Additional information about variety traits, including disease tolerance ratings, are available in the wheat grain tables of the Alberta Seed Guide.
Nutritional Analysis
Nutrition information was assessed using NIRS for macro-nutrient assessments and wet chemistry for the micro-nutrients. Nutritional data is presented on a dry matter basis. CP = Crude Protein; TDN = total digestible nutrient; Ca = calcium; P = phosphorous; K = Potassium; Mg = Magnesium. It is important to assess silage for nutritional value of samples that will be fed to attain accurate feed data. Nutritional data presented here are for the purpose of variety comparison information rather than feed calculations.
