The UF/IFAS Cool-Season Forages Variety Trial is a partnership between the UF/IFAS Forage Team, forage breeders and the seed industry, to test commercially available and experimental small grains (rye, oat, triticale, wheat and barley) and annual ryegrass varieties. Data from these trials can help forage breeders and managers to assess performance of improved materials and monitor disease resistance breakdown.
- Cool-Season Forage Variety Recommendations
- Cool-Season Forages Official Variety Trial Reports
- Cool-Season Forage Variety Trials Results
The UF/IFAS Silage Hybrid Trial is a partnership between UF/IFAS Animal Sciences and Agronomy with the UGA Variety Testing Program and multiple seed companies to evaluate the productivity and nutritive value of forage crops in Florida and Georgia. The data generated by the program is used by farmers in both states in decision-making for seed selection. Since 2008, the Silage Hybrid Trial has tested over 600 hybrids of corn and sorghum, partnering with more than 50 companies and seed brands. The trials are open to any company marketing corn, sorghum, sorghum x sudan, millet hybrids or other forages in Florida and Georgia.
We have been helping industry and producers to test and choose silage materials for Florida and surrounding states. Since its launch, website visits to our Silage Hybrid Decision Tool have steadily increased. Nearly half of these visits occurred between January and mid-March, just before the corn planing season, highlighting the tool's importance in guiding producers' decisions.
Survey results suggest that data from our Corn Silage Trials influence hybrid selection on at least 20% of Florida's silage acreage. By supporting more informed decision-making, these trials have contributed an estimated $9 million in added value to the state's dairy industry. Producers selecting top-performing hybrids based on trial data have seen milk yield increases of approximately 1,800 lb/A compared to average-performing hybrids.
An event organized by UF and UGA Tifton Forage teams focusing on silage production. Each year, the field day brings together dairy producers, beef producers, forage growers, allied forage industries, and Extension faculty to explore new materials and technologies for corn and sorghum production. The field day includes tours of the hybrid trials, educational talks on silage production, and a trade show connecting producers and industry partners. The field days are normally hosted at the end of May or the beginning of June in Florida and Georgia, in alternate years.
The next field day in Florida will be held in 2026!
The Cow Talks Podcast with Dr. Marcelo Wallau features numerous episodes highlighting important topics regarding Cool-Season Forage Varieties and the Seed Market in Florida.