Forage species and variety selection
Find guidance on how to choose the right forage legumes, grasses and mixes for your farm, as well as distinguish among various species.
Variety trials
Alfalfa field crop variety trials - The yield potential of alfalfa varieties is continually evaluated in research trials at the University of Minnesota. The trials use recommended soil fertility and pest control practices to optimize alfalfa yield and persistence.
Other forage crops - Several forage crops have been included in past Minnesota Field Crop Trials. Examples include legumes such as birdsfoot trefoil and clovers and forage grasses such as bromegrass, orchardgrass, and timothy.
Corn silage - The Minnesota Hybrid Corn Silage Evaluation Program evaluates the silage potential of corn hybrids in Minnesota. The program provides unbiased forage yield and quality information for educational and marketing programs.
Identifying and selecting forages
Perennial Forage Species Selection Tool - A tool for Midwest producers to help determine what perennial forages to plant for their operations based upon soil type, purpose, management style, and livestock species.
Benefits of legume-grass mixtures
Forage legumes
Forage grasses
- Alternative annual forages: Warm-season grasses
- Identifying common cool-season perennial pasture grasses
- Managing perennial cool-season forage grasses in Minnesota
- Sorghum-sudangrass and teff as summer forages for livestock systems
Emergency forages
- Cover crop resources
- Emergency forages: Warm-season grasses
- Prevented plant: Cover crop and forage options