West-Central Forage Association

Corn Variety Trials



leafy corn silage (5).JPG

Corn Variety Trials 

Corn is a high energy feed with protein levels that will normally match the nutritional needs of a dry cow in mid and late pregnancy. It also has the potential to produce more dry matter than tame hay or forage cereals. By replacing other forms of feed with standing corn, labour and machinery use costs are reduced as no summer feed harvesting is required and winter supplemental feeding is limited.

WCFA has conducted several corn variety trials to evaluate the performance of a number of silage and grazing corn varieties in the west-central region of Alberta in an effort to provide valuable local information to cattle producers intending to grow corn for winter grazing or silage. 



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2019 Trial Information

Four varieties were evaluated at the Brazeau Research site (NW 14-49-09- W5) in 2019. 

Variety Corn Heat Units (CHU)
LR 99S77 RR 2310
LR 9073 RR 2200
PV 60075 2125
De Dell Defrost 2000

Plots were seeded on June 14, using a John Deere corn planter at a rate of 30,000 seeds/acre.  Plots were 10x20 meters consisting of 12 rows spaced at 30”.  On October 2, 2019 composite feed quality samples were collected. Samples were submitted to A&L Canada Laboratories Inc. (A&L) for feed quality testing. Sampling for yield was intended but plants did not mature due to cool, wet growing season and an early frost.  

To view the full report please download the PDF below: 

2019 Corn Variety Trial Report 

 

2018 Trial Information

Seven varieties were evaluated at the Wildwood Research site (SE 27-53-09- W5) in 2018. 

Variety Corn Heat Units (CHU)
2320 2300
LR 9573 2200
LR 9473 2150
LR 9972 (Conventional) 2150
GS Leafy Silage (Conventional) 2200-2700
CM 440 (Conventional) 1950
CM 16N20 (Conventional) 2100

Plots were seeded to a prepared seedbed on May 23, 2018 with a John Deere corn planter (20m long, 12 rows at 30 in spacing). Plant counts and yield data were collected October 3, 2018. Samples were sent to A&L Canada Labs for quality analysis. 

To view the full report please download the PDF below:

 2018 Corn Variety Trial Report

 

2017 Trial Information

Four varieties were evaluated at the Wildwood Research site (SE 27-53-09- W5) in 2017.

Variety Corn Heat Units (CHU)
TH 4126 2250
CM440 (Conventional) 2100
PS 2219 RR 2175
LR 9473 2150

Plots were seeded to a prepared seed bed on May 31, 2017 with a John Deere corn planter (20m long, 12 rows at 30in spacing). Plant counts and yield data were collected September 27, 2017. Samples were sent to A&L Canada Labs for quality analysis. 

To view the full report please download the PDF below:

2017 Corn Variety Trial Report