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.
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
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
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:
