Trial Sites: Fairview Research Farm (PCBFA), North Star (NPARA) & Fort Vermillion (MARA)
Collaborators: Tom Fromme, North Peace Applied Research Association (NPARA)
Jacob Marfo & Sabrina Westra, Mackenzie Applied Research Association (MARA)
From: Peace Country Beef & Forage Association 2016 Annual Report
In the Peace Country region, winter feeding costs make up the bulk of the overall cost of production for cow-calf producers. There are many different traditional ways to extend the grazing season, which include swath grazing and bale grazing. Benefits from extending the grazing season include reducing winter feed costs, improving manure distribution, decreasing fertilizer costs, reducing labour and time spent feeding, increasing soil organic matter content, yardage cost savings and improving animal performance and health. Corn grazing is increasing in the region as an option for producers looking to reduce feed costs per cow per day and to extend the grazing season into the fall and winter months. The objective of this trial was to test corn varieties with low heat unit requirements for suitability for silage/grazing at 3 different locations in the Peace. We have always tested Roundup Ready corn hybrids, but for this trial, we have included some conventional non-Roundup Ready, open-pollinated and organic type varieties. This would enable us to identify and select alter-native corn varieties to Roundup Ready corn types.
Methods
The variety trial was carried out at 3 sites (Fairview (PCBFA), North Star (NPARA) & Fort Vermillion (MARA)).
Experimental Design: Randomized complete block design with 4 replicates.
Treatments (corn varieties): a total of 23 corn hybrids/varieties were used. Varieties used consisted of 17 roundup ready corn varieties, 5 conventional hybrids and an open pollinated variety (see Table 2).