2025 Forage Variety Trials Report

The report includes results from alfalfa, clovers, perennial cool-season grasses, annual cool-season grasses, annual warm-season grasses, and short-lived winter forages and cover crops established at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, as well as alfalfa trials at the Southeast Research and Extension Center at Landisville.

Forage Growing Conditions and Insect Pressure

The 2025 growing season at Rock Springs began with normal temperatures and adequate soil moisture in late March and April. We used recent historical climate data from The Pennsylvania State Climatologist program as a reference to compare with 2025 weather conditions, accounting for ongoing forage crop growth conditions (Figure 1). Precipitation in March, April, and May exceeded historical averages (2.56 vs. 1.88 inches; 3.98 vs. 2.85 inches; and 7.96 vs. 4.01 inches, respectively). Average temperatures were slightly higher than long-term norms (43.1°F vs. 41.1°F in March, 51.3°F vs. 49.1°F in April, and 57.8°F vs. 57.4°F in May). Rainy weather persisted through mid-July, followed by drought conditions in late July, August, and mid-September (5.04 vs 4.37 inches in June, 4.72 vs 3.71 inches in July, 2.1 vs 3.45 inches in August, 3.36 vs 4.02 inches in September and 2.96 vs 2.00 inches in October ).

Figure 1. Temperature and rainfall at Rock Springs.

Annual cool-season grasses and alfalfa were seeded on April 24–25, with successful germination and establishment. Short-lived winter forages, cover crops seeded in fall 2024, and perennial cool-season grasses and alfalfa established prior to 2025 benefited from favorable soil moisture and temperatures in April and May. These conditions promoted strong early growth before the drought, resulting in first-cut yields that were comparable to or exceeded those of previous years. However, hay production was challenging due to the persistent rainfall in May, June, and July.

Although scattered showers and thunderstorms in mid-August alleviated drought conditions, the drought conditions still reduced the yield of the second and third cut of perennial forages. Sorghum, sudangrass, and sorghum-sudan hybrids were seeded on June 13 and performed well throughout the season.

Weather variability remained a constant challenge for forage producers. While making dry hay in May, June, and July was difficult, advanced technologies—such as green chopping, baleage, and silage—offered practical solutions for managing wet forages.

At Landisville, precipitation levels in March, April, May, and June were higher than historical averages. Alfalfa yielded well in the first, second cuts and third cuts but suffered from drought stress between late July and October.

In terms of insect pressure, alfalfa weevils were not overly active during the first cut at either location, so no pesticides were applied. Early harvest served as the primary control strategy. Potato leafhoppers appeared after the first cut, prompting pesticide applications for the second cut at Rock Springs. Maintaining a consistent four-week harvest schedule helped minimize damage from potato leafhoppers.

Criteria for Reporting Varieties

Many varieties listed in this report are eligible for certification by seed-certifying agencies and are marketed in Pennsylvania (see Tables 1, 9, 11, 13, 18, 20, 23). Some entries are experimental lines and may or may not be marketed in the future. Proprietary and public varieties are included; blends and "commons" are generally not included, with a few exceptions.

Interpreting Yield Data and Stand Scores

Yield summaries and stand scores for individual trials appear in Tables 2–8, 10, 12, 14–17, 19, 21, 22, and 24. Although approximately 180 entries are tested, many represent advanced experimental varieties not yet available in Pennsylvania. Once these entries are officially named and marketed in Pennsylvania, they will appear in future reports. Experimental alfalfa entries that become named varieties are footnoted and will be included only if entered as commercial varieties in subsequent trials.

Varieties are ranked based on yield performance. The report presents current-year yields, cumulative yields from previous years, and average yields over the life of the stand. Evaluating both multi-year averages and current-year yields is essential because three to four years of data offer more reliable guidance for long-term forage rotations.

Stand scores represent a visual estimate of ground cover within the seeding row and are recorded after the final fall harvest. Scores range from 1 to 100, with 100 indicating a perfect stand score. This metric is useful for assessing varietal persistence and stand longevity.

When comparing varieties, differences are statistically meaningful only when they exceed the least significant difference (LSD). The LSD represents the minimum difference required between two varieties for a 95% confidence level that the difference is not due to chance. For example, if variety A yields 0.50 tons/acre more than variety B, that difference is significant only if the LSD is 0.50 or less. If the LSD is 0.51 or greater, the difference cannot be considered statistically meaningful under the given conditions.

The coefficient of variation (CV) measures relative variability and provides insight into the trial precision. In grain and forage trials, CV values for yield often range between 5% and 20%. Acceptable CV levels vary by trait. As CV increases, confidence in the reliability of the results decreases. Uncontrollable variation in soil fertility, drainage, and other environmental factors contributes to higher CV values.

Alfalfa

Many alfalfa varieties exist; selecting the appropriate variety is an important management decision. This report lists performance data for those varieties in the Penn State Alfalfa Variety Testing Program. Evaluation trials include both commercially available and advanced experimental varieties. Trials are initiated each year at the Rock Springs and Landisville research stations. In each trial, yield, stand, and other data collection continue for a maximum of four years after a seeding year or until the stand becomes so depleted that data collection is no longer worthwhile.

Trials at both locations are established on well-drained Hagerstown silt loam soils. Major site differences are likely reflected in the longer growing season, slightly elevated temperatures, and a tendency toward late summer drought at the Landisville site.

Keep in mind a few points when evaluating the alfalfa variety performance data:

• Selection of a variety based on yield performance alone is generally less satisfactory than selections that also consider stand score and pest resistance.
• Conditions on most farms are such that several varieties may perform nearly equally. It is usually not necessary to rely on a single variety.
• No variety, regardless of its excellence, can thrive under poor management. Good management considers all aspects of alfalfa production, including seedbed preparation, soil fertility management, lime and fertilizer application, seeding methods and timing, pest control, harvest frequency and timing, storage, and post-harvest treatment. Many modern varieties are adapted to intensive management.

Fall Dormancy

Fall dormancy ratings of alfalfa range from one (very dormant) to eleven (having no dormancy), but ratings above nine are uncommon. Varieties with less fall dormancy (higher numerical rating) regreen earlier in the spring, regrow faster after each harvest, and exhibit greater growth in the fall compared to those with more fall dormancy (lower numerical rating).

Pest Resistance

Disease and insect resistance may be the most important attributes of an alfalfa variety. The ratings for pest resistance given in this report can serve as a good indicator of a variety’s potential performance in your area. Be aware of your pest resistance needs and choose the appropriate varieties.

Sclerotinia stem and crown rot is a severe concern to growers throughout the state because there is little plant resistance to the disease. Late-summer no-till seedings seem to be more susceptible to the disease. Newly established seedlings are very susceptible to infection in the fall when the fungus is active. Plants are attacked rapidly by the pathogen and die the following spring. Plants established in the spring are more resistant to the pathogen and are less severely damaged. The fungus survives as hard, black structures (sclerotia) on or near the soil surface. In the fall, sclerotia produce spores that cause infection. Plowing buries sclerotia, thus reducing inoculum and subsequent infection.

Resistance to Aphanomyces can be found in some of the newest varieties. Aphanomyces euteiches is a soilborne fungus with behavior and requirements similar to Phytophthora. It is a wet-soil seedling pathogen and can be expected to thrive under cool, waterlogged conditions. Resistance may be beneficial when growing alfalfa on poorly drained soils. More specific information about many alfalfa diseases is included in the current Penn State Agronomy Guide.

The crown and root rot complex is still a problem. Because of the complexity of the pathogens involved, resistance to this disease is not very high in any variety. Good management slows the progress of this disease. More specific information is included in the current Penn State Agronomy Guide.

Plant breeders develop alfalfa varieties by selecting from genetically diverse populations. Within such populations, individual plants may vary widely in their response to a particular disease or insect. Some may be highly resistant, and others very susceptible. A particular pest resistance rating usually reflects the response of the majority of plants in the variety. In our trials, varieties with the most pest resistance ratings of moderate or higher have usually shown better long-term performance.

Guidelines for Selecting Alfalfa Varieties

To select alfalfa varieties based on the trial results, follow these suggestions:

1. Determine the trial site that most resembles your farm regarding soil and growing season. Performance data of varieties at this site are likely to provide more relevant selection information.
2. Look at the performances of the varieties at both trial sites. Varieties that do equally well at both sites probably are adapted to a wider range of environmental conditions.
3. Performance data over several years can be very useful in selecting a variety because some varieties seem to decline more rapidly with age than others.
4. The most recent harvest-year data should receive major consideration for long-term rotations. If you plan to harvest alfalfa for three years or less, then high performance during early years should be given major consideration.
5. Disease- and pest-resistance ratings should be examined in relation to yield, especially if your area is known to have problems with alfalfa diseases and pests. For example, Phytophthora root rot resistance may be exceptionally important on farms with moderately to poorly drained soils.

Table 1 lists the marketers of alfalfa varieties included in this report, as well as the report table numbers in which the varieties appear. Also included are fall dormancy ratings and selected disease- and insect-resistance ratings. Tables 2 through 8 offer guidelines for assessing the production potential of various alfalfa varieties.

Fall dormancy ratings of alfalfa range from one (very dormant) to eleven (having no dormancy). Varieties that are less fall dormant (higher numerical rating) regreen earlier in the spring, regrow faster after each harvest, and exhibit greater growth in the fall compared to those varieties with more fall dormancy (lower numerical rating).

BW = Bacterial Wilt, VW = Verticillium Wilt, FW = Fusarium Wilt, AN = Anthracnose, PRR = Phytophthora Root Rot, APH1 = Aphanomyces Race 1. Resistance Key (%): S = 0 to 5 %; LR = 6 to 14 %; MR = 15 to 30 %; R = 31 to 50 %; HR = 51 % or greater. If the resistance rating for a variety is not listed, the information is not available.

The Fall Dormancy and Pest Resistance Ratings in this table are from the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance and/or the Alfalfa variety breeder and have not been verified by Penn State.

Alfalfa Marketers Listed in This Report

Albert Lea Seed
1414 W Main St, PO Box 127
Albert Lea, MN 56007
Phone: 800-352-5247
alseed.com

America's Alfalfa
1423 11th Ave N
Nampa, ID 83687
Phone: 208-466-3568
www.americasalfalfa.com

DLF USA
33080 Red Bridge Road,
Albany, OR 97322
Phone: 541-369-2251
us.dlf.com

Forage Genetics International
1897 195th St
Boone, IA 50036
Phone: 515-432-9115
www.foragegenetics.com

Forage First 5 Series by DLF
2541 Commerce St.
La Crosse, WI 54603
Phone: 877-560-5181
us.dlf.com/la-crosse-seed/forage/brands/5-series

Growmark FS
Loucks Mill Rd
York, PA 17402
Phone: 800-338-4769
www.gromarkfs.com

King's Agriseeds
1828 Freedom Rd #101
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: 717-687-6224
www.kingsagriseeds.com

Legacy Seeds
290 Depot Street, P.O. Box 68
Scandinavia, WI 54977
Phone: 866-791-6390
legacyseeds.com

Mountain View Seeds
8955 Sunnyview Rd NE
Salem, OR 97305
Phone: 503-588-7333
www.mtviewseeds.com

Pioneer Hi-Bred (by DLF)
68 Industrial Rd
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Phone: 717-653-5605
www.pioneer.com

S&W Seed Company
7108 N Fresno St Ste 380
Fresno, CA, 93720
Phone: 559-884-2535
www.swseedco.com

Seedway
275 N 8th St
Mifflinburg, PA 17844
Phone: 800-338-2137
www.seedway.com

*Not commercially available.

CV = coefficient of variation.

LSD = least significant difference.

The trial was seeded on April 23, 2021.

Yields are given in tons per acre on a dry matter basis.

RCBD, 4 reps, analyzed with R.

Entries are ranked in order of decreasing yield based on the four-year average.

Stand score based on a scale from 1 to 100. A 100 is considered to be a perfect stand.

*Not commercially available.

†PLH-R Score: Best (No Damage) = 5 and Worst (Damage) = 1. The two-year average is 2022 and 2023 combined.

CV = coefficient of variation.

LSD = least significant difference.

The trial was seeded on April 23, 2021.

Yields are given in tons per acre on a dry matter basis.

RCBD, 4 reps, analyzed with R.

Entries are ranked in order of decreasing yield based on the four-year average.

Stand score based on a scale from 1 to 100. A 100 is considered to be a perfect stand.

*Not commercially available.

CV = coefficient of variation.

LSD = least significant difference.

The trial was seeded on April 28, 2022.

Yields are given in tons per acre on a dry matter basis.

RCBD, 4 reps, analyzed with R.

Entries are ranked in order of decreasing yield based on the three-year average.

Stand score based on a scale from 1 to 100. A 100 is considered to be a perfect stand.

* Not commercially available.

CV = coefficient of variation.

LSD = least significant difference.

The trial was seeded on August 24, 2023.

Yields are given in tons per acre on a dry matter basis.

Entries are ranked in order of decreasing yield based on the two-year average.

RCBD, 4 reps, analyzed with R.

Stand score based on a scale from 1 to 100. A 100 is considered to be a perfect stand.

* Not commercially available.

CV = coefficient of variation.

LSD = least significant difference.

The trial was seeded on August 26, 2024.

Yields are given in tons per acre on a dry matter basis.

RCBD, 4 reps, analyzed with R.

Stand score based on a scale from 1 to 100. A 100 is considered to be a perfect stand.

* Not commercially available.

CV = coefficient of variation.

LSD = least significant difference.

Yields are given in tons per acre on a dry matter basis.

The trial was seeded on April 19, 2021.

Entries are ranked in order of decreasing yield based on the four-year average.

RCBD, 4 reps, analyzed with R.

Stand score based on a scale from 1 to 100. A 100 is considered to be a perfect stand.

*Not commercially available.

CV = coefficient of variation.

LSD = least significant difference.

The trial was seeded on April 25, 2022.

Yields are given in tons per acre on a dry matter basis.

12 entries, RCBD, 4 reps, analyzed with R.

Entries are ranked in order of decreasing yield based on the three-year average.

Stand score based on a scale from 1 to 100. A 100 is considered to be a perfect stand.

Perennial Clovers

Red Clover is an excellent short-lived perennial forage species adapted to many Pennsylvania farms where soil conditions may limit the performance of alfalfa. It can produce profitable levels of highly palatable, nutritious forage. Several management practices may enhance the longevity and acceptability of red clover: 1. When harvesting direct-seeded red clover, cut before it blooms in the seeding year; 2. For most of Pennsylvania, red clover is harvested on a three-cut system; 3. Choose varieties that have adequate disease resistance for your area. See the current Penn State Agronomy Guide for specific establishment, fertilization, and harvest management recommendations.

Our trial also includes white clover varieties. While white clover is not well-suited for silage or hay production, it can make high-quality pasture and performs well in years with frequent rainfall.

The following clover trial was harvested on a three-cut system. The trial was fertilized according to Penn State soil test recommendations. Table 9 lists the clover varieties in our testing program currently marketed in Pennsylvania. Table 10 offers guidelines for assessing the production potential of various red clover varieties and white clover varieties.

Perennial Clover Marketers Listed in This Report:

AMPAC Seed
32727 OR-99E,
Tangent, OR 97389
Phone: 541-928-1651
www.ampacseed.com

Barenbrug USA
33477 OR-99E
Tangent, OR 97389
Phone: 541-926-5801
www.barusa.com

Mountain View Seeds
8955 Sunnyview Rd NE
Salem, OR 97305
Phone: 503-588-7333
www.mtviewseeds.com

Smith Seed Services
26890 Powerline Road
Halsey, OR 97348
Phone:541-369-2757
smithseed.com

*Not commercially available.

 CV = coefficient of variation.

LSD = least significant difference.

Seeded on April 25, 2023.

Yields are given in tons per acre on a dry matter basis.

RCBD, 4 reps, analyzed with R.

Entries are ranked in order of decreasing yield based on the two-year total.

Stand score based on a scale from 1 to 100. A 100 is considered to be a perfect stand.

Perennial Cool-season Grasses

Many farmers in Pennsylvania could benefit from including some perennial cool-season grasses as an integral part of their forage program. Our soil fertility management in our 2023 perennial cool-season grasses trial was designed around maintenance applications of phosphorus and potash to meet the soil test requirements. Seventy pounds of available nitrogen is applied in early April, with an additional 50 pounds applied after each harvest except for the last.

The first cutting in the perennial cool-season grasses trial was made when an individual variety reached the mid-to-late boot stage. Subsequent harvests were then made at intervals of 40 to 45 days, except the final harvest, when all the plots were harvested on the same day. All plots were harvested three to four times throughout the growing season, weather permitting, except for the establishment year.

Although production for each cut in a given year varies among species, most varieties produce one-third to one-half of the total annual production in the first cut. Yields are not greatly reduced if a three-cut system is used. Quality will be increased by early and frequent cutting. Choose a species that fits the farm’s capabilities and the operator’s management scheme. See the current Penn State Agronomy Guide for specific recommendations about establishment, fertilization, and other management considerations.

Table 11 lists perennial cool-season grass varieties in our testing program that are currently marketed in Pennsylvania or may be available in the near future (Please check with marketers for availability). Table 12 offers guidelines for assessing the production potential of various grass varieties.

Cool-Season Grass Marketers Listed in This Report:

AMPAC Seed
32727 OR-99E
Tangent, OR 97389
Phone: 541-928-1651
www.ampacseed.com

Barenbrug USA
33477 OR-99E
Tangent, OR 97389
Phone: 800-547-4101
www.barusa.com

Brett Young Seeds
Box 99 ST. Norbert P.S.
Winnipeg, MB Canada
Phone: 204-478-2202
brettyoung.ca

DLF USA
33080 Red Bridge Road, SE
Albany, OR 97322
Phone: 541-369-2251
www.dlfpickseed.com

Green Consulting Services
8324 Broken Yolk Trail
Raleigh, NC 27695
Phone: 919-609-8141
www.ncfarmfresh.com

Mountain View Seeds
8955 Sunnyview Rd NE
Salem, OR 97305
Phone: 503-588-7333
www.mtviewseeds.com

Smith Seed Services
26890 Powerline Road
Halsey, OR 97348
Phone: 541-369-2757
smithseed.com

†Not applicable due to stand establishment failure.

*Serious winter kill in 2024.

§Forage quality analysis for the first cut samples:

    CP = crude protein.

    ADF = acid detergent fiber.

    aNDF = neutral detergent fiber after starch amylase digestion.

    30-hr NDFD = 30-hour neutral detergent fiber digestibility.

    TTNDFD = total tract NDFD.

CV = coefficient of variation.

LSD = least significant difference.

All species were seeded on April 21, 2023.

Yields are given in tons per acre on a dry matter basis.

RCBD, 4 reps, analyzed with R.

Entries are ranked in order of decreasing yield based on the two-year average for each species.

Stand score based on a scale from 1 to 100. A 100 is considered to be a perfect stand.

Fall-seeded Winter Forages and Cover Crops

In fall 2024, a trial evaluating fall-seeded winter forages and cover crops was established at the Rock Springs and Landisville research locations. Planting occurred in early October, and harvest took place in spring 2025. The trial featured two harvest management systems: a single-cut system and a multi-cut system.

Cereal species were harvested using the single-cut approach, while annual ryegrasses were evaluated under both systems. Four annual ryegrass varieties were included in each. In the multi-cut system, annual ryegrass was harvested twice—first on May 20 at Landisville and on May 27 at Rock Springs, followed by a second cut on June 24  and June 20 respectively, weather permitting. In the single-cut system, varieties were harvested at the late-boot to the heading stage, except barley at the soft dough stage, depending on weather conditions. Harvesting for this trial began on May 1, 2025, and concluded on June 5, 2025.

Our soil fertility program is based on phosphorus and potash maintenance applications that are aligned with soil test recommendations. Plots received 100 pounds of nitrogen per acre at spring green-up, and, for the multi-cut system, an additional 50 pounds after the first harvest. For detailed recommendations on establishment, fertilization, and other management practices, please refer to the current Penn State Agronomy Guide.

Table 13 lists the fall-seeded winter forage and cover crop varieties included in this trial that are currently available—or may soon become available—in Pennsylvania (availability may vary; please confirm with suppliers). Tables 14 through 17 provide guidelines for assessing the production potential of these varieties.

Winter Forage and Cover Crop Marketers Listed in This Report:

Barenbrug USA
Tangent, OR 97389
Phone: 541-926-5801
www.barusa.com

DSV Zaden Nederland BV
 Neepawa, MB   R0J 1H0
Phone: 800-430-5955
www.dsv-northstar.com

KWS Cereals USA
495 County Rd 1300 N,
Champaign, IL 61822
Phone: 303-489-4265
www.kws.com

Mountain View Seeds
Salem, OR 97305
Phone: 503-588-7333
www.mtviewseeds.com

Oregon Trail Seeds
Imbler, OR 97827
Phone: 541-898-7333
www.otseeds.com

Seed Link
1010 Monarch Rd.
Lindsay ON, K9V 4R1 Canada
Phone: 705-324-4144
www.seed-link.ca

Seedway275 N 8th St
Mifflinburg, PA 17844
Phone: 800-338-2137
www.seedway.com

The Wax Company LLC
212 Front St N,
Amory, MS 38821
Phone: 662-256-3511

Virginia Crop Improvement Association
9225 Atlee Branch Lane
Mechanicsville, VA 23116
Phone: 804-472-4649

§Forage quality analysis for the first cut samples.

  CP = crude protein (%).

  ADF = acid detergent fiber (%).

  aNDF = neutral detergent fiber (%).

  30-hr NDFD = 30-hour neutral detergent fiber digestibility (%).

  TTNDFD = total tract NDFD (%).

CV=coefficient of variation.

LSD=least significant difference.

All harvest events occurred in 2025.

Yields are given in tons per acre on a dry matter basis.

Variety means are means derived from LS Means.

§Forage quality analysis for the first cut samples.

CP = crude protein (%).

ADF = acid detergent fiber (%).

aNDF = neutral detergent fiber.

30-hr NDFD = 30-hour neutral detergent fiber digestibility

TTNDFD = total tract NDFD.

CV = coefficient of variation.

LSD = least significant difference.

All harvest events occurred in 2025.

Yields are given in tons per acre on a dry matter basis.

Variety means are means derived from LS Means.

§Forage quality analysis for the first cut samples.

CP=crude protein.

ADF= Acid Detergent Fiber.

aNDF= Neutral Detergent Fiber.

30-hr NDFD= 30-hour neutral detergent fiber digestibility

TTNDFD=total tract NDFD.

CV=coefficient of variation.

LSD=least significant difference.

All harvest events occurred in 2025.

Yields are given in tons per acre on a dry matter basis.

Variety means are means derived from LS Means.

§Forage quality analysis for the first cut samples.

CP=crude protein.

ADF= Acid Detergent Fiber.

aNDF= Neutral Detergent Fiber.

30-hr NDFD= 30-hour neutral detergent fiber digestibility

TTNDFD=total tract NDFD.

CV=coefficient of variation.

LSD=least significant difference.

All harvest events occurred in 2025.

Yields are given in tons per acre on a dry matter basis.

Variety means are means derived from LS Means.

2025 Spring-seeded Annual Cool-season Grasses 

In spring 2025, a cereals trial designed to evaluate forage production potential was established at Rock Springs. Planting occurred on April 24, and each variety was harvested at the early- to mid-boot stage.

Our soil fertility program is based on phosphorus and potassium maintenance applications to meet soil test recommendations. Plots received 100 pounds of nitrogen per acre at the seedling stage. For annual ryegrass, plots received an additional 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre following each cutting. There were two cuttings for annual ryegrass this year. For specific recommendations on establishment, fertilization, and other management practices, please refer to the current Penn State Agronomy Guide.

Table 18 lists the spring-planted cereal and annual ryegrass forage varieties included in our testing program that are currently marketed in Pennsylvania or may be available in the near future (availability should be confirmed with suppliers). Table 19 provides guidelines for assessing the production potential of these cereal and annual ryegrass varieties suitable for forage production.

Annual Cool-Season Grasses Marketers Listed in This Report:

AMPAC Seed Co.
32727 OR-99E,
Tangent, OR 97389
Phone: 541-928-1651
www.ampacseed.com

Barenbrug USA
33477 OR-99E
Tangent, OR 97389
Phone: 541-926-5801
www.barusa.com

Oregon Trail Seeds
65268 Striker Ln.
Imbler, OR 97841
Phone: 541-898-7333
www.otseeds.com

Seed-Link Inc
1010 Monarch Rd.
Lindsay, Ontario, K9V 4R1, CANADA
Phone:705-324-0544
www.seed-link.ca

§Forage quality analysis for the first cut samples:

    CP = crude protein.

    ADF = acid detergent fiber.

aNDF = neutral detergent fiber after starch amylase digestion.

    30-hr NDFD = 30-hour neutral detergent fiber digestibility.

    TTNDFD = total tract NDFD.

CV = coefficient of variation.

LSD = least significant difference.

All species were seeded on April 24, 2025.

Yields are given in tons per acre on a dry matter basis, there were 2 cuttings in annual ryegrass.

Annual Warm-season Grasses

In the summer of 2025, annual warm-season grass trials were conducted at Rock Springs, including forage sorghum, sudangrass, sorghum-sudan hybrids. The trials were planted on June 13. In the trial, 100 lbs. N, 60 lbs. P₂O₅, 60 lbs. K₂O and 20 lbs. S (sulfur) were applied at planting. In the sudangrass, sorghum-sudan hybrids trials, additional applications of 50 lbs. N was applied after each cutting. Forage sorghum was harvested using a 1-cut system, and harvest occurred on October 6. Sudangrass and sorghum-sudan hybrids, were harvested twice during the trial.

Table 20 lists annual warm-season grass varieties in our testing program that are currently marketed in Pennsylvania or may be available in the near future (Please check with marketers for availability). Tables 21, and 22 offer guidelines for assessing the production potential of forage sorghum, sudangrass, and sorghum-sudan hybrids that may be suitable for forage production, respectively.

Annual Warm-Season Grass Marketers Listed in This Report:

Advanta Seeds
8872 HSC Parkway, Suite 402
Bryan, TX 77807 – USA
Phone: 844-529-3420
www.advantaseeds.com

Seedway
275 N 8th St
Mifflinburg, PA 17844
Phone: 800-338-2137
www.seedway.com

S&W Seed Company
2101 Ken Pratt Blvd STE 201
Longmont, CO 80501
Phone: 855-767-4486
www.sorghumpartners.com

§Forage quality analysis for the first cut samples:

    CP = crude protein.

    ADF = acid detergent fiber.

aNDF = neutral detergent fiber after starch amylase digestion.

    30-hr NDFD = 30-hour neutral detergent fiber digestibility.

    TTNDFD = total tract NDFD.

CV = coefficient of variation.

LSD = least significant difference.

All species were seeded on June 13, 2025.

Yields are given in tons per acre on a dry matter basis, there were 2 cuttings in annual ryegrass

§Forage quality analysis for the first cut samples:

    CP = crude protein

    ADF = acid detergent fiber

   aNDF = neutral detergent fiber after starch amylase digestion

    NDFD30 = 30-hour neutral detergent fiber digestibility

    TTNDFD = total tract NDFD

CV = coefficient of variation.

LSD = least significant difference.

All species were seeded on June 13, 2025.

Yields are given in tons per acre on a dry matter basis.

Novel Forage Species

On April 25, 2023, we seeded chicory at Rock Springs, achieving successful stand establishment. Our soil fertility program emphasizes phosphorus and potash maintenance applications tailored to meet soil requirements.

The following chicory trial was conducted using a three-cut harvest system. Fertilization adhered to Penn State soil test recommendations. Table 23 outlines the chicory varieties included in our testing program and currently marketed in Pennsylvania. Table 24 provides guidelines for evaluating the production potential of chicory varieties.

Chicory Marketer Listed in This Report

Mountain View Seeds
8955 Sunnyview Rd NE
Salem, OR 97305
Phone: 503-588-7333
www.mtviewseeds.com

CV = coefficient of variation.

LSD = least significant difference.

Trial was seeded on April 25, 2023.

Harvest events in 2025 occurred on 12 June, 20 July, and 9 September.

Yields are given in tons per acre on a dry matter basis.

See the Forage Variety Trials Reports for previous year reports.

Prepared by Weiya Xue, Penn State Forage Variety Trials Coordinator and Research Technologist, reviewed by Guojie Wang, Penn State Forage Crop Systems Extension Specialist. Tyler Rice, former Penn State Forage Variety Trials Coordinator, oversaw all the trials before 2023 and provided instructional help during the 2023 growing season. Special thanks to Marin Hall, former Penn State Forage Crop Systems Extension Specialist, for his help and training during the 2023 growing season. We are indebted to Elijah Earnest, Adam Ream, Austin Albright, and technicians at the Penn State Farm for their technical support during the growing seasons.