Forage Variety Trials

Forage variety evaluations are meant to aid forage and livestock producers in the selection of the best varieties for establishment on their farm. The University of Maryland Extension Forage Team is in the process of establishing a series of forage variety trials in Maryland. The goal of the University of Maryland Forage Variety Trial is to provide unbiased and comprehensive forage variety testing results that are accessible to producers and industry personnel.

Western Maryland Research and Education Center on Maryland map

Forage variety testing at the University of Maryland was newly established in the fall of 2019 and is currently being conducted at the Western Maryland Research & Education Center in Keedysville, MD (Washington County). The trial currently contains several varieties of orchardgrass, with plans to add additional cool-season grass species and a second location in 2021.

The Forage Variety Trial Report summarizes performance data collected from these ongoing forage variety trials. The report includes yield, quality, and stand persistence data and can be used as a guide for variety selection.

Photos from the 2020 perennial forage variety trial harvest

Perennial Forage Variety Trial Results

2020 Perennial Forage Variety Trial Report 

Cereal Forage Variety Trial Results

2020-2021 Forage Performance of Cereal Cover Crops in Maryland (pdf)

2019-2020 Forage Performance of Cereal Cover Crops in Maryland (pdf)