By Scout Nelson
The 2025 growing season in North Dakota provided valuable insights into the performance of silage hybrids and winter cereals used for forage. Results from both irrigated and dryland trials show strong yield consistency, proving that modern silage hybrids can perform well under varying conditions while maintaining nutritional value.
Under irrigation, three Integra hybrids — STP4723, STP5191, and STP5203 — produced an average of 25.4 tons per acre on a dry matter basis with 61% harvest moisture. STP5191 achieved the highest yield, highlighting its strong silage potential.
In dryland trials, seven hybrids from Integra, Proseed, and Golden Harvest averaged 27.3 tons per acre, with yields ranging from 23.9 to 29.8 tons. Integra STP5191 again led with 29.8 tons per acre, followed by Proseed LFY101 and STS105GT. Even with reduced plant height, these hybrids maintained excellent yield stability, emphasizing their adaptability in limited moisture environments.
Researchers are now fermenting silage samples, with detailed nutritional data — including fiber digestibility, energy, and feed quality — expected by late December after the 60-day ensiling process.
Winter rye forage trials also showed encouraging results. Fifteen varieties harvested in late May and early June produced yields between 1.7 and 4.2 tons per acre, averaging 2.6 tons. Aroostook led in forage quality, recording a crude protein level of 13.9% and a relative forage quality (RFQ) score of 193. ND Gardner also ranked high, combining yield strength with digestibility and energy content.
To further improve research efficiency, North Dakota State University’s forage program upgraded from a one-row to a two-row forage harvester. This new equipment will help expand forage research in the coming years, ensuring better data collection and future performance testing.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ianchrisgraham
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Weather