Plant breeding is a relatively young science, but it has resulted in amazing increases in productivity. In the case of forage crops, many traits have been improved including forage yield, forage quality, disease resistance, insect resistance, timing of forage growth and tolerance to adverse weather conditions. Universities, commercial companies and other organizations and individuals conduct variety trials that provide producers with valuable information that can help them make good variety purchasing decisions. Obtaining and using such information can greatly increase the likelihood of success in both establishment and production.

Purchase Forage-Livestock Quotes and Concepts books for $5 each by contacting ukforageextension@uky.edu. Go to the UK Forage Website for reports on the forage varieties that perform the best in KY (www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage).