Selecting Grass Varieties

The number one criterion to apply when selecting grass varieties is to buy certified seed. There is no such thing as bargain seed. Using certified seed of recommended varieties assures a higher quality product that has good germination, is free of noxious weed seeds and is adapted to your particular area. Using Canada No. 1 Common Seed does not guarantee the quality factors associated with certified seed of a Manitoba recommended variety.

Each Variety Must Earn its Recommendation

Each year, a publication entitled "Seed Manitoba -- Variety Recommendations and Growers Directory" is published and distributed by the Manitoba Cooperator in Conjunction with the Manitoba Seed Growers Association and Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives. Listed in that publication are forage grasses and legumes recommended for Manitoba.

Making it to the list is not a matter of chance. Stringent evaluation of each forage variety takes place before being considered for recommendation.

The evaluation program is operated by the Manitoba Forage Seed Association with funding from Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives and the forage industry. Management of the testing program is a cooperative "industry" approach. Producers, seed trade representatives, extension personnel and researchers are involved with the forage testing management committee.

Testing is coordinated at three main sites - Arborg, Neepawa and Steinbach. The program provides information to Manitoba forage and forage seed producers and industry partners on performance of forage cultivars under Manitoba conditions.

The program measures dry matter yields under a three cut system over three production years. New varieties put to the test each year are compared to a standard. If all criteria taken into account are equal to or better than the standard in 66 per cent of the tests, then the variety is eligible to be placed on the recommendation list.

Detailed trial results are published by the Manitoba Forage Seed Association including information on forage production and seed production. These reports are available from Agricultural Representatives and Regional Crops or Grassland Specialists, or the Manitoba Forage Seed Association. Grass Adaptation Guide Many varieties of grasses are suitable for Manitoba. When choosing a grass variety, consider each variety and its characteristics as they relate to your particular needs.

Grass Adaptation Guide

Many varieties of grasses are suitable for Manitoba. When choosing a grass variety, consider each variety and its characteristics as they relate to your particular needs.