Information is lacking on the relative performance of small-grain forage types grown for hay or silage on the High Plains of New Mexico and West Texas. Tests were conducted from 2004 to 2008 at Clovis, NM, to determine long-term potential of common varieties and blends of species [wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), triticale (xTriticosecale), and oats (Avena sativa L.)] in an irrigated production system. Eleven entries were tested in at least 3 years, including exceptionally wet (2005) and dry (2006) years. In any given year, all crops yielded greater than 2.5 tons of DM, and entry mean annual yields ranged from 4.0 to 5.3 ton DM/acre over the study period. Triticale or blends containing triticale yielded more wet forage than wheat alone. In general, nutritive value of wheat was greater than that of triticale and blends. One triticale entry exhibited similar DM yields and forage quality as those of the wheats. Under irrigation, small grains have the potential to produce acceptable yields of nutritious forage in between summer crops for feeding operations in the region. While wheat may yield less tonnage, it gives greater market flexibility and may better fit into double cropping systems because of its earlier maturity than triticale.
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