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Auburn University

Variety Testing Program

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Variety selection is the most important decision a farmer can make.  If farmers want to be successful, they must ensure that they plant varieties that are well adapted.  If a farmer selects the wrong variety, the results can be catastrophic.  Typically, farmers do not have the resources to conduct variety trials in addition to their normal growing season activities.

Variety evaluation is also critical to plant breeders, both from universities and industry. Prior to releasing a new variety, these breeders typically evaluate their lines in independent variety trials.  This ensures that they have unbiased data from multiple years and locations to support the release of their new variety.

The mission of the Auburn University Variety Testing Program is to provide research-based, unbiased results on the performance of various crop hybrids, cultivars, and varieties to the agricultural community in Alabama. We are intent on conducting these trials in a manner that will result in maximum biological yield through methods common to the top-producing farms in Alabama.

We are committed to providing this information in a timely manner for its use during the decision-making process. The success of the program rests on our ability to help Alabama producers provide a safe, dependable source of food and fiber for all families as well as an economic sustainability for theirs.

Henry Jordan

Henry Jordan

Variety Testing Manager, Research Associate IV

Department of Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences
201 Funchess Hall (USPS)
1031 South Donahue Dr (FedEx & UPS)
Auburn University, AL 36849

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Annually, the Auburn University Variety Testing Program conducts trials on corn, cotton, soybeans, peanuts, grain sorghum, wheat, barley, oats, triticale, small grain forages, and ryegrass.

Trials are conducted on Auburn University owned and operated agricultural research stations across the major geographical regions of the state. The research conducted at each of these locations can provide stakeholders with data that can be more representative of their growing conditions.

Performance of Small Grain Varieties in Alabama, 2023-2024

Performance of Small Grain Varieties in Alabama, 2023-2024

July 2 - Results are available from Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center (SMREC) in Crossville. Wheat OVT Barley OVT - only disease ratings June 21 - Results are available for the wheat and barley OVTs conducted at the Tennessee Valley Research and Extension...

Winter Forage Summary Tables, 2023-2024

June 27 - Yield results from the Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center (SMREC) are available.  Statewide yield summaries are now complete.  Quality samples are being processed and data will be uploaded when available. June 5  - Yield results for the Central and...

Performance of Ryegrass Varieties in Alabama, 2023-2024

Performance of Ryegrass Varieties in Alabama, 2023-2024

June 27 - Results are available for the ryegrass OVT at the Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center. Harvest 3 - Final Harvest Late Season Season Total Quality samples are being processed.  Quality results will be posted as they become available. June 5 - Results...

Small Grain Summary Tables, 2023-2024

July 2 - The North Region summary is complete.  Statewide summaries are updated. June 13 - The Central Region summary is complete.  Please note that 2024 yields are from BBREC only. June 4 - The summaries below will provide readers with shortcuts to some of the most...

Winter Forages and Maturity, 2023-2024

  Which variety(s) will transition from vegetative reproductive growth first?  How long will my winter annual compete with my warm-season perennial?  These are important factors to consider when overseeding a warm-season perennial pasture such as bermudagrass or...

Performance of Small Grain Forages in Alabama, 2023-2024

Performance of Small Grain Forages in Alabama, 2023-2024

June 27 - Results are available from the Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center (SMREC) in Crossville Wheat & Triticale Since there was only one harvest, Harvest 1 = Early Season = Season Total.  There was no late season harvest. Rye Early and Late Season...

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