Forage Crops
We test alfalfa, clovers, and tame grasses (e.g., brome, timothy) across multi-site, multi-year trials—tracking yield, forage quality, maturity/regrowth, standability, and winter survival—to deliver independent, Manitoba-wide comparisons and clear metrics for confident selection.
Key to 2025 Yield and Quality Tables
Yields derived over 2 or more growing seasons are the best indicator of variety performance. Use single site year data with caution.
CV % = Coefficient of Variation. A measure of random variation in a trial. A low CV is desirable.
LSD (bu/acre) = Least Significant Difference. Varieties must differ by the LSD value (p < 0.05) to be considered significantly different from one another.
Sign Diff = Significant Difference. Indicates if a real difference exists between varieties at an individual site.
Forage Variety Registration Changes
Amendments to the Seeds Act Seeds Regulations are now in effect that streamline the variety registration process for forage varieties.
Forage crops are moved to Part III of Schedule III of the Seeds Regulations. Recommending Committees are no longer required for the registration of forage crop varieties, since the testing and merit requirements are removed. Registration still requires a standard application package to enable the CFIA to continue to protect health and safety, prevent fraud, and facilitate seed certification.
Intellectual Property and Patent Protection
Certain crop varieties described in this guide may be protected by Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) or a Variety Use Agreement (VUA). The inclusion of any protected variety in this publication does not grant, convey, or imply any license or right to reproduce, propagate, sell, or otherwise use the protected material in any way that would infringe upon such rights. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable intellectual property laws and regulations before acquiring, reproducing, or distributing plant material. Unauthorized propagation, sale, or export of protected varieties may constitute a violation of patent or PBR laws and may result in civil or criminal penalties.
Data Accuracy and Limitations
The performance data, descriptions, and other information contained in this guide are based on research trials and other sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication. However, results may vary depending on local conditions, management practices, and environmental factors. All information is provided “as is,” without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of accuracy, completeness, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. The publishers, authors, and contributors accept no liability for any loss, damage, or injury resulting from the use of the information or materials contained herein.
Trademarks
All trademarks, trade names, and brand names mentioned in this guide are the property of their respective owners. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement or affiliation.
Thank you to MCVET Sponsors and Supporters in 2025
MCVET gratefully recognizes the support and financial contribution of the following organizations:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Alliance Seed
Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre
CANTERRA SEEDS
FP Genetics
Manitoba Agriculture
Manitoba Beef Producers
Manitoba Crop Alliance
Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers
Manitoba Seed Growers’ Association
Nutrien Ag Solutions
Parkland Crop Diversification Foundation
Prairies East Sustainable Agriculture Initiative
Richardson International – Kelburn Farm
SeCan
Seed Depot
SeedNet
Seed World Group
University of Manitoba
UPL AgroSolutions Canada
Westman Agricultural Diversification Organization
MCVET would also like to express its gratitude to:
South Interlake Crop Testing Committee (SICTC) and Crop Research Organization Portage (CROP) for locally organized variety trials.
University of Saskatchewan for seed preparation and randomization of flax trials.