Crop Variety Performance Trials are conducted by Colorado State University’s Crops Testing Program to provide unbiased and reliable information to Colorado crop producers to help them make better variety decisions. Each crop in our program has a page where the most recent trial information and technical reports can be found.

The Crops Testing Program currently conducts on-farm and small-plot variety trials for grain and forage sorghum, winter wheat, pinto beans, cowpea, sunflower (confection and oil), corn (grain and silage), and winter canola. We also conduct a range of agronomy trials, test new crops with potential in the area (such as camelina and hybrid rye), and test new plant or soil applied products coming onto the market for use by farmers producing the above-mentioned crops.

• Making Better Decisions: 2023 Colorado Sorghum Hybrid Performance Trials
• Making Better Decisions: 2023 Colorado Sunflower Hybrid Performance Trial
• Making Better Decisions: 2023 Colorado Corn Hybrid Performance Trials
• Making Better Decisions: 2023 Colorado Dry Bean Variety Trials – Dec. 2023
• Making Better Decisions: Colorado Wheat Variety Trials [August 2023 Edition]

In addition to our crop variety performance trials, the Crops Testing Program conducts relevant and cooperative research on common crops grown in eastern Colorado. This research is done with funding from crop commodity groups, private seed companies, and other grants.

Winter Wheat
We are currently testing forage and traditional wheat varieties to compare forage yield and quality for wheat farmers who are interested in producing forage wheat as a dual-purpose crop. The trials are being conducted at dryland wheat sites near Akron, Burlington, Orchard, Rocky Ford, and Yellow Jacket. The Akron and Rocky Ford sites will compare the forage wheat with triticale and hybrid rye. This research was funded by the Colorado Wheat Research Foundation and KWS Cereals. Look for trial results in Aug. of 2024.

Grain Sorghum

Microbiological Testing

Microbiological products include seed treatments and soil or foliar applied products. These products are supposed to increase root and plant structures, increase yield, and improve plant nutrient uptake. Our objective is to determine if there is an increase in yield and/or test weight from the addition of microbiological products to the plant or soil. In 2022, we tested five products across three dryland sites and results are here.  In 2023, we tested ten products across two dryland and one limited irrigation site (results on our grain sorghum page). These trials are funded through company entry fees and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program.

Cowpea (primarily black-eyed peas)

In 2024, we will continue cowpea variety trials (dryland and irrigated), and will also be conducting a row spacing by population rate study. The trials are being conducted near Akron, CO in conjunction with the Colorado Water Center.