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 and test new plant or soil applied products coming onto the market for use by farmers producing the above-mentioned crops.

• Making Better Decisions: Colorado Sunflower Performance Trials – February 2023
• Making Better Decisions: Colorado Sorghum Performance Trials – January 2023
• Making Better Decisions: Colorado Corn Hybrid Trials – December 2022
• Making Better Decisions: Colorado Wheat Variety Trials – August 2022
• Making Better Decisions: Colorado Dry Bean and Cowpea Variety Trials – Oct. 2022

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 eight 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 three dryland wheat sites near Akron, Burlington, and Yuma. This research was funded by the Colorado Wheat Research Foundation. Look for second-year trial results in Aug. of 2023.

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 will be testing ten products across two dryland and one limited irrigation site. These trials are funded through company entry fees and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program.

Cowpea (primarily black-eyed peas)

In 2023, we will continue cowpea variety trials (dryland and irrigated), and will also be conducting an inoculation and nitrogen fertility study. The trials are being conducted near Akron, CO in conjunction with the Colorado Water Center. This research was funded by the CSU College of Agricultural Sciences Solutions to Colorado Commodity Challenges grant program.