With persistent drought continue to plague much of the state, interest is increasing in new varieties of both forage and grain sorghum hybrids. Sorghum is highly drought and heat tolerant and provides an excellent livestock feed.

Kansas growers who want to know more their seed options and to learn how forage hybrids might work in their operation will get a chance to talk one-on-one with representatives from a major seed producer, Alta Seeds, at this year's 3i Show, which runs July 10, 11 and 12 in Dodge City.

"Forages with the brachytic dwarf trait yield well with high leaf-to-stalk ratios, multiple tillering stalks and superior standability," says Barry Lubbers. "These new forages have the added benefit of high digestibility from our BMR-6 genetics to provide an excellent feed option for dairies and cattle operations."

Representatives from Alta Seeds will be promoting three new forage hybrids that feature a combination of the brachytic dwarf and Brown Midrib-6 traits from booth I-074 inside the Western Bank Expo building during the show.

New varieties
One of those varieties is AF7102, the earliest maturing forage sorghum hybrid with the brachytic dwarf and BMR-6 trait available. AF7102 is excellent for silage or double-cropping options. It is usually harvested between 85-89 days after emergence.

AF7202 is a forage sorghum with medium maturity, AF7202 features the brachytic dwarf and BMR-6 traits. It produces great yield for its maturity and is an excellent choice for silage operations. AF7202 is usually harvested between 90-95 days after emergence.

The final new variety is AS9302, the first sudangrass hybrid to feature a combination of the brachytic dwarf, BMR-6 and drystalk traits. AS9302 is an excellent choice for dry hay and rotational grazing. It provides exceptional re-growth and quick dry down

"Forages with the brachytic dwarf trait yield well with high leaf-to-stalk ratios, multiple tillering stalks and superior standability," says Alta Seeds director of sales Barry Lubbers. "These new forages have the added benefit of high digestibility from our BMR-6 genetics to provide an excellent feed option for dairies and cattle operations."

Alta Seeds provides growers with the latest technology and advanced genetics in grain and forage sorghum. For more information, call 877-806-7333 or visit the Atla Seeds website.