In terms of nutrition, how does triticale compare to other crops?
Kershen: Research at Ohio State University has said that it’s about 90% the value of alfalfa. For all practical purposes, we’ve found that using corn silage values, we have lots more protein but not as much energy. Basically, when you get down to dollars, it’s approximately the same value – ton for ton – as corn silage. Several universities have found that pounds of milk per ton is approximately the same between triticale and corn. Corn usually has a fairly stable value and is cut during a narrow window of maturity. Whereas, triticale, you can take it all the way from pre-boot to the dough stage leading to different qualities depending on the maturity at harvest. This wider harvest window gives producers flexibility to manage and adjust the quality; do they need it for dry cows? fresh heifers? COVEY: Why should producers give triticale a second look? Kershen: We did a budget with Dr. Steve Amosson of Texas A&M. Compared to corn, triticale produced 60-65% of the tonnage, but did it for
