What are the different types of sorghum and sudangrasses?
Sorghums and sudangrasses are warm weather crops and will perform best in years when the growing season is characterized by higher than average temperatures. Cool conditions will severely limit productivity. Sorghums are diverse but generally fall into the following categories: Grain Sorghum – also called milo, used for grain production in arid regions. This type grows 3 to 5 feet tall depending on variety and conditions. It is usually not considered for forage production because of low dry matter yield. Forage Sorghums – includes sorgo, sweet sorghum, dual purpose (grain and forage) varieties, and hybrids. They usually grow 8 to 13 feet tall. Major use is for silage. Stems and leaves are similar in size to corn. Yields in central and southern Wisconsin have ranged from 3 tons/A in cool years to 11 tons/A dry matter in years with above average temperatures. Feeding value of sorghum silage is 80-90% that of comparable corn silage. Some long season and/or non-flowering types will need to
