What is Silage Sorghum?

The primary difference between grain sorghum and forage sorghum is in its use. Forage is defined simply as food for animals and in sorghum these are often tall. They can be thick or thin stemmed, tiller profusely, may or may not contain grain, and in some cases can be very short. These types of sorghum are typically grown for hay, grazing, silage, or other industrial uses. For the purposes of the Sorghum Silage Insurance Program, there are some definitions you should be aware of:

Definitions

Silage Sorghum 

Dual purpose grain sorghum varieties (a type used for both grain and forage), male sterile grain sorghum varieties, or photo-period sensitive grain sorghum varieties, that have been developed to produce green matter to be ensiled. Varieties which are not considered silages include Sudan, Sudax, haying and grazing varieties, or any other variety not intended for the production of silage.

Dual Purpose               

Sorghum varieties that may be harvested either for grain production or as silage (tons per acre) and that are not insurable under the Coarse Grains Crop Provisions for the production of grain.

Photoperiod Sensitive

Sorghum varieties that will not produce grain because of unique genetics that prevent flowering under normal growing conditions and that have bee bred specifically for the production of silage.

Sterile                      

Sorghum varieties that will not produce grain because the plants are sterile and have been bred specifically for the production of silage.