PREMIO

Field Performance of Premio Sorghum

When selecting a sorghum hybrid for dual-purpose use—hay and silage—Premio by Woodstock (originated by Alfaseed, Hungary) proves to be a rational choice for farm operations. Over three seasons, we have found that its 120–130 day maturity cycle allows for precise scheduling of the harvest window, ensuring the crop maintains its nutritional value without the risk of over-ripening.

Technical Advantages and Management

From an operator's perspective, this hybrid is user-friendly due to its height of 100–110 cm. The plant architecture significantly simplifies mowing and harvesting: machinery runs smoothly, throughput is consistent, and field losses are minimal. The red grain matures uniformly, which is vital for high-quality silage production.

• Tannin-Free: This is the standout feature for livestock performance. Cattle consume this silage with significantly higher palatability compared to high-tannin varieties, reducing the need for costly taste additives.
• Harvest Efficiency: The plants show excellent standability, preventing lodging even in difficult weather. This allows for standard header settings without needing specialized, expensive modifications.
• Versatility: Whether you need forage hay or nutrient-dense silage, Premio handles both well, maximizing the value of your harvested crop.

Managing a Premio crop doesn't require any complex or unusual agricultural practices. It responds well to standard crop management programs. The key is to hit the sowing window correctly to ensure the plants establish well before peak heat. Given the absence of tannins and high digestibility, this hybrid remains a reliable "workhorse" for our farm, consistently delivering a high yield of high-quality biomass per hectare.