From Steve Brown in Capital Press:
“YELM, Wash. — Experimental plots of short-season corn will sprout soon as researchers seek suitable varieties for growing dairy silage in Western Washington.

The region has a fairly short growing season, so growing sweet corn is an iffy proposition. But silage corn can be harvested without ever maturing.”

“Patzek [Lucas Patzek, director of Washington State University Thurston County Extension] is testing 46 varieties he obtained from North Dakota State University. Come harvest time, he and other researchers will compare biomass and feed quality with corn grown commercially on the same farm.

Farmer Glen Schorno provided the land, which is certified organic, and will irrigate the test plots as he irrigates his crop. The extension team will fertilize its plot.

The trials are being replicated at WSU Extension in Mount Vernon, more than 100 miles to the north.”

“Joining Patzek in planting on Schorno’s land were Erik Hagan, whose position is split between WSU Extension and the Thurston County Conservation District; Eva Donjacour, an educator with AmeriCorps; and Brian Love, an adjunct WSU professor and ag development researcher with the Gates Foundation.”
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