Trials on immature cereals

Trials in 2025 and 2026 by Arvalis and the Institut de l'élevage tested immature cereals as a forage source, focusing on winter barley, forest barley, and winter oat. These tests aimed to explore the viability of these crops in the forage market.

Trial locations and methods

The trials were conducted in the Meuse and Loire-Atlantique by Arvalis and in the Morbihan by the Institut de l'élevage. Cereals were sown between September 15 and October 15, with two nitrogen applications at specific temperature conditions and 30 days apart.

Harvesting and techniques

Harvesting occurred between April 8 and April 22. Silage was chosen as the most suitable technique due to dry matter contents ranging between 18 and 20%. This method helps preserve the nutritional value of the forage.

Yield and nutritional data

Across three trial sites and two years, the average yield was around 4.5 tMS/ha, with a value between 0.9 and 1 UFL/kgMS and 12 to 15% of MAT. Forage barley achieved a yield of 4.8 tMS/ha with specific dry matter and nutritional values.

Comparative performance

Winter oat yielded 4 tMS/ha with 19.2% dry matter, 13.80% MAT, and 1.01 g/kgMS of UFL. Forest barley yielded 3.8 tMS/ha with 18.9% dry matter, 14.91% MAT, and 0.94 g/kgMS of UFL. Winter barley had a higher yield but slightly lower nutritional value compared to the other cereals tested.

Production costs and yield potential

The production cost for winter barley is approximately 110 euros per tMS, excluding labor. Arvalis observatories indicate a yield potential of 2.2 tMS/ha at the 1 cm ear stage and 5.4 tMS/ha at the last leaf spread stage. Inrae 2018 tables show a UFL value of 0.76 g/kgMS at flowering with 12% of MAT.