Forage Sorghum vs Sudan Grass vs Sorghum-Sudan Hybrid: Which to Plant

Choosing the type

Sorghum-family forages are among the highest-yielding summer fodders, but the three main types suit different feeding systems.

Forage sorghum

Tall and high-tonnage, forage sorghum is built for a single big cut — ideal for silage and chopping.

Sudan grass (incl. Piper)

Fine-stemmed and leafy, Sudan grass dries quickly, making it the best choice for hay and rotational grazing; Piper is favoured for grazing thanks to comparatively low prussic-acid potential.

Sorghum-sudan hybrid

Combines the biomass of sorghum with the regrowth of Sudan grass — strong multiple cuts (3–4 per season). BMR versions add higher fibre digestibility.

Rule of thumb

Silage → forage sorghum. Hay & grazing → Sudan grass. Multi-cut dairy fodder → sorghum-sudan hybrid (BMR for top dairy).