CORN SILAGE TESTS IN TENNESSEE 2017

Transcription

1 CORN SILAGE TESTS IN TENNESSEE 2017 VIRGINIA SYKES Assistant Professor, Variety Testing Coordinator and Agroecology Specialist ALISON WILLETTE Research Associate, Variety Testing and Agroecology GARY BATES Professor and UT Beef and Forage Center Director DAVID MCINTOSH Coordinator, UT Beef and Forage Center

2 Corn Silage Tests in Tennessee 2017 Virginia Sykes, Assistant Professor, Variety Testing Coordinator and Agroecology Specialist Alison Willette, Research Associate, Variety Testing and Agroecology Gary Bates, Professor and UT Beef and Forage Center Director David McIntosh, Coordinator, UT Beef and Forage Center Agronomic Crop Variety Testing and Demonstrations Department of Plant Sciences Institute of Agriculture University of Tennessee Knoxville Telephone: (865) FAX: (865) This report is available as a pdf at: Searchable, mobile friendly tables are available at: search.utcrops.com/data/

3 Acknowledgments This research was funded by the Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station and UT Extension with partial funding from participating companies. We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the following individuals in conducting these experiments: Department of Plant Sciences Dennis West, Professor and Grains Breeder David Kincer, Research Associate AgResearch and Education Centers: East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center (Knoxville, TN) Robert Simpson, Director B.J. DeLozier, Farm Manager Cody Fust, Farm Crew Leader Charles Summey, Senior Field Worker Nicholas Tissot, Light Farm Equipment Operator Plateau AgResearch and Education Center (Crossville, TN) John Walter (Walt) Hitch, Director Greg Blaylock, Light Farm Equipment Operator Highland Rim AgResearch and Education Center (Springfield, TN) Robert Ellis, Director Brad S. Fisher, Research Associate Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center (Spring Hill, TN) Kevin Thompson, Director Joe David Plunk, Research Associate County Standard Corn Silage Tests County Producer Agent Blount Scott, Randy, Steve, and Gary Blair John Wilson (Pate Acres Dairy Farm) Jefferson John Neal Scarlett Steven Huff (Scarlett Farms) Washington David and Mike Saylor John Hamrick (Savland Dairy Farm)

4 Table of Contents Experimental Procedures 3 Interpretation of Data 4 Location Information Table 1. Location Information for REC trials 5 Table 2. Location Information for County trials 5 Corn Silage AgResearch and Education Center (REC) Tests Table Yield and Agronomic Data Across Locations 6 Table Yield Data by Location 6 Table Quality Data Across Locations 7 Table Mean Separation of Yield, Milk/Ton, and Milk/Acre Across Locations 8 Table 7. 2 Year Yield and Agronomic Data Across Locations 9 Table 8. 2 Year Yield Data by Location 9 Table 9. 2 Year Quality Data Across Locations 10 Corn Silage County Standard Tests Table Yield and Agronomic Data Across Locations 11 Table Quality Data Across Locations 11 Corn Hybrid Characteristics 12 Biotech Traits in Evaluated Hybrids 13 Seed Company Contact Information 15 CORN SILAGE YIELD TESTS Experimental Procedures 2017 AgResearch and Education Center (REC) Tests: Eleven corn hybrids were evaluated for silage yield and quality in The tests were conducted at the East Tennessee (Knoxville), Highland Rim (Springfield), Middle Tennessee (Spring Hill), and Plateau (Crossville) RECs. The plots at all locations consisted of two rows, planted 30 inches apart, 30 feet in length, and replicated three times. Yields presented were adjusted to both dry weight and 65% moisture. The plant populations as well as the planting and harvesting dates are given in Table 1. Plots were harvested by commercial silage harvesters. A sub-sample of approximately 3 lbs was taken from each plot for analysis. Fresh weight and dried weight were recorded on each sample for determination of moisture at harvest. The samples were then ground and analyzed for nutritional content. Silage quality analyses were provided by the UT Beef and Forage Center. Predictions for milk production per ton and milk production per acre were calculated using the University of Wisconsin Milk2006 program. County Standard Tests: The County Standard Corn Silage Tests were conducted in Blount, Jefferson, and Washington County in Tennessee and included five of the eleven hybrids evaluated in the REC tests. Each hybrid was evaluated in a large strip-plot. Plots were planted, sprayed, fertilized, and harvested with the equipment used in the cooperating producer s farming operation. The harvested length was measured for each variety and appropriate harvested area adjustments were made to determine the yield per acre. Growing Season: Most REC locations were planted at the beginning of May; however, rain delayed planting at Plateau REC and in county trial locations. These were planted in late May/early June. Statewide corn planting remained on par with the 5 year average, with 89% of corn in Tennessee planted by mid-may. Adequate rainfall

5 throughout the season facilitated earlier than average emergence and anticipation for good yields. By mid- August, 86% of the crop rated good to excellent. Higher than normal incidence of corn rust was observed at trial locations immediately prior to harvest as well as some incidence of corn smut. Although numbers are not yet available for the 2017 season, in 2016, corn silage accounted for 4.5% of all corn harvested in Tennessee with average yields of 19 c. Interpretation of Data: The tables on the following pages have been prepared with the entries listed in order of yield performance, the highest-yielding entry being listed first. Mean separation was performed using the LSD (Least Significant Difference) test. The mean trait value of any two entries being compared must differ by at least the LSD amount shown to be considered different at the 5% level of probability of significance. For example, given that the LSD for a test is 1.3 and the mean yield of Hybrid A was 9.3 and the mean yield of Hybrid B was 8.2, then the two hybrids are not statistically different in yield because the difference of 1.1 is less than the minimum of 1.3 required for them to be significant. Similarly, if the average yield of Hybrid C was 10.6 then it is significantly higher yielding than both Hybrid B ( = 2.4 > LSD of 1.3) and Hybrid A ( = 1.3 = LSD of 1.3). Tests with an LSD value of N.S. indicate there were no significant differences in entry performance within that test. To simplify interpretation, Mean Separation Letters have been listed next to each entry for the test of average yield across all locations. Hybrids that have any letter in common are not significantly different in yield at the 5% level of probability based on the LSD test. Hybrids with performance not significantly different from the top performing hybrid will have an A included in the list of mean separation letters next to that entry.

6 Table 1. Location information from AgResearch and Education Centers (REC) where corn silage variety tests were conducted in AgResearch and Education Center Location Planting Date Harvest Date Plant Population Soil Type East Tennessee Knoxville 05/03/17 08/16/ Shady Loam Plateau Crossville 05/23/17 08/30/ Lily Loam Middle Tennessee Spring Hill 05/03/17 08/10/ Maury Silt Loam Highland Rim Springfield 05/02/17 08/10/ Dickson Silt Loam Table 2. Location information from county locations where corn silage variety tests were conducted in Cooperator County Agent Planting Date Harvest Date Plant Population Soil Type Plot Size Scott, Randy, Steve, and Blount John Wilson 06/02/17 08/29/ Decatur, Dewey Silty Clay Loam, Hermitage 10 ft x 950 ft Gairy Blair (Pate Acres Dairy Farm) Silt Loam John Neal Scarlett Jefferson Steven Huff 05/19/17 08/28/ Dewey Silt Loam (39%), Dunmore Silt Loam 7.5 ft x 1342 ft (Scarlett Farms) (36.9%), Allen Sandy Loam (24%) David and Mike Saylor (Sayland Dairy Farm) Washington John Hamrick 06/01/17 09/11/ Dunmore Silty Clay Loam 15 ft x 720 ft

7 Table 3. Mean yields and agronomic traits of 11 corn hybrids evaluated for silage across four REC locations in Tennessee during MS Dry Weight Avg. Yield 65% Moisture Avg. Yield Moisture Plant Ear Avg. ± Std Err. ± Std Err. at harvest Height Height Lodging Yield Hybrid (n=4) (n=4) (n=4) (n=4) (n=3) (n=4) % inches inches % A Croplan 5900 (RR,VT2P) 9.01 ± ± AB NK N83D-3111 (RR,LL,VIP3111) 8.93 ± ± AB Terral REV 28BHR18 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 8.73 ± ± ABC Augusta 7768 (GT,LL,VIP3110) 8.71 ± ± ABCD Masters Choice MCT6653 (RR,LL,3000GT) 8.55 ± ± ABCD Croplan 5678 (RR,VT2P) 8.34 ± ± BCD Terral REV 25BHR26 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 8.31 ± ± BCD Masters Choice MCT6733 (RR,LL,3000GT) 8.28 ± ± CDE NK NK A (RR,LL,VIP3111) 8.02 ± ± DE Terral REV 23BHR55 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 7.96 ± ± E Masters Choice MCT6363 (RR,LL,3000GT) 7.34 ± ± Average L.S.D N.S. Table 4. Mean dry weight yields across and by location of 11 corn hybrids evaluated for silage at four REC locations in Tennessee during MS Avg. Avg. Yield ± Std Err. Yield Hybrid (n=4) Knoxville Crossville Spring Hill Springfield A Croplan 5900 (RR,VT2P) 9.01 ± AB NK N83D-3111 (RR,LL,VIP3111) 8.93 ± AB Terral REV 28BHR18 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 8.73 ± ABC Augusta 7768 (GT,LL,VIP3110) 8.71 ± ABCD Masters Choice MCT6653 (RR,LL,3000GT) 8.55 ± ABCD Croplan 5678 (RR,VT2P) 8.34 ± BCD Terral REV 25BHR26 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 8.31 ± BCD Masters Choice MCT6733 (RR,LL,3000GT) 8.28 ± CDE NK NK A (RR,LL,VIP3111) 8.02 ± DE Terral REV 23BHR55 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 7.96 ± E Masters Choice MCT6363 (RR,LL,3000GT) 7.34 ± Average L.S.D N.S. N.S N.S. Hybrids that have any MS letter in common are not significantly different at the 5% level of probability. If a trait appears inside parenthesis i.e. (RR/CB), then it is not part of the hybrid name. For a full description of abbreviated biotech traits, see table 13.

8 Table 5. Mean yields and feed quality characteristics of 11 corn hybrids evaluated for silage at four REC locations in Tennessee during Dry Weight MS Avg. Yield Moisture Crude 30h IV Avg. ± Std Err. at Harvest Protein NDF NDFD Starch ADF TDN NEL Milk/ton Milk/acre Yield Hybrid (n=4) (n=4) (n=4) (n=4) (n=4) (n=4) (n=4) (n=4) (n=4) (n=4) (n=4) % % dm % dm % of NDF % dm % dm % dm Mcals/lb lbs/ton lbs/acre A Croplan 5900 (RR,VT2P) 9.01 ± AB NK N83D-3111 (RR,LL,VIP3111) 8.93 ± AB Terral REV 28BHR18 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 8.73 ± ABC Augusta 7768 (GT,LL,VIP3110) 8.71 ± ABCD Masters Choice MCT6653 (RR,LL,3000GT) 8.55 ± ABCD Croplan 5678 (RR,VT2P) 8.34 ± BCD Terral REV 25BHR26 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 8.31 ± BCD Masters Choice MCT6733 (RR,LL,3000GT) 8.28 ± CDE NK NK A (RR,LL,VIP3111) 8.02 ± DE Terral REV 23BHR55 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 7.96 ± E Masters Choice MCT6363 (RR,LL,3000GT) 7.34 ± Average L.S.D N.S N.S N.S.

9 Table 6. Mean separation of dry weight yields, milk/ton, and milk/acre of 11 corn hybrids evaluated for silage at four REC locations in Tennessee during Dry Weight Avg. Yield ± Std Err. MS Milk/ton ± Std Err. MS Milk/acre ± Std Err. MS Hybrid (n=4) Yield (n=4) Milk/ton (n=4) Milk/acre Croplan 5900 (RR,VT2P) 9.01 ± 0.47 A 3026 ± 70 B ± 0 A NK N83D-3111 (RR,LL,VIP3111) 8.93 ± 0.47 AB 3161 ± 70 AB ± 0 A Terral REV 28BHR18 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 8.73 ± 0.47 AB 3167 ± 70 AB ± 0 A Augusta 7768 (GT,LL,VIP3110) 8.71 ± 0.48 ABC 3128 ± 70 AB ± 0 A Masters Choice MCT6653 (RR,LL,3000GT) 8.55 ± 0.47 ABCD 3094 ± 70 B ± 0 A Croplan 5678 (RR,VT2P) 8.34 ± 0.47 ABCD 3063 ± 70 B ± 0 A Terral REV 25BHR26 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 8.31 ± 0.47 BCD 3278 ± 70 A ± 0 A Masters Choice MCT6733 (RR,LL,3000GT) 8.28 ± 0.47 BCD 3127 ± 70 AB ± 0 A NK NK A (RR,LL,VIP3111) 8.02 ± 0.47 CDE 3183 ± 70 AB ± 0 A Terral REV 23BHR55 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 7.96 ± 0.47 DE 3261 ± 70 A ± 0 A Masters Choice MCT6363 (RR,LL,3000GT) 7.34 ± 0.48 E 3284 ± 70 A ± 0 A Average If a trait appears inside parenthesis i.e. (RR/CB), then it is not part of the hybrid name. For a full description of abbreviated biotech traits, see table 13. Hybrids that have any MS letter in common are not significantly different at the 5% level of probability. NDF = Neutral Detergent Fiber 30h IV NDFD = Neutral Detergent Filber Digestibility ADF = Acid Detergent Fiber TDN = Total Digestable Nutrients NEL = Net Energy for Lactation based on University of Wisconsin Milk2006 software program..

10 Table 7. Mean yields and agronomic traits of four corn hybrids evaluated for silage across four REC locations in Tennessee across two years ( ). Dry Weight 65% Moisture MS Avg. Yield Avg. Yield Moisture Plant Ear Avg. ± Std Err. ± Std Err. at harvest Height Height Yield Hybrid (n=8) (n=8) (n=8) (n=8) (n=6) % inches inches A Croplan 5900 (RR,VT2P) 8.92 ± ± A Augusta 7768 (GT,LL,VIP3110) 8.57 ± ± A Terral REV 25BHR26 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 8.50 ± ± A Terral REV 23BHR55 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 8.15 ± ± Average L.S.D..05 N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. Table 8. Mean dry weight yields across and by location of four corn hybrids evaluated for silage at four REC locations in Tennessee across two years ( ). MS Avg. Avg. Yield ± Std Err. Yield Hybrid (n=8) Knoxville Crossville Spring Hill Springfield A Croplan 5900 (RR,VT2P) 8.92 ± A Augusta 7768 (GT,LL,VIP3110) 8.57 ± A Terral REV 25BHR26 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 8.50 ± A Terral REV 23BHR55 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 8.15 ± Average L.S.D..05 N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. Hybrids that have any MS letter in common are not significantly different at the 5% level of probability. If a trait appears inside parenthesis i.e. (RR/CB), then it is not part of the hybrid name. For a full description of abbreviated biotech traits, see table

11 Table 9. Mean yields and feed quality characteristics of four corn hybrids evaluated for silage at four REC locations in Tennessee across two years ( ). Dry Weight MS Avg. Yield Moisture Crude 30h IV Avg. ± Std Err. at Harvest Protein NDF NDFD Starch ADF TDN NEL Milk/ton Milk/acre Yield Hybrid (n=4) (n=8) (n=8) (n=8) (n=8) (n=8) (n=8) (n=8) (n=8) (n=8) (n=8) % % dm % dm % of NDF % dm % dm % dm Mcals/lb lbs/ton lbs/acre A Croplan 5900 (RR,VT2P) 8.92 ± A Augusta 7768 (GT,LL,VIP3110) 8.57 ± A Terral REV 25BHR26 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 8.50 ± A Terral REV 23BHR55 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 8.15 ± Average L.S.D..05 N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. Hybrids that have any MS letter in common are not significantly different at the 5% level of probability. If a trait appears inside parenthesis i.e. (RR/CB), then it is not part of the hybrid name. For a full description of abbreviated biotech traits, see table 13. NDF = Neutral Detergent Fiber 30h IV NDFD = Neutral Detergent Filber Digestibility ADF = Acid Detergent Fiber TDN = Total Digestable Nutrients NEL = Net Energy for Lactation

12 Table 10. Mean yields and agronomic characteristics of five corn hybrids evaluated for silage in three County Standard Tests in Tennessee during Dry Weight 65% Moisture MS Avg. Yield Avg. Yield Moisture Plant Ear Avg. ± Std Err. ± Std Err. at harvest Height Height Yield Hybrid (n=2) (n=2) (n=2) (n=3) (n=3) % inches inches A NK N83D-3111 (RR,LL,VIP3111) 8.61 ± ± A NK NK A (RR,LL,VIP3111) 8.36 ± ± A Augusta 7768 (GT,LL,VIP3110) 8.14 ± ± A Croplan 5678 (RR,VT2P) 7.97 ± ± A Croplan 5900 (RR,VT2P) 7.90 ± ± Average L.S.D..05 N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. Table 11. Mean yields and feed quality characteristics of five corn hybrids evaluated for silage in three County Standard Tests in Tennessee during Dry Weight MS Avg. Yield Crude 30h IV Avg. ± Std Err. Protein NDF NDFD Starch ADF TDN NEL Milk/ton Milk/acre Yield Hybrid (n=4) (n=3) (n=3) (n=3) (n=3) (n=3) (n=3) (n=3) (n=3) (n=2) % dm % dm % of NDF % dm % dm % dm Mcals/lb lbs/ton lbs/acre A NK N83D-3111 (RR,LL,VIP3111) 8.61 ± A NK NK A (RR,LL,VIP3111) 8.36 ± A Augusta 7768 (GT,LL,VIP3110) 8.14 ± A Croplan 5678 (RR,VT2P) 7.97 ± A Croplan 5900 (RR,VT2P) 7.90 ± Average L.S.D..05 N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. Hybrids that have any MS letter in common are not significantly different at the 5% level of probability. If a trait appears inside parenthesis i.e. (RR/CB), then it is not part of the hybrid name. For a full description of abbreviated biotech traits, see table 13. NDF = Neutral Detergent Fiber 30h IV NDFD = Neutral Detergent Filber Digestibility ADF = Acid Detergent Fiber TDN = Total Digestable Nutrients NEL = Net Energy for Lactation based on University of Wisconsin Milk2006 software program..

13 Table 12. Characteristics, as described by the seed company, of corn silage hybrids evaluated in yield tests in Tennessee during Hybrid Grain Color Maturity Herbicide Tolerance Insect Tolerance Refuge in a Bag Released or Experimental Seed Treatment Augusta 7768 (GT,LL,VIP3110) Y 118 GT, LL VIP3110 N R Cruiser Maxx 250 Croplan 5678 (RR,VT2P) 116 RR VT2P Y R Acceleron Croplan 5900 (RR,VT2P) 119 RR VT2P Y R Acceleron Masters Choice MCT6733 (RR,LL,3000GT) Y 117 RR,LL 3000GT N R C250 Masters Choice MCT6363 (RR,LL,3000GT) 113 RR,LL 3000GT N R C250 Masters Choice MCT6653 (RR,LL,3000GT) 116 RR,LL 3000GT N R C250 NK N83D-3111 (RR,LL,VIP3111) 118 RR,LL VIP3111 N R Avicta Complete, Vibrance NK NK A (RR,LL,VIP3111) 115 RR,LL VIP3111 N R Avicta Complete, Vibrance Terral REV 23BHR55 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) Y 113 RR2, LL YGCB, HX1 N R Maxim-Quattro + Poncho Votivo Terral REV 25BHR26 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) Y 115 RR2, LL YGCB, HX1 N R Maxim-Quattro + Poncho Votivo Terral REV 28BHR18 (RR2,LL,YGCB,HX1) 118 RR2,LL YGCB, HX1 N R Maxim-Quattro + Poncho Votivo Information on this table provided by the respective seed companies. If a trait appears inside parenthesis i.e. (RR/CB), then it is not part of the hybrid name. For a full description of abbreviated biotech traits, see table 13.

14 Table 13. Abbreviations used to identify biotech seed traits contained in corn silage hybrids evaluated in Tennessee in Herbicide Tolerance Abbreviation Name Characteristic LL Bayer CropScience LibertyLink Glufosinate herbicide tolerance. Event: T25 RR Monsanto Roundup Ready Corn Glyphosate herbicide tolerance. RR2 Monsanto Roundup Ready Corn 2 Glyphosate herbicide tolerance. Event: NK603 GT Syngenta Agrisure GT Glyphosate herbicide tolerance. Event: SYTGA21 Insect Tolerance Abbreviation Name Characteristic 3000GT Syngenta Agrisure 3000GT Cry1Ab, Corn Borer protection. Modified Cry3A, Protection of Western, Northern and Mexican Corn Rootworm. Glufosinate herbicide tolerance. Glyphosate tolerance. Event: SYTGA21+Bt11+MIR604 HX1 DowAgrosciences Pioneer Hi-Bred Herculex I Cry1F, Western Bean Cutworm, Corn Borer, Black Cutworm and Fall Armyworm resistance. Glufosinate herbicide tolerance. Event: TC1507 SSX Monsanto Genuity SmartStax DowAgrosciences SmartStax Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2, Cry1F, Cry3Bb1, Cry34/35Ab1 Western, Northern, and Mexican Corn Rootworms, European and Southwestern Corn Borers, Sugarcane Borer, Southern Cornstalk Borer, Western Bean and Black Cutworms, Corn Earworm, Fall Armyworm protection. Glyphosate herbicide tolerance. Glyphosate herbicide tolerance. Event: Mon88017+Mon89034+TC1507+DAS VIP3110 Agrisure Viptera 3110 Vip3A, Cry1Ab, European and Southwestern Corn Borers, Southern Cornstalk Borer, Fall and Beet Armyworm, Black and Western Bean Cutworm, Sugarcane Borer, Common Stalk borer and Dingy Cutworm protection Glyphosate tolerance. Event: MIR162+Bt11+GA21 VIP3111 Agrisure Viptera 3111A Vip3A, Cry1Ab. Protection from European and Southwestern Corn Borers, Corn earworm, Southern cornstalk borer, Fall and Beet armyworm, Black and Western Bean Cutworm, Sugarcane borer, Western, Northern and Mexican corn rootworm, Common stalk borer and Dingy cutworm. Glyphosate tolerance. Contains Agrisure Artesian technology with multiple genes for season long drought protection. Event: MIR162+Bt11+GA21+MIR604 VT2P Monsanto Genuity VT Double PRO Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2, European and Southwestern Corn Borers, Sugarcane Borer, Southern Cornstalk Borer, Corn Earworm, and Fall Armyworm protection. Glyphosate herbicide tolerance. Event: Mon89034+NK603

15 Table 13. (continued) Insect Tolerance Abbreviation Name Characteristic YGCB Monsanto YieldGard Corn Borer Cry1Ab, European and Southwestern Corn Borers, Sugarcane Borer and Southern Cornstalk Borer protection. Event: Mon810 Refuge Abbreviation Name Characteristic RIB Refuge in Bag

16 Table 14. Contact information for corn hybrid seed companies evaluated in silage tests in Tennessee during Company Contact Phone Web site Augusta Seed Corporation Matt Rawley Croplan by Winfield Caleb Robertson Master's Choice Kyle Vosburgh seedcorn.com NK (Syngenta) Chuck Leonard Terral Seed, Inc. Marty Hale

17 RESEARCH FUNDED IN PART BY 9/ Programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development. University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and county governments cooperating. UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.