Farmlands Grain and Seed prides itself on its independent approach in the retail market and by having relationships with all of New Zealand’s leading wholesale seed companies, it allows us to offer our shareholders access to all available seeds. Our four seed mixing sites have experienced staff and are suitably stocked to be able to supply your seasonal seed requirements promptly.
We are able to offer farmers a comprehensive forage crop and pasture renewal, seed supply and management service, including chemical and fertiliser expertise. Specialist agronomic advice is available through our Agronomists and Technical Field Officers – for example, they can assist with the establishment and growing of supplementary feed crops like maize, brassicas, fodder beet and silage crops, as well as provide information on the nutritional details of these crops and the management techniques for the different harvest options or livestock types utilising them.
Farmlands Grain and Seed’s trading department complements our retail seed service through offering “commons” seed multiplication contracts and other grain and seed production and trading options to arable farmers.
The Seed Buyers’ Guide, now in its seventh edition, has been compiled for shareholders and staff to provide an independent, impartial and unbiased source of relevant information, detailing the commercially available forage and pasture seeds, their attributes and endophyte availability. Seed treatment options and some topics of current interest are also included.
New seed technology innovations are continuing to provide farmers with additional tools to help maximise their returns. Intensification on-farm is seeing increased use of maize, fodder beet, forage cereals and brassicas to provide the most cost effective, top quality, highest yielding amount of feed.
The management of pastoral and forage crops to ensure a successful result is becoming increasingly important and an ongoing focus of Farmlands Grain and Seed is to facilitate the transfer of current information to our Technical Field Officers and shareholders. Additionally, the use of Farmlands and seed wholesaler company demonstration sites and trials gives farmers and Technical Field Officers the opportunity to see how different seed varieties perform in their local areas.
There is a wealth of seed and forage crop management knowledge available from our Technical Field Officers, Grain and Seed Agronomists and other staff and we look forward to assisting you in your seed buying decision making.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Farmlands Grain and Seed thanks the following sponsors for their support in the production of the Seventh Edition Farmlands Seed Buyers’ Guide:
Mark Elliotte Farmlands Grain and Seed General Manager
Farmlands Directory
Farmlands Grain and Seed Seed Mixing and Distribution Sites
All cultivar information is presented in a standardised format to provide consistency of content and to help accurate comparisons. Here is a typical example for a ryegrass:
Name of cultivar
Diploid versus Tetraploid
Endophyte classification (see opposite)
GREENGRASS Diploid/Tetraploid | WE/AR1 | +17 days
• Medium leaved and densely tillered tetraploid with semi-erect growth habit
• Ideally suited to rotational sheep grazing
• Late heading date and with low aftermath heading
• Exhibits rapid establishment and high late autumn production
General description / Suitability of use / Maturity / Key attributes
RYEGRASS HEADING DATES
As ryegrass becomes reproductive, there is an associated boost in growth and once headed they often become stemmy, with a reduction in feed quality. Therefore the heading date of a cultivar provides a useful general guide to seasonal behaviour.
• Early cultivars usually have superior early spring (September) production.
• Later cultivars retain their leafiness – and hence quality – longer before going stemmy.
Ryegrass heading date is defined as the date when 50% of a specific variety’s plants have emerged seed heads in a typical year. The actual dates given are only a guide as they can vary (by 2-3 weeks or more) from year to year. The number of days between heading dates also varies from year to year – being more condensed or spread out. However, the order of flowering of different varieties remains relatively constant throughout New Zealand. Typically, heading dates within about 3-4 days of each other would not be significantly different. Each heading date classification in the following table is approximately 14 days strictly defined. All heading date measurements are made relative to Nui.
Ryegrass heading days
CLASSIFICATIONPERIOD (relative to Nui)
Early heading date-8 days and earlier than Nui
Mid-season heading date-7 to +7 days around Nui
Late heading date+8 to +21 days after Nui
Very late+22 days and later than Nui
The above classifications are used by the New Zealand Plant Breeding and Research Association.
PLOIDY
DIPLOID:
This is the natural state of ryegrass where each plant cell has two sets of chromosomes.
TETRAPLOID:
Varieties that have four sets of chromosomes in the plant cell. The cells of tetraploids also tend to be larger than diploids – as a result, the seeds are larger and a higher sowing rate is required. Increased palatability and high quality dry matter is a common feature of tetraploid ryegrasses due to their larger size – there is comparatively less cell wall (cellulose) and more carbohydrate per cell.
HIGH SUGAR GRASS
High sugar ryegrasses are bred to produce more sugar, or water soluble carbohydrate (WSC), than is found in standard ryegrass cultivars. The extra sugar in the grass improves its voluntary intake and digestibility, leading to more efficient grass conversion into animal production and less nitrogen being wasted in the digestive process.
ENDOPHYTE
The agreed naming for endophyte is as follows: Without endophyte (WE): Sometimes/ previously referred to as nil, low or LE.
Standard endophyte: Sometimes/previously referred to as wild type, high or HE.
Novel endophyte: For example AR1, AR37, Endo5, NEA2 and MaxP.
For a better understanding of endophytes, please refer to pages 8-9.
What is an endophyte?
Endophyte is a naturally occurring fungus whose complete life cycle occurs within grasses such as perennial ryegrass and tall fescue.
Most New Zealand perennial ryegrass pastures are infected with endophyte. The endophyte fungus grows between the cells of the host plant, drawing nutrients from it but in return conferring resistance to insect pests, drought tolerance and protection from overgrazing – a relationship known as symbiosis. Endophytes produce chemical compounds known as alkaloids, some of which confer pasture pest resistance and others that can also cause animal health problems. Peramine is a compound that deters, in particular, feeding and egg laying of Argentine stem weevil, a serious pest impacting ryegrass persistence but has no known effects on animal health. Lolitrem deters Argentine stem weevil larval feeding but causes ryegrass staggers. Ergovaline gives resistance to black beetle but in higher concentrations can reduce animal performance, as well as causing heat stress in warm humid conditions.
The Endophyte Life Cycle
NOVEL ENDOPHYTES
Novel endophytes are selected endophyte strains that have a known and understood chemical compound profile. It is known what impact these compounds have on insect pests, the agronomic performance and persistence
of the plant and the safety and performance of animals grazing plants containing the novel endophyte strain. Novel endophytes can be incorporated into elite cultivar germplasm, either by an inoculation process or by breeding and selecting with maternal plants that contain the novel endophyte strain.
“Standard” (sometimes known as the old “high endophyte”) endophytes, naturally present in most New Zealand pastures, contain high levels of the compounds lolitrem, peramine and ergovaline. The selected strain AR1* contains peramine, which gives control of Argentine stem weevil but little control of black beetle.
AR1* does not contain lolitrem or ergovaline and as such provides excellent animal health and performance. Endo5 contains peramine and lower levels of ergovaline but no lolitrem. The ergovaline improves agronomic robustness, especially in areas where black beetle is a problem.
NEA2, developed by Agriseeds, contains peramine, moderate levels of ergovaline and very little lolitrem. NEA2 infected ryegrasses provide excellent animal health and performance with a level of control of Argentine stem weevil, black beetle, pasture mealy bug and root aphid.
A more recent novel endophyte AR37* does not produce lolitrem, peramine, or ergovaline but produces chemicals called epoxyjanthitrems. Epoxy-janthitrems confer a wide range of control of insect pests (Argentine stem weevil, black beetle, root aphid, pasture mealy bug and porina). Testing to date has shown ryegrass infected with AR37* to be more persistent and productive than ryegrass infected with standard endophyte, with livestock performance levels similar to AR1* pastures and pastures without endophyte. While AR37* does not produce lolitrem or ergovaline, ryegrass staggers can occur but at a frequency much lower than occurs on pastures containing standard endophyte.
* Trademarks and/or variety denominations of Grasslanz Technology Limited.
CHOOSING A RYEGRASS ENDOPHYTE
These ratings are indicative and may vary slightly between cultivars. If Argentine stem weevil are present at sowing, an appropriate seed treatment is recommended to improve insect resistance during establishment.
Diploid ryegrasses INSECT
Argentine
Black
Tetraploid ryegrasses4
Pasture mealy bug
Black beetle
Root aphid2 ( )
Porina3 -Not tested (
Key to tables
No control
)( )
Low level control: Endophyte may provide a measurable effect but is unlikely to give any practical control.
Moderate control: Endophyte markedly reduces insect damage under low to moderate insect pressure. Damage may still occur when insect pressure is high.
Very good control: Endophyte consistently reduces insect populations and keeps pasture damage to low levels, even under high insect pressure.
() Provisional result: Further results needed to support the rating. Testing is ongoing.
Notes on tables
1. AR37 endophyte controls Argentine stem weevil larvae but not adults. While larvae cause most damage to pastures, adults can damage emerging grass seedlings. In Argintine stem weevil prone areas, it is recommended to use treated seed for all cultivars with novel endophyte.
2. AR1 plants are more susceptible to root aphid than plants without endophyte.
3. Control of porina in pastures only applies to the ryegrass component. Other species that are palatable to porina (such as white clover) will still be damaged.
4. There is much less information on the effect of endophyte on insects in tetraploid ryegrasses than for diploids. Tetraploids are generally more susceptible to Argentine stem weevil and the insect resistance provided by endophyte may not be as strong, although this may vary between cultivars. These ratings are based on available data but require further confirmation.
Greenfeed maize
Article supplied by Pioneer
Reliable, low cost summer feed.
Greenfeed maize is a proven summer crop option for deer and cattle farmers throughout the country. There are a number of reasons why you should consider planting a crop this spring. These include:
• Large seed: While many small seeds must be planted near the surface, maize is a large hybrid seed that can be planted deeply into the soil moisture zone. This allows for good crop establishment even when planting conditions are dry.
• Drought tolerant: Maize is a deep-rooted, water efficient crop that produces reliable yields even under dry growing conditions.
• Weeds: There is an excellent range of herbicides available to control weeds in maize crops.
• High yields: While yields will vary depending on crop location and stage of maturity at grazing, typically farmers will harvest between 10-18t DM/ha from a greenfeed maize crop.
• Low cost: Generally farmers can grow a greenfeed maize crop for 8-14c/kgDM standing.
OPTIMISE YIELD, MAXIMISE FLEXIBILITY
The method of planting and maize seed choice will be determined by how you plan to use the crop.
Crop end useMethod of
Greenfeed only
Greenfeed with remaining crop made into silage
Conventional seed drill (15cm rows)
Conventional seed drill (15cm rows)
Forage King hybrid maize seed blend*
Pioneer® brand maize hybrid – contact your local Farmlands representative for a region specific recommendation
*Forage King contains a blend of hybrid maturities including very short and very long maturity hybrids. The significant difference in dry matter content of the various hybrids makes it impossible to make good quality maize silage from Forage King.
FEEDING GREENFEED MAIZE
Maize can be greenfed from 6-8 weeks after planting, although higher yields will be achieved if the crop is left until cob fill has commenced. The feed value for greenfeed maize is in the range 10.3-10.8 MJME/kgDM with higher energy levels being achieved as the grain content increases. For maximum utilisation, feed the entire crop while most of the plants are still green.
FEEDING RATES
The ideal feeding rate for milking dairy cows is up to 25-50% of the dietary dry matter intake as greenfeed maize. Dry cows, heifers, beef cattle or deer require less protein and can be fed more than half of their diet as greenfeed maize.
Alternatives to ryegrass pasture
Article supplied by Agricom
Alternatives to perennial ryegrass can often provide benefits like greater drought tolerance, better persistence, insect tolerance and animal production. While perennial ryegrass produces and persists well in many regions, these other species, outlined below, are ideal alternatives.
TALL FESCUE
The first species to consider is tall fescue, because it is the grass that is most like perennial ryegrass for animal production and management requirements. Tall fescue has been commonly used in the classic dryland regions of Central Otago and Canterbury but it is now being used in many other regions including Southland. The main reason for this is that tall fescue is tolerant of grass grub but ryegrass is not. Some districts (e.g. northern Southland and Canterbury) have enough rainfall or irrigation to sustain ryegrass pastures but the soils and climate are conducive to grass grub and therefore tall fescue shows good advantages in persistence and production.
Tall fescue is often perceived to be unpalatable and difficult to manage. This may be true of varieties imported from the United States and Europe but that changed when AgResearch bred cultivars in New Zealand for high palatability and improved winter growth, leading to Grasslands Roa and then Grasslands Advance tall fescues (recently superseded by Easton tall fescue). These cultivars have proven to be simple to manage, achieve high animal performance and to have seasonal growth that meets the needs of most farms.
Tall fescue can be slower to establish than ryegrass, so requires good paddock preparation to reduce weed competition during establishment. It should be planted when soils are going to be warm and moist for at least 3 months after sowing, making late spring sowing ideal where there is irrigation or summer rainfall. It requires good soil fertility to achieve potential production and persistence.
LUCERNE
Lucerne has increased in popularity in recent years, following a decline in areas during the 1980s as a result of nematode and aphid outbreaks. Lucerne suits soils that dry out regularly in summer but are free from waterlogging in winter. The deep tap-root and nitrogen fixation means it often produces more and persists longer than perennial ryegrass. It also produces quality feed for grazing and hay or silage production.
The slower winter growth and reduced grazing in early spring means the maximum area of lucerne must be estimated for each farm, depending on stock requirements. The ground needs to be well prepared before planting lucerne to avoid weed burdens during establishment. Soils need a good pH (e.g. 6.5) and freedom from aluminium throughout the rooting depth (over 1m). Grazing management and weed control for lucerne is different to grass pastures and it is crucial to get this right to achieve good persistence and production.
COCKSFOOT
Cocksfoot is most commonly used as an addition to ryegrass mixtures in dryland climates. Like tall fescue it has better drought and insect tolerance and persistence than ryegrass. It also has a better ability to compete in lower fertility soils, making it ideal for extensive hill country farms. Good stock performance can be achieved with nitrogen fertiliser, irrigation and close grazing.
PHALARIS
Phalaris is a useful grass for its drought and grass grub resistance and it is also productive and of good quality. It is always planted with a companion as pure stands can be toxic.
PRAIRIE AND BROME
Prairie grass and grazing bromes are also productive species for dryland climates. While being drought tolerant, plants tend to be short lived (2-3 years) but stand life can be extended by allowing some natural reseeding. These species require soils that are freedraining and of high fertility.
SUBTERRANEAN CLOVER
Subterranean clover has been an under used legume in summer dry regions, however it is much more drought tolerant and persistent than white clover. Seed must be planted in autumn at high rates and specific pasture management is required in the first year to allow reseeding.
CHICORY AND PLANTAIN
The short lived perennial herbs chicory and plantain are also popular with many farmers. Chicory has exceptional feed value, is very productive over spring, summer and autumn and is very tolerant of droughts. Pure stands of Tonic plantain have been proven to have an exciting role for boosting lamb growth from birth to weaning, especially on farms with high fertility flocks and summer dry climates. Both herbs can be added to perennial pasture mixes to boost quality for the first few years of the pasture.
Plantain with seed head.
Choice chicory forage systems
Article supplied by Agricom
Chicory is a perennial herb with a deep tap-root, providing high forage quality and high warm season dry matter production. Choice chicory has been demonstrated on farms and in research to substantially improve production both per animal and per hectare in dairy cows. It can be considered as a regrowth summer crop.
FEATURES OF CHOICE CHICORY
• High forage quality (protein and digestibility)
• Improves milk production
• High summer growth
• Slow winter growth in cold climates
• Perennial with moderate persistence (3-4 years)
• Good drought tolerance, deep tap-root 1.5m
• Elevated mineral content (Zn, Cu, Mg, Ca, K)
• Reduced facial eczema spore levels
• Good grazing tolerance
PERFORMANCE
OF CHOICE CHICORY
A trial has shown that in a dry environment, cows can produce up to 90% more milk when fed on Choice chicory relative to perennial ryegrass (Figure 1). In general, it is noted that dairy cow milk production responses from chicory are similar to those from turnips, improving milk solid production when supplementing pasture over the summer and/ or autumn periods (Waugh et al.,1998).
Choice chicory in dairy systems is typically used as a 6 month summer crop, as persistence of chicory into a second summer is often compromised by wet winters and heavy spring soils associated with many dairy environments.
Chicory’s deep tap-root, high dry matter growth rates and excellent regrowth potential in hot conditions makes it a versatile summer crop. Choice has the ability to continue to supply quality feed beyond the point when most summer turnips are finished – an important feature in a year with extended dry conditions. When pasture quality was poor (below 10 ME) feeding Choice at 20-40% of the diet can increase milk solids production by 17%1.
In a year with reasonable summer moisture, daily growth rates of around 80-100kgDM/ha/day can be expected during the summer/autumn.
1Lee & Minneé, (2012). DairyNZ Technical Series, August 2012. Chicory and plantain – your questions answered.
Summer milk production from cows grazing four pasture types
USES OF CHICORY
There are three main ways that chicory is used:
1. Mixed with a grass/clover pasture
This is the most common use of chicory because it requires very little change to pasture establishment and management practices. It is an easy way to increase animal production from a pasture. Seed is mixed at the rate of 1-4kg/ha, depending on the content required. Establishment can be poor when mixed with high rates of perennial ryegrass, when sown in cold soils, or when planted too deep (>12mm). Best results come from sowing with highly palatable grasses such as Italian ryegrass, timothy, tall fescue or prairie grass.
2. As a special purpose crop
This is often the best way to realise the benefits of chicory on a dairy farm because it provides a greater amount of high quality feed over summer. It also allows for selection of suitable soil types and grazing management that is specific for chicory. Seed is sown at 6-8kg/ha with or without white and red clover.
Over the last few years it has become common to plant chicory as a 6 month crop, however it is estimated that 20% of crops get taken through the winter into a second year. It is important to note that not all chicory will persist into a second year and cultivar selection is critical when making the decision to carry through.
3. Oversown into pasture
Good establishment can be achieved by spreading seed just prior to grazing in spring. This suits grass pastures planted in autumn without chicory that require thistle spraying in the first winter.
CHOICE FOR FINISHING SHEEP AND CATTLE
Choice in sheep and beef systems is often sown by itself as a crop or with white clover and sometimes red clover. Choice crops are normally run for 2 to 3 summers depending on the free draining nature of the soil.
Choice can also be added to a pasture mix to improve summer production and quality, enabling new pastures to be used for finishing.
Monitor for target residual to maximise liveweight gain per hectare. Average lamb liveweight gains of around 250 grams/head/ day are achievable with ranges from 220-240 grams/head/day.
Optimise stocking rates for the best animal and per hectare performance. Carrying capacities have ranged from 40-70 lambs/ha with an average of 40 on dryland and 55 with irrigation or summer rainfall.
Aim to eat 70-74% of forage on offer (2kgDM/lamb/day for a 33-35kg lamb).
Beet growing process
Article supplied by Seed Force
Beet is a specialist crop – before growing, some key questions should be asked when considering beet. Beet’s full potential will only be achieved by good planning and following prescribed agronomic advice.
FODDER BEET GROWING GUIDE CHECKLIST
Has an appropriate paddock been selected?
• Select free-draining paddocks that are able to be prepared to a good standard.
• Avoid paddocks where previous crops have had residual chemicals applied – check paddock history.
Has a recent soil test been carried out?
• Soil test early using a 150mm soil probe. Test pH of paddocks being considered for beet well before sowing, apply lime early. A pH above 6 is required, ideally 6.2.
When will paddock be able to be prepared to an appropriate standard?
• Spray out and prepare seed bed as early as possible, using a double spray programme, check before adding any broadleaf sprays with the knock down spray.
• Ensure any sub-surface pans are broken to allow subsequent root development of crop.
• A fallow period should be used to help conserve soil moisture.
• An even, fine, firm seed bed is essential (heel indent should just be seen).
Has the correct fertiliser programme been selected for paddock and crop?
• Fertiliser use should be based on recent soil tests – beet requires specific nutrients to help reach its full potential. Fertiliser use will include main base dressing during cultivation as well as specific applications post-emergence.
Is the correct beet type being used for your situation?
• There are a range of beet types to suit a variety of situations, e.g. grazing or mechanical harvesting.
Have insects been controlled?
• Apply insecticides prior to or at drilling. Monitor and control insect pests post-establishment.
Is an appropriate planter/contractor available in your area?
• Sow seeds at 1.5-2.0cm depth using a precision planter. Make sure machinery is well maintained and planter units are set to an even depth.
• Sow into adequate soil moisture when soil temperature is at least 10°C and rising to help ensure a quick and even strike.
• Beet sowing rates will be determined by a range of factors. These include – the specific end use, the required field emergence and the germination of the line being planted.
Typically, for in-situ grazing/self harvesting, the sowing rate will be between 80,000-100,000 seeds/ha. For mechanical harvesting the rate will typically be increased to 100,000-110,000 seeds/ha.
• Drill speed should be low, to avoid poor seed placement, 4-6kph maximum.
Are you aware of the crop’s nutrient requirements post sowing?
• To maintain leaf area (canopy health), crop will require specific post-establishment nutrients. Rates and type will be dependent on crop and target yields. Monitor and apply when required.
Have appropriate herbicides and application timings been organised?
• Beet requires specific chemical formulations for weed control. These should be organised well in advance.
• Apply post-plant/pre-emergence herbicide after sowing. If conditions are dry, this may have to be applied and incorporated prior to sowing.
• Plan herbicide programme based on expected weeds and to avoid delay in correct timing of application.
Has everyone to be involved with the crop post-sowing been advised of their responsibility?
• Ensure all involved are aware of crop and its need for constant early monitoring and control of weeds and pests.
• The farmer should be advised to organise the spraying contractor well in advance and be notified of spray applications required, in a timely manner.
• If there are any ‘bolters’ in the crop, these should be managed by either breaking the stem before flowering or removing the plant from the field after flowering. If left uncontrolled, these plants can greatly impact the subsequent crop rotation for that paddock by dramatically increasing the number of years before the paddock can be potentially returned to beet.
• To help ensure good plant health and maximum production, a suitable crop rotation should be adhered to. If any bolters have not been controlled, this rotation will be increased.
• Asking appropriate questions and following prescribed advice will help the crop reach its potential. Ensuring everyone involved with the crop is aware of their responsibility will help achieve this.
Cleancrop™ brassica system
Article supplied by PGG Wrightson Seeds
WHAT IS IT?
The Cleancrop™ brassica system is a traditionally bred, herbicide tolerant cropping system that combines:
1. HT Brassica™ cultivars that are bred to be tolerant to the sulfonylurea herbicide, Telar®
2. DuPont® Telar® herbicide, a broad spectrum herbicide, that provides excellent control of broadleaf weeds in brassica crops with Cleancrop™ brassica system technology.
3. A best practice and stewardship plan, to maximise the on-farm performance and responsible management of Cleancrop™ brassica system technology.
WHERE TO USE
The Cleancrop™ brassica system can be used where a simple weed control programme is required to control a wide range of economically important and historically difficult to control weeds.
Telar® herbicide controls the following weeds:
• Calandrinia
• Californian thistle*
• Chickweed
• Dandelions
• Docks
• Fathen
• Hawksbeard
• Nodding thistle
• Rayless chamomile
• Redroot
• Scarlet pimpernel
• Scotch thistle
• Shepherd’s purse
• Spurrey
• Stinking mayweed
• Twin cress
• Vetch
• White clover
• Willow weed
• Wild turnip
• Yellow gromwell
• Scentless chamomile
*Delay application until majority of Californian thistles have emerged and are at rosette stage.
The Cleancrop™ brassica system of HT Brassica™ seed plus Telar® herbicide shouldn’t be used in the crop rotation in the year prior to planting fodder beet or potatoes due to their crop sensitivity to Telar®.
The Cleancrop™ brassica system rape crop sprayed with Telar® herbicide (left) and Goliath® rape sprayed with Dicamba® herbicide (right).
BENEFITS FOR THE FARMER
The key benefits of the Cleancrop™ brassica system are:
1. Simplified weed control
The Cleancrop™ brassica system is an integrated weed management programme that offers excellent control of key problem weeds in brassica, including wild turnip, Californian thistle, fathen, redroot, shepherd’s purse and spurrey.
2. HT Brassica™ cultivars with excellent agronomic performance
HT Brassica™ cultivars containing the Cleancrop™ brassica system technology have been bred from the very successful Plant and Food Research/PGG Wrightson Seeds joint breeding programme, Forage Innovations Ltd. In addition to their tolerance to Telar® herbicide, each cultivar, depending on species, has improved forage yield, palatability and disease and insect tolerance.
3. Best practice and stewardship plan
The Cleancrop™ brassica system must be implemented on-farm in accordance with the best practice and stewardship plan. Developed by PGG Wrightson Seeds and DuPont®, this programme is designed to optimise the on-farm performance of the Cleancrop™ brassica system.
New pasture sown after the rape crops. Goliath® and Dicamba® (left) and the Cleancrop™ brassica system (right).
Forage value index
Article supplied by DairyNZ
DairyNZ, in collaboration with the New Zealand Plant Breeding Research Association (NZPBRA), have developed an evaluation tool called the ‘forage value index’ for use by New Zealand dairy farmers when making short-term and perennial ryegrass cultivar selection decisions.
MAIN FEATURES OF THE FORAGE VALUE INDEX (FVI)
• An objective, independent, economic based, ryegrass evaluation system.
• Combination of a cultivars performance value multiplied by its regional economic value.
• Based on National Forage Variety Trial (NFVT) data supplied by NZPBRA.
• FVI’s estimated for Upper North Island, Lower North Island, Upper South Island and Lower South Island.
PERFORMANCE VALUE (PV)
Performance values (PV) are routinely estimated for seasonal dry matter production during establishment, winter, early spring, late spring, summer and autumn. For seasonal dry matter production, a PV is the total increase or decrease in dry matter production over a period relative to the genetic base. Example – a late spring performance value in Upper North Island might be +200kgDM/ha over the months of September and October.
ECONOMIC VALUE (EV)
Economic values (EV) have been estimated for seasonal dry matter production during establishment, winter, early spring, late spring, summer and autumn for each FVI region. An economic value is the effect on profit ($/ha) of a one unit change of a trait. For instance if we increase dry matter production in summer by 1kg per hectare, what is the effect on animal performance, feed conserved, supplement saved and ultimately farm profitability.
DISPLAY OF INFORMATION
The yearly evaluations of short-term and perennial ryegrasses are grouped based on their FVI and PV Star Rating in the Cultivator Selection Tool. The elite cultivars receive five stars and the poorest performing cultivars receive one star.
Farmers can choose cultivars that meet specific pasture supply needs for their region in just five easy steps:
FUTURE OF THE FORAGE VALUE INDEX
The DairyNZ FVI will steadily strengthen over time as more research is carried out, ensuring that:
• More cultivars are included in the FVI ratings.
• More data on traits such as nutritive value and persistence is generated and included in FVI.
For more information: www.dairynz.co.nz/fvi
Weed identification
Weeds should be controlled early to ensure successful establishment of crops and particularly new permanent pastures. A well-timed herbicide during early establishment can make a huge difference to productivity and persistency of the pasture. Your local Technical Field Officer is there to assist you with the identification of weeds and timing of sprays and recommends you identify weed burdens early and not wait until they are clearly visible in the crop or pasture.
Annual PoaBlack Nightshade Buttercup Calandrinia
ChickweedCleavers
Californian Thistle
Cornbind
Groundsel
Field Pansy
Hedge MustardHemp Nettle
DandelionDockFathen
Fumitory
Scrambling SpeedwellShepherd’s Purse
Staggerweed
Storksbill
Wild Turnip
Twin Cress
Willow Weed
Wire Weed
Scentless Chamomile
Henbit
Scotch Thistle
Photos supplied by Bayer CropScience and Seed Force
Rayless Chamomile Nettle
Redroot
Red Dead Nettle
Sorrel
Spurrey
Nodding Thistle
Sow Thistle
Pasture and brassica pest identification
Adult White ButterflyArgentine Stem Weevil AdultArgentine Stem Weevil Larvae
Black Field Cricket
Black Beetle Lavae
Black Beetle Adult
Cabbage AphidClover Flea
Clover Root Weevil AdultCutwormDiamond Back Moth LarvaeLeaf Miner
New Zealand Grass Grub
Tasmanian Grass Grub
Nysius (Wheat Bug) Slugs
Pasture Mealy Bug Springtail
Porina Catterpillar
Root Aphid
Photos supplied by Bayer CropScience and AgResearch
Ryegrass
Perennial Ryegrass
Long Rotation Ryegrass
Short Rotation Ryegrass
Italian Ryegrass
Annual Ryegrass
Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial ryegrass has long been the grass of choice for permanent pastures throughout New Zealand. It establishes rapidly, yields well, tolerates a range of management practices and has high nutritive value. It is also compatible with clovers and herbs, offering an excellent all-round pasture for all grazing systems.
ABERGAIN HSG (High Sugar Grass)
• Densely tillered for improved recovery from pugging
• Extremely high digestibility and palatability
ABERGREEN HSG (High Sugar Grass)
• Excellent digestibility under both grazing and silage management
• Densely tillered and deep-rooting, with excellent ground cover
• Superior late spring yields
• Bred for enduring persistence
• Provides a better energy/protein balance in the grass
ABERMAGIC HSG (High Sugar Grass)
• High digestibility under both grazing and silage management
• Slightly broader tiller than AberGreen
• Very good rust resistence
• Superior late spring yields
• Deep roots for persistence
ALTO
Tetraploid | WE | +24 DAYS
Diploid | AR1, WE | +17
Diploid | AR1, WE | +19
Diploid | AR1, AR37, LE | +14
• Suitable for any farm system requiring a very persistent, high-performance, excellent all-round permanent pasture
• Very densely tillered, fine leaved, with semi-erect growth habit
• Late flowering variety, giving improved summer quality without sacrificing early spring yield
• Delivers high overall yield, with strong winter and summer growth
ANSA
• High growth rates in winter and early spring
• Good overall production
• Bred in New Zealand
• High tiller density and persistence
Diploid | Happe, Edge, AR1 | +14
• Excellent winter and early spring growth make it ideal for farms requiring improved early season pasture supply
• Particularly suited to early calving or early lambing systems
• Medium erect growing, highly tillered perennial with good clover compatibility
• Medium-late heading cultivar that breaks the relationship between later flowering cultivars and poor early season growth
• Improved persistence against grass grub, black beetle, porina, field crickets and Argentine stem weevil
• High livestock performance
• Highly palatable
• Safe for sheep, cattle and deer (will not cause grass staggers)
ARROW
Diploid | AR1, LE | +7
BARRIER
Diploid | GrubOUT U2 | +10
BASE
• Very high tiller density
| AR37, AR1, LE | +22
• Ideally suited to dairy or finishing systems under rotational grazing in high fertility environments
• Very late heading date
• Very high dry matter production, particularly in autumn and winter – selected from high yielding, densely tillered plants that survived 2 years of severe drought and hard grazing BEALEY
• Brings together exceptional palatability with high yields, for farm systems requiring maximum animal performance
• Medium tiller density, with a more open growth habit and excellent clover compatibility
• Very late heading, delivering exceptional late spring quality
• Like all tetraploids, avoid pugging with cattle in wet conditions and prolonged set stocking through dry periods
BRONTE Diploid | Happe, AR1 | +20
• Strong growth rates in winter and autumn
• Good overall production
• Bred in New Zealand
• Very high tiller density and persistence
• Fine leaved, densely tillered
• Suited to sheep, beef, dairy and deer in fertile conditions under set stocking or rotational grazing
• Late heading date
• Very high yielding, with excellent feed quality and persistence EXCESS
• Perfect fit for all intensive dairy, sheep or beef systems
• Strongly persistent (AR37)
• Excellent dry matter production
• Mid-season heading date
• Boosts summer, autumn and winter feed yields
Grasslands® HALO
• Very late heading date for optimum feed quality
• Tetraploid perennial with good tiller density
• Strong summer/autumn growth
| AR37, AR1, LE | +7
| AR1, AR37, LE | +25
MATRIX Enhanced® Ryegrass Diploid | SE, LE | +23
• Persistent, very high yielding, palatable inter-species cross diploid, with high pasture quality
• Suitable for irrigated and dryland, dairy, sheep and beef
• Late heading with low aftermath heading
• Very strong late winter and early spring growth
• Older cultivar that has been superseded
• Medium leaf size and tiller density with semi-erect growth habit
• Ideally suited to low to medium fertility situations, set stocking sheep and beef
• Mid-season heading date – the standard that all other ryegrasses are compared to
Ceres ONE50
Diploid | WE, SE |
Diploid | AR37, AR1 & LE | +20
• Outstanding summer, autumn and winter growth, particularly with AR37
• Excellent spring quality and summer leafiness
• Excellent use of summer irrigation or natural rainfall
PACIFIC
• Fine leaved and densely tillered
Diploid | WE, SE | +1
• Performs well under a range of grazing systems – tolerates heavy stocking and medium to low fertility situations
• Mid-season heading date
• Strong autumn and winter production and good disease resistance
Grasslands® PROSPECT
• Prospect has been bred from a diverse range of genetic perennial material
• Strong performance all year round
• A dense, fine leaved diploid cultivar with high total production
RELY
• Robust, reliable diploid perennial ryegrass
• Dense tillers and fine leaves, good rust tolerance
• Strongly persistent (AR37)
• Dry matter yields that match the best in the business
• Good option in challenging environments
Grasslands® REQUEST
• Mid-heading diploid perennial
• Very low aftermath heading, returning to leaf production by summer
• Very good spring, autumn and winter production for its type
ROHAN SPR
• Specifically bred for sheep and beef systems
Diploid | AR37, AR1 | +12
Diploid | AR37, AR1, LE | 0
Diploid | AR1, AR37 | 0
Diploid | NEA2, LE | +18
• Unique spreading characteristic, which helps fill bare areas that would otherwise be occupied by weeds – this also helps it recover from adverse climatic conditions
• Very fine leaved and densely tillered
• Easy care pasture option with excellent persistence and low aftermath heading
• Older cultivar that has been superseded
• Fine leaf size and densely tillered, with semi-erect growth habit
• Ideally suited to low to medium fertility situations, set stocking sheep and beef
• Mid-season heading date
Grasslands® SAMSON Diploid | AR1, AR37, LE, SE | +3
• Proven persistence in a wide range of New Zealand environments
• Productive under sheep and beef management
• Bred for improved rust tolerance STELLAR Dip Q
• Fine leaved with very high tiller density and exceptionally low aftermath heading
• Suited to all stock types
• Late heading
| AR1, LE | +8
• Bred for persistence, offering the latest in breeding technology, combining diploid strength with tetraploid quality
TROJAN
| NEA2, LE | +16
• A balance of features previously unseen in a perennial ryegrass – exceptional dry matter yield, excellent persistence, NEA2 endophyte and high feed quality
• Suitable for any system – rotational grazing and set stocking
• Medium to fine leaved and densely tillered diploid, with semi-erect growth habit
• Late heading variety with a low level of aftermath heading, giving it better feed quality in late spring and summer TYSON
|
|
• Exceptional winter/early spring growth
• Ideal for sheep and beef farmers to provide high quality and quantity of feed for lactating ewes with lambs at foot
• Fine leaved and densely tillered to provide excellent persistence
ULTRA Enhanced® Ryegrass Diploid | AR1, LE | +20
• Very high yielding, palatable inter-species cross diploid, with high pasture quality
• Suitable for all livestock types and grazing systems
• Late heading with low aftermath heading
• Very strong late winter and early spring growth, with high yields year round
VISCOUNT
• Very good total dry matter yield, with improved early spring growth
• High quality with reduced aftermath heading and improved rust tolerance
• Superior animal performance, with a very low risk of animal health problems such as ryegrass staggers
• Like all tetraploids, avoid pugging with cattle in wet conditions and prolonged set stocking through dry periods
• Strong growth rates in winter and early spring
• Late heading date
• Bred in New Zealand
• High tiller density
24SEVEN
Diploid | Edge, Happe | +24
Long Rotation Ryegrass
Long rotation ryegrass falls between perennial and short rotation ryegrass in both growth and persistence. Varieties vary widely depending on their breeding. Some are more similar to short rotation ryegrass and some closer to perennial ryegrass. Long rotation grasses are also available with different endophyte options.
BANQUET® II
• Fine leaved and densely tillered
Tetraploid | Endo5, LE | +18 DAYS
• Rotational grazing will give optimum performance – moderate periods of set stocking are possible under non-stress conditions
• Late season heading date
• Selected for improved digestibility and increased water soluble carbohydrate levels
JETA
• Excellent combination of quality and winter growth
• Suitable for grazing, silage and finishing
• Late season heading date
• Very good growth over winter, early spring and summer
KAI
• High yielding tetraploid with high metabolisable energy and digestibility
• Suitable for all livestock types and grazing systems
• Late heading with low aftermath heading
• Very strong cool season growth, with high yields year round
Grasslands® OHAU
• Ideal for undersowing
• Very strong spring growth
• A persistent, long rotation tetraploid
Tetraploid | Edge, AR1 | +10
Tetraploid | LE | +20
Tetraploid | AR1, AR37, LE | +8
Short Rotation Ryegrass
Short rotation ryegrasses, also called hybrid ryegrasses, are generally a cross between an annual or Italian ryegrass and a perennial ryegrass. They are typically sown to provide a 3 to 5 year pasture and a number of cultivars contain endophyte, which improves persistence in summer dry areas.
DELISH®
• Fine leaved and densely tillered
Tetraploid | AR1 | +9 DAYS
• Recommended for use on farms wanting to achieve maximum animal productivity
• Late heading date
• Highly palatable with improved disease resistance and persistence
MANAWA
• Older cultivar that has been superseded
• Medium leaved and medium tillered with semi-erect growth habit
• Suited to medium to low fertility and harsher environments
• Late heading date
MAVERICK GII
• Fine leaved and densely tillered
• Recommended for sheep, beef, deer and dairy
• Late heading date with low aftermath heading
• Increased dry matter production in spring and summer
SHOGUN
Diploid | WE | +15
Diploid | WE | +17
Tetraploid | NEA, LE | +26
• Has exceptional total dry matter yield for a hybrid, combining excellent cool season growth with exceptional yield and summer quality
• Erect, broad leaved, tetraploid-hybrid ryegrass, ideal as a 3 year pasture option
• Very late flowering, with excellent summer feed quality
• Shogun’s endophyte is a naturally occurring NEA-type strain that provides protection against a variety of insect pests, similar to NEA2 in Bealey
Italian Ryegrass
Italian ryegrasses are most commonly sown to provide multiple grazings of high quality feed through winter and spring. In summer mild areas (e.g. Southland) or under irrigation, they can persist for 2 to 3 years. However in summer dry areas, they generally only persist for 9 months to 2 years. They are often used in undersowing situations to boost winter and spring pasture productivity.
ABERNICHE HSG (High Sugar Grass)
• 90% tetraploid Italian ryegrass and 10% meadow fescue cross
• Increased stress resistance including winter hardiness and drought tolerance
ACCELERATE
• Erect diploid with high tiller density, late maturing and high yielding
• Versatile option for a wide range of uses
• Late heading date
• Excellent production and quality year round, capable of handling tough conditions
• Excellent second year production potential
• Low aftermath seed head for a true Italian
• Asset is a dense cultivar suited to winter grazing
• High yielding tetraploid
• Can be used to significantly increase the winter and spring production of pasture
• Late heading date with low aftermath heading
• Superior disease resistance, enhanced persistence and excellent summer quality
INDULGENCE Dip Q
• Dense and finely tillered
• Suited to all stock types, especially dairy, with its high quality and utilisation
• Late heading date
• The quality of a tetraploid with the robustness of a diploid JACKPOT
• Excellent production
• Rapid establishment and winter production
• Improved grazing tolerance and summer survival
• Bred in New Zealand
• High yielding tetraploid Italian with AR37
• Strong winter/spring growth
• Fantastic summer yields and quality (low aftermath heading)
• Exceptional disease resistance
• Excellent second year yields and persistence
• Older cultivar that has been superseded
• Broad leaved with relatively low tiller numbers and very erect growth habit
• Suited to rotational grazing, sheep, beef and dairy
• Late heading date
• Establishes quickly and is suitable for a short-term pasture (1 to 2 years)
• Excellent production
• Rapid establishment and winter production
• Bred in New Zealand
• Extended high feed quality in spring PERUN
• Densely tillered ryegrass-fescue hybrid
• Impressive animal production and health
• Better survival in dry and cold climates than Italian ryegrass
• Highly preferred by animals
SONIK
• Very high yielding, densely tillered and robust diploid
• Suitable for all livestock types and grazing systems
• Late heading with low aftermath heading
• Fast establishing with very strong winter growth and high yields year round
SUPERCRUISE
• High yielding, robust, diploid Italian ryegrass
• Super-fast establishment
• Excellent late spring/early summer production
• Ideal short-term pasture or for undersowing in to run out pasture
TABU
• High performance, 2 to 4 year pasture
• Very fast establishing diploid, with good persistence for an Italian ryegrass
• Late heading, with seed heads more palatable than perennial ryegrass
• Suitable for all systems either as a short-term pasture or for undersowing to provide a boost to run out pastures
Annual Ryegrass
Annual ryegrasses are fast establishing and used for high quality, short-term winter feed. They provide multiple grazing through the winter and spring. They are generally only used as a 6 to 8 month winter crop prior to sowing a summer crop.
HOGAN
• Very quick establishment
• Excellent winter and spring dry matter yields
• Ideal as a winter crop, providing fast, high quality feed over a 6 to 8 month period
• Very aggressive, excellent yielding variety with superior winter and spring production
• Suitable for conservation or grazing
• Very late heading date
• Excellent quality and winter growth
• Fast establishing, diploid Westerwold annual
• Suited to a range of uses with its palatability and very high yields
• Late heading date
• Strong autumn/winter/spring activity and a new level of production from annual ryegrass
• Older cultivar that has been superseded
• Broad leaved, with relatively low tiller numbers and very erect growth habit
• Suitable for autumn sowing to provide large amounts of quality feed in spring
• Late heading date
• Establishes quickly and has good cool season growth
• Autumn sow for quality autumn, winter and spring feed – suitable for grazing or conserved feed
• Late heading date
• Fast establishing and very high yielding – ideal for sowing into existing pasture
• Very fast establishing, high yielding tetraploid, capable of multi-grazings
• Very strong winter and early spring growth, with improved persistence
• Late heading date with low aftermath heading
• Ideal as a high quality winter feed crop and for hay or silage
Ryegrass Continuum
PERENNIAL RYEGRASS
Bealey (Tetraploid) .............................+25 days
Halo (Tetraploid) .................................+25 days
AberGain HSG (Tetraploid) .................+24 days
24Seven ...........................................+24 days
Matrix ................................................+23 days
Base (Tetraploid) ................................+22 days
Expo ..................................................+21 days
Bronte ..............................................+20 days
Ultra ..................................................+20 days
One50 .................................................+20 days
AberMagic HSG ................................+19 days
Viscount (Tetraploid) .........................+19 days
Rohan ...............................................+18 days
AberGreen HSG ................................+17 days
Trojan ................................................+16 days
Alto....................................................+14 days
Ansa ..................................................+14 days
Prospect ............................................+12 days
Barrier ..............................................+10 days
Stellar Dip Q ........................................+8 days
Arrow ..................................................+7 days
Excess ................................................+7 days
Samson ...............................................+3 days
Pacific .................................................+1 days
Nui ........................................................0 days
Rely ...................................................... 0 days
Request ................................................ 0 days
Ruanui ...................................................0 days
Tyson ....................................................-7 days
LONG ROTATION RYEGRASS
Kai (Tetraploid) ...................................+20 days
Banquet II (Tetraploid) ........................+18 days
Jeta (Tetraploid) .................................+10 days
Ohau (Tetraploid) .................................+8 days
SHORT ROTATION RYEGRASS
Shogun (Tetraploid) ............................+26 days
Maverick GII ......................................+17 days
Manawa ............................................+15 days
Delish (Tetraploid) ................................+9 days
ITALIAN RYEGRASS
Mona ................................................+28 days
Jackpot .............................................+22 days
Supercruise .......................................+20 days
Feast II (Tetraploid) ............................+17 days
Lush (Tetraploid) ................................+17 days
Sonik ................................................+17 days
Moata (Tetraploid) ..............................+16 days
Accelerate .........................................+15 days
Asset .................................................+14 days
Tabu ..................................................+13 days
AberNiche HSG (Tetraploid) ...............+12 days
Perun ................................................+12 days
Indulgence ........................................+11 days
ANNUAL RYEGRASS
Jivet (Tetraploid) .................................+18 days
Hogan (Tetraploid) .............................+16 days
Zoom (Tetraploid) ...............................+16 days
Sultan ................................................+15 days
Tama (Tetraploid) ...............................+13 days
Winter Star II (Tetraploid) ......................+9 days
Other Grasses
Cocksfoot
Sundry
Tall Fescue
Cocksfoot
Cocksfoot is a very persistent perennial grass. It will tolerate moisture stress through summer, moderate soil fertility, insect attack and continual set stocking. It is a valuable grass in summer dry regions with moderate soil fertility. Cocksfoot is slow to establish and tolerant to grass grub. Newer, fine leaved varieties are much more compatible with ryegrass and less dominating of pasture mixes than traditional types.
ATHOS
• A very good mid-maturity variety
• Finer leaf that is preferred by stock and handles intense grazing
• Suitable companion species or as a single species in a pasture mix
• Very persistent and palatable
GREENLY II
• New technology cocksfoot with upright growth habit and quick establishment
• Extremely soft and upright leaves, leading to high palatability and utilisation
• Suited to all stock types due to its soft, palatable leaves
• Use as main grass component or include in perennial ryegrass mixes to help build resilience and persistence
KAINUI
• A newly released, high yielding and finer leafed cocksfoot
• Good compatibility in pasture mixes
• Strong root development for summer dry tolerance
• Suitable for all livestock types
SAFIN
• New type of ‘superfine’ cocksfoot, finer leaved than Ella
• High total dry matter yield with significantly better spring growth – critical for dryland farm systems for lambing and calving
• Finer and denser than most cocksfoots, with more tillers
TEKAPO
• Early flowering variety that allows a high clover content in the sward
• Fine leaved and densely tillered
• Suitable for set stocking and hard rotational grazing in sheep and beef systems – best suited to low to medium fertility soils
• Excellent drought tolerance
VISION
• Finer and softer leaved, more densely tillered cocksfoot
• Ideal for drier environments or summer-proofing ryegrass pastures
• Less aggressive and less clumpy than traditional cocksfoots
WANA
• Older, very persistent cocksfoot
• Prostrate, hardy and thoroughly proven
• Suitable for more marginal dryland conditions and sheep grazing
Sundry
Brome grasses encompass several species suited to free-draining soils of moderate to high fertility, particularly in lower rainfall areas. They do not persist as well on poorly-drained soils. They are very palatable, including their seed heads. Brome grass includes the more winter active, less persistent prairie grass, along with the more persistent pasture brome and grazing brome.
Phalaris is a deep-rooted, persistent, perennial, rhizomatous grass with good drought tolerance. It has good winter and early spring production, however, summer production is dependent on the environment, as plants are capable of going dormant through the summer. Sown only as a minor component of pasture mixes at 1-3kg/ha and for animal health reasons, avoid pure swards. Phalaris is tolerant to grass grub.
Timothy is a late flowering perennial grass with high nutritive value. It performs best on high fertility, heavy soils, in colder, summer wet areas, e.g. Southland. It will persist poorly in dry areas and under continual intense grazing pressure. Timothy is mainly sown as a minor component in a pasture mix at 1-2kg/ha.
ATOM Prairie Grass
• Long seasonal spread of growth
• Excellent winter growth and summer heat tolerance
• Highly palatable
• Potential for high legume and herb content
BARENO Pasture Brome
• Persistent, drought tolerant option suited to situations where ryegrass doesn’t persist well
• Drought tolerant, deep-rooting cultivar that persists best on free-draining soils
• Moderately densely tillered with good palatability and legume compatibility
• Best suited to sheep, beef and deer systems – can be rotationally grazed or set stocked
DOLINA Timothy
• High quality grass
• Good quality seed
• Good grazing tolerance and summer production
• Persistent
MATUA Prairie Grass
• Large leaves with an erect growing habit
• Winter active, moderate drought tolerance but can be short-lived under hard grazing
• Requires free draining soils – life span severely impacted by waterlogging
• Palatable to stock at all growth stages (including seed heads)
• Suitable for rotational grazing by all classes of stock
GALA Grazing Brome
• Drought tolerant
• Excellent grazing tolerance
• Dense tiller growth
• Rapid autumn recovery
PHALARIS
• Phalaris is drought tolerant, with excellent levels of cool season activity
• With its deep penetrating root system and rhizomatus growth habit, Phalaris is very persistent
• Phalaris is very useful for erosion control and in deterring feeding by grass grub
• Phalaris should only be sown as part of a pasture mix and managed to prevent it becoming dominant
SUMMERGRAZE Timothy
• Very high performance variety, well adapted for local conditions
• Good spring, summer and autumn production
• Suitable for grazing and hay
• Excellent quality and persistence, with good early spring performance
TROJAN Lotus
• Trojan Lotus pedunculatus is a spreading, rhizomatous, tetraploid cultivar
• Grows in low fertility, moist and acid soils
• Contains condensed tannins, so is non-bloating forage
• Suited to pasture environments with bull rush or tussock protection
• Highly suited to land stabilisation, forestry skid sites and long-term land development projects
• Specific rhizobium strain for nitrogen fixation required
YORKSHIRE FOG GRASS
• Often used in forestry to revegetate logged areas, for erosion control and roadside revegetation
• Adapts readily to wet, low fertility situations
• Must be managed to prevent dead matter build up in pasture base
Tall Fescue
Tall fescue is a deep-rooted, perennial grass more tolerant of hot summers, poorly-drained soils and saline conditions than perennial ryegrass.
Careful establishment during periods of adequate soil moisture and warm soil temperatures is recommended, due to its slow seedling establishment. Once established, it is tolerant to grass grub and clover friendly.
Correct spring grazing management is also important with this species.
Tall fescue varieties are available with or without endophyte. Protek and MaxP are novel endophytes that are safe on animals and increase persistence, production and tolerance to insects (including black beetle). Tall fescue plants with endophyte have a greater ability to survive and recover quickly from droughts due to the reduction in plant stress caused by insect feeding. The MaxP endophyte provides protection again Argentine stem weevil, black beetle adult, root aphid and pasture mealy bug.
EASTON MaxP | WE
• Very high summer and autumn production
• Higher water use efficiency than ryegrass
• Tolerant to insects, drought and saline conditions
FINESSE Q WE
• High yielding and high quality with semi-late heading
• Densely tillered with soft, palatable leaves
• Unique oceanic type, offering the advantage of producing feed across the seasons compared to more summer or winter active types
• Its high palatability and production across the seasons ensures quality and performance in a range of environments
QUANTUM II
• Robust, very early heading, New Zealand bred tall fescue
• Moderately soft leaved
• Summer active
• Improved disease resistance and excellent annual dry matter production
MaxP | WE
TOWER Protek | WE
• Very palatable, with a later heading date
• High tiller density and grazing tolerance
• Good production
• Easy to manage
• Grass grub tolerant and persistent
Clover
White Clover
Red Clover
Annual Clover
White Clover
White clover is a perennial clover that tolerates a wide range of management systems and has a very high feed value. Its ability to fix nitrogen makes it a good companion species with grasses in a pasture mix. A relationship exists between the size of the clover leaf and the stolon density of the plant.
As leaf size increases, the stolon density decreases. A larger leaf size generally means a higher potential yield. However, higher stolon density is desirable in some situations as it gives better plant tolerance to pugging, pests, drought and set stocking.
ABERLASTING Caucasian White Clover X
• The first variety from an ongoing IBERS white clover breeding programme to incorporate traits from Caucasian clover, a closely related and highly drought tolerant species
• Larger and deeper rhizomatous (underground stem) roots that tap into soil moisture at a deeper level than standard clover stolons (above and below surface runners)
• Suitable for use in all grazing systems – particularly well suited to permeant pasture where water may be limited
• Developed to be more drought tolerant and persistent
• Seed production paddocks have seen tolerance to clover root weevil over second and third years under pressure
ABERDANCE
• Flexibility – suitable for hard grazing and cutting
• Very winter hardy, with good cool season activity
• Showed excellent persistence over 8 years in a trial
ABERNORMOUS
• Versatile – suitable for rotational grazing and cutting
• Retains high digestibility throughout the season
• Bred for greater persistencey and forms dense stolon growth
• Good stress and grazing tolerance – pest and disease resistant
• Produces an ideal clover balance for dairy and cattle systems when mixed with AberDance and/or AberLasting
APEX
• A medium leaved white clover with high yield
• Higher stolen density than Huia, with improved drought and pest tolerance
• Apex is suitable for all sheep, beef and deer systems
Small
Medium
Large
Medium
• In AgResearch sheep grazing trials, Apex out-yielded Huia by 23% with better growth in all seasons
• Available with the new Agricote Clover formulation, providing starter nutrients for improved seedling vigour
Leaf Size
BOUNTY
• High yielding, medium leaf white clover
• High stolon density to allow excellent persistence
• Suitable for all stock types, performs best under rotational grazing, though can be set stocked
• Bred for greater autumn activity
DEMAND
• Thoroughly proven, high yielding, medium leafed, persistent variety
• Very high stolon density
• Suitable for use in all pasture mixes and for all livestock types
• Proven strong persistence and nitrogen fixation ability
HILLTOP
• High yielding, small to medium white leaf clover
• Very high stolon density giving good persistence
• Great competitiveness against invasive grasses such as browntop
• Can cope with both dry and moist environments and low to medium fertility
• Higher yielding and more persistent replacement for Tahora II white clover
HUIA
• Older cultivar that has been superseded
• Medium leaved and medium yielding clover
• Medium stolon density
• Suitable for all farming types, very easily managed
• The standard white clover that all others are compared to
Small-Medium
KLONDIKE
• High growth rates
• Large leaf and erect growth for compatibility with high yielding ryegrass
• Good stolon density
KOPU II
• Very high yielding
• Very high stolon density that aids rapid growth and recovery
• Suited to rotational grazing with all stock types, with excellent growth all year round
• High feed quality with improved soluble carbohydrate levels and enhanced clover root weevil tolerance
Large
KOTARE Large
• Very high yielding, large leaved cultivar
• Offering a combination of a large leaf size and higher stolon density
• Best suited to dairying or rotational beef grazing
• High total yield and high stolon density for a large leaved clover
• Available with the new Agricote Clover formulation, providing starter nutrients for improved seedling vigour
LEGACY Large
• New Zealand bred, new generation, large leaf white clover
• Ideal for dairy and intensive cattle systems
• High tolerance to clover root weevil
• Higher yielding than Kopu II
Grasslands® MAINSTAY
• An exciting new generation, robust large leaved white clover
• Mainstay has shown outstanding recovery from drought in the Waikato
• Primary clover option for dairy and beef systems
• Ideal for high fertility finishing pastures
Grasslands® NOMAD
• Small to medium leaved white clover
• Bred for increased stolon recovery after dry summers
• Persistent clover under hard grazing
• Should be included in all dryland mixes
Large
Small-Medium
QUARTZ Medium
• High yielding, medium leaf white clover
• Semi prostrate growth and high stolon density (relative to leaf size) providing increased persistence
• Versatility to cope with all stock types, prefers rotational grazing but can tolerate period of set stocking
• Higher yielding, more persistent replacement for Bounty white clover
Medium-Large
• Medium to large leaf size with good frost tolerance and winter growth
• Excellent stolon density, ensuring good persistence
• Performs well under rotational grazing or set stocking of any stock type
• Bred for tolerance to clover root weevil
RIESLING
• Medium leaf size
• High stolon density
• Suitable for all classes of stock
Medium
• Very reliable white clover that makes a great companion with a wide range of varieties and mixtures
TAHORA II
• Small leaf white clover with more growing points to improve growth recovery
• Suitable for all stock types, ideal for set stocking regimes – can be grazed hard
• Easy care – can tolerate lower fertility, oversows well
Grasslands® TRIBUTE
• Medium to large leaved white clover
• High stolon density/leaf size ratio
• Improved out of season production
• Shown to be tolerant to clover root weevil
WEKA
• Medium to large leaved, very high yielding white clover
• Very high stolon density giving improved grazing, treading and pest tolerance, resulting in better persistence
Small
Medium-Large
Medium-Large
• Suited to all farm systems, Weka can be combined with Apex for sheep, beef and deer farms or Kotare in dairy operations
• The combination of yield and persistence helps provide excellent production and animal performance
• Available with the new Agricote Clover formulation providing starter nutrients for improved seedling vigour
Red Clover
Red clover is a short-lived, tap-root legume with a high feed value. It has good summer growth and drought tolerance, providing high quality feed over the summer months when moisture is limiting growth for many other species. Red clover has little activity through winter and overgrazing during these months should be avoided to minimise plant deaths. Generally, red clover will persist for about 2 to 4 years.
HAMUA BROAD RED
• Older cultivar that has been superseded
• Erect growth habit, with medium to large leaves
• High oestrogen levels
• Suitable for use in situations requiring early hay/silage crops
• Short-term clover with a lower yield potential than the other new cultivars
PAWERA
• Older cultivar that has been superseded
• Erect growth habit, with large leaves
• High oestrogen levels
• Suitable for hay/silage and finishing pastures, providing a bulk of feed with high levels of tannin
• Winter dormant and good drought tolerance
Grasslands® RELISH
• Medium leaf size
• A major improvement in persistence within grazing systems
• High yield potential over time
• Semi-prostrate growth habit
• Low levels of formononetin (oestrogen)
ROSSI
• Excellent quality feed with large leaf size
• Medium oestrogen levels to aid longevity
• Include in pasture mixes or in specialist finishing crops to boost quality
• Bred for persistence, chosen for good disease tolerance (sclerotinia and mildew)
RAJAH
• Diploid, medium to late flowering
• Has a medium leaf size for a red clover
• Low oestrogen levels
• Very tolerant to grazing and conservation with good persistence
Grasslands® SENSATION
• High yielding cultivar
• Upright growth habit
• Strong early season growth
• Reduced levels of formononetin (oestrogen)
TUROA MONTGOMERY
• Older cultivar that has been superseded
• Erect growth habit with medium leaves
• Medium to high oestrogen
• For situations where grazing/supplementary feed is required from red clover swards
TUSCAN
• Semi-prostrate diploid with medium leaf size, selected for improved persistence under grazing
• Early flowering, with medium oestrogen levels
• Best suited to systems operating a longer grazing rotation through summer
• High summer yield and superior persistence under grazing
• Available with the new Agricote Clover formulation, providing starter nutrients for improved seedling vigour
Annual Clover
Annual clovers, such as subterranean clover, are important pasture components in summer dry environments where perennial clovers struggle to survive. Most annual legumes are from the Mediterranean region, adapted to summer dry and winter moist climates. Seed is planted in autumn at high rates and in the first year, annual clovers must be allowed to reseed through reducing or stopping grazing through flowering in spring until successful seed set has occurred. Their hard seed lies dormant through the summer before regenerating with autumn rains.
BINDOON Sub Clover
• Highly productive, early to mid-season subterranean clover
• Suited to summer dry areas with well drained soils
• Improved resistance to clover scorch, red legged earth mite and lucerne flea
• High seed production and dense seedling regeneration, relatively soft seeded
COOLAMON Sub Clover
• Coolamon is a mid heading cultivar similar to Woogenellup and 1-2 weeks earlier than Goulburn, setting viable seed mid to late October
• Good winter activity with excellent early spring growth with the ability to grow well into mid November with rainfall
• Coolamon has excellent density and is highly suited to early spring set-stocking in dry environments
• Ideal autumn sown addition to established dryland Tonic pasture to improve spring legume content
DENMARK Sub Clover
• Strong seedling vigour
• High spring production
• Excellent full season dry matter production
• High, reliable seed yield and regeneration
• Resistance to clover scorch
• Resistance to root rot
NARRIKUP Sub Clover
• Red legged earth mite tolerance
• Mid-flowering, making it well suited to New Zealand conditions
• High yielding, new breeding
• For dryland permanent pasture
• Combine with Rosabrook to extend production
ROSABROOK Sub Clover
• Red legged earth mite tolerance
• Late flowering, making it well suited to New Zealand conditions
• High yielding, new breeding
• For dryland permanent pasture
• Combine with Narrikup to extend production
LIGHTNING Persian Clover
• Annual regenerating clover with soft seed
• Suited to more than 600mm annual rainfall and clay soils
• Useful addition to a spring sown red clover stand to provide a bulk of high quality legume at the first grazing
• Strong spring growth
VIPER Balansa Clover
• Annual regenerating clover
• Suited to more than 600mm annual rainfall in light soil and 550mm in heavier soils
• Capable of producing in soils with a wide range of pH
• Strong spring growth
Sub clover (left) has a comparatively larger seed size than white clover (right), resulting in a higher sowing rate requirement
Chicory Plantain
Herbs
Chicory is a broad leaved, tap-rooted, drought tolerant herb. Normally sown as part of a pasture mix at 1-2kg/ha but increasingly sown in pure swards (68kg/ha). Chicory gives high stock performance and has high quality summer growth. Usually persists for 2 to 5 years.
Plantain is a deep-rooted, mineral rich, drought tolerant herb. Recommended in a mixture with grasses, legumes and other herbs at 1-2kg/ha. It usually persists for 3 to 5 years in a mixed pasture sward. Recently, pure swards of plantain (8-10kg/ha) have shown to have a role on farms with high fertility sheep flocks and summer dry climates.
501 Chicory
• High quality multi-graze crop option
• Establishes rapidly
• Has excellent dry matter yield with good insect tolerance
• Can be sown as a summer crop alone, or in a mix with red clover
Ceres PG742 Plantain
• Similar seasonal dry matter production to Tonic
• Upright growth habit
• Higher tiller density than Tonic
• Suitable addition to grass pasture mixes and high legume density pastures
CHICO Chicory
• Erect growing, high yielding chicory, highly suitable as a summer crop
• Summer active, with improved winter growth and strong drought tolerance
• Very high quality, nutritious summer feed
• Very high livestock performance compared to pasture and other summer feeds
Grasslands® CHOICE Chicory
• A true perennial chicory with good persistence
• Improved dry matter production
• High summer quality
• Ideal for short-term “finishing” or milking pastures
• Choice is a certified chicory variety
PUNA II Chicory
• A New Zealand bred, broad leaved, perennial forage herb of high nutritional quality
• Produces high yields from spring to late autumn
• Thick, deep tap-root allows excellent drought tolerance and mineral extraction
• Very high summer productivity and outstanding animal performance
PUNTER Chicory
• High yielding, perennial forage chicory selection
• Outstanding summer productivity and quality, with drought tolerance due to deep-rooting ability
• Deep-rooted species enhancing mineral uptake
• Improved establishment vigour
BOSTON Plantain
• Erect type with broad leaves and dark green in colour
• Summer active with deep roots to ensure drought tolerance, winter dormancy improving persistency
• Remains vegetative longer into the summer months due to late flowering
• Rapid to establish, with small seed size allowing low sowing rate
Ceres TONIC Plantain
• Suitable as a 2-3 year crop option
• Valuable winter and early spring growth, making it highly suitable for ewe lactation
• Has a positive impact on milk production when grass quality drops in summer
• An ideal source of minerals for animal health and performance
Lucerne
Lucerne
Lucerne is an erect-growing, tap-rooted, perennial plant grown as a specialist crop in pure stands for grazing or supplementary feed. It prefers well-drained, pH neutral soils. It is most successfully established from spring sowing at 10-15kg/ha. A winter activity scale (1-10), in which 10 is the most active, is used to measure the amount of growth during winter – the majority of cultivars available in New Zealand are semi-dormant or dormant through winter.
• A leading variety with multiple stems, an upright growth habit and high leaf/stem ratio
• Proven agronomic performance
• Robust variety under cutting and grazing with high yields of quality forage
• Excellent disease and pest ratings
• Developed for grazing under set stocking conditions
• Ideal option for farms already with existing winter dormant lucerne stands
• Suitable for grazing and/or cutting systems with large amounts of high quality feed through spring, summer and autumn
• Good pest and disease resistance
• Fine stemmed, New Zealand developed lucerne
• Semi-winter dormant – highly productive in spring and summer, with later autumn and early spring growth
• Versatile – suitable for grazing, mixed regimes or hay/silage
• Selected for improved resistance to a range of New Zealand pests and diseases
• Winter dormant with excellent winter hardiness
• Ideal for grazing as well as lucerne silage and high-quality hay
• Highly resistant to Phytophthora Root Rot, Verticillium Wilt, Bacterial Wilt and Stem Nematode
• Winter dormant with excellent winter hardiness
• Exceptional forage yield potential and quality
• Highly resistant to phytophthora root rot, verticillium wilt, bacterial wilt, fusarium wilt and stem nematode
• Suitable for grazing, silage or hay
Pioneer® Brand 55V50
• Winter dormant with excellent winter hardiness
• Highly resistant to phytophthora root rot, verticillium wilt and bacterial wilt.
• Fast recovery after cutting makes 55V50 an excellent option for hay and silage producers, as well as livestock farmers who plan to graze their stands
• Semi-winter dormant with little winter growth but excellent yield through the warmer months
• Ideally suited for grazing, tolerates prolonged set stocking and close grazing
• Has good overall resistance to most lucerne diseases
• Winter dormant lucerne suitable for all regions of New Zealand
• Excellent resistance to stem nematode, blue-green aphid, bacterial wilt, fusarium wilt, verticilium wilt and general leaf disease
• Dual purpose lucerne, suitable for grazing or conservation
• Fine stemmed, locally adapted variety WAIRAU 2
• Older cultivar that has been superseded
• Multi-stemmed (high stem to leaf ratio), with a higher crown than newer cultivars
• Winter dormant
• Most suited to hay/baleage with limited grazing
• Susceptible to most common lucerne diseases
Brassica
Kale
Rape Swedes Turnips
Leafy Turnips
Kale
Kale is typically sown in spring for a single graze winter crop. It will perform best on moist, fertile soils where it will out yield swedes –although it also has good tolerance to dry conditions. It is generally unaffected by insect attack and mostly tolerant to club root and dry rot, making it a suitable second crop option. Kale is suitable for all stock types, however the giant types are best grown for cattle grazing only. In some circumstances, a late summer graze is possible, although this must be light if regrowth is required.
CALEDONIAN
• Ideally suited to cattle – combines very high dry matter yields with high quality stems
• Tall kale but has soft, marrow-type stems of similar quality to shorter leafy types
• Maturity date of 150 to 220 days, with good tolerance to aphids and club root and is very winter hardy
• High stem quality helps improve cow liveweight gain over traditional tall kales
COLEOR
• Reliable, high yielding winter feed suitable for sheep, cattle and deer
• Medium stem height, with very high leaf to stem ratio and finer stems
• Good disease tolerance and strong winter hardiness
• High in dry matter content, metabolisable energy and digestibility, with good utilisation potential
CORSA
• High yielding, new generation giant type kale
• Highest leaf to stem ratio of giant kales
• Good aphid tolerance
• Winter hardy crop
• Softer stem compared to Gruner
FUEL
• Use in situations where quality and yield are paramount, ideally suited to cattle and deer
• Intermediate type with excellent leaf to stem ratios, maturity 180-200 days
• Fantastic tolerance to brassica diseases
• Recognised with its deep, dark green colour and high yields of quality feed
GRUNER
• Best suited to cattle
• High yielding, maturing 150-220 days after sowing
• Good aphid and club root tolerance
• Excellent frost tolerance
KESTREL
• Medium height kale with excellent leaf/stem ratio (greater than 50% leaf)
• Suitable for all stock types, superior animal production
• Excellent crop utilisation due to highly digestible stem, bred for low levels of SMCO
• Good regrowth if lightly grazed during the summer of low stem fibre
PROTEOR
• Palatable, leafy, high yielding variety of intermediate stem height
• High leaf to stem ratio (often more than 50% leaf)
• Good winter hardiness
• Good tolerance of aphids, club root and other diseases
REGAL®
• High yielding intermediate height kale
• Suitable for all stock types, with a high leaf to stem (greater than 45% leaf)
• Very good winter hardiness and excellent pest and disease tolerance
• Excellent crop utilisation due to selection of low stem fibre
SOVEREIGN
• Medium to tall kale with excellent yield potential
• Late flowering variety that maintains leafy crops into early September
• Good leaf to stem ratio for its yield potential
• Thinner stemmed variety, particularly when compared to giant kales
VOLTAGE
• Suitable for all classes of stock, especially sheep and young stock
• Medium height kale, maturity 180-200 days
• Excellent disease tolerance
• Leafy variety with good levels of protein, with high crop utilisation achievable
Rape
Rape is a versatile brassica option for summer, autumn or winter feed and can be used as a multi-graze or single-graze crop. It can be grown on lower fertility soils than most other brassicas and can be sown alone or in mixtures from early spring through to late summer. It has a higher leaf to stem ratio than kale and is faster maturing (70 to 110 days). However, ensure crops are fully mature before grazing and introduce them slowly into the diet to prevent animal health issues.
GOLIATH®
• Rape/kale interspecies cross for excellent summer, autumn and early winter feed
• High yielding, multi-graze giant rape – maturity of 90-110 days
• Good aphid tolerance
• Superior regrowth potential with good winter keeping properties
GREENLAND
• Versatile summer, autumn, winter feed option for all stock types
• Traditional 70-90 day maturity, medium plant height, leafy type
• Good disease tolerance
• Very late flowering with high yields, excellent leaf to stem ratios and multi-graze flexibility
INTERVAL
• Hardy, high yielding rape, for a summer or autumn/winter forage crop for sheep, cattle and deer grazing
• Leafy upright growth habit, with medium to late maturity (90-110 days)
• Good disease, frost and drought tolerance
• A medium to tall rape, interval is particularly suitable for a very high yielding autumn/winter crop
PILLAR
• A New Zealand bred giant type multi-graze forage rape
• Very fast establishing
• Improved yields
• Very good regrowth potential
• Good disease resistance
• Can be sown in spring or autumn
SPITFIRE
• High yielding, intermediate height rape
• Low stem dry matter percentage and a plant maturity of 13-14 weeks
• Suitable for summer, autumn and early winter feeding
• Excellent aphid tolerance
TITAN™
• Rape/kale interspecies-cross suitable for summer, autumn and winter feed
• High yielding, multi-graze, intermediate height rape – early maturing (70-90 days)
• Very good aphid and virus tolerance
• High animal preference score cultivar with excellent regrowth potential
WINFRED
• Early maturing, 10-12 weeks
• Regrowth potential for 3-4 grazings
• Fast recovery from grazing, with excellent subsequent yields
• Ideal for mixing with herbs and clover
HT RAPE™ Sold as part of Cleancrop™ Brassica System only
• A specialised crop for areas with high weed burden
• Agronomically similar to Goliath, maturing 90-110 days after sowing with very good regrowth potential
• Suitable for summer/autumn/early winter feed
• Herbicide tolerant product that provides excellent weed control
Swedes
Swedes have low tolerance to drought and will perform best in cool climates and fertile, moist soils. They are the preferred winter feed option over turnips in summer moist districts. They can be either ridged or conventionally drilled from November to early December. They are a high quality, slow growing brassica with a better keeping quality than turnips and should not be sown as a second year crop due to the risk of disease.
APARIMA GOLD
• Yellow-fleshed bulb, suitable for all stock types
• Main swede crop late maturity (170-250 days after sowing)
• Club root and dry rot tolerant
• Excellent keeping qualities with high leaf percentage
CLUTHA GOLD
• Yellow-fleshed bulb, suitable for all stock types
• Very high yielding main crop swede, bred to replace Aparima Gold
• Club root and dry rot tolerant
• New Zealand bred and evaluated
• Excellent winter keeping qualities
HT SWEDETM
• Very high dry matter yield with medium maturity
• Dark purple skin with white flesh
Sold as part of CleancropTM Brassica System Only
• Similar dry rot and club root tolerance to Aparima Gold
• Good leaf disease tolerance and leaf holding ability
INVITATION
• Yellow-fleshed cultivar that delivers great all round performance, suitable for all stock classes
• Late maturing crop (170-250 days)
• Demonstrates good disease and pest tolerance with good keeping ability
• Very high leaf and bulb yields result in a productive, high quality winter crop
MAJOR PLUS
• Softest swede on the market
• A main crop, soft-bulbed swede, suitable for all stock classes
• Yellow-fleshed, light purple skinned bulb, with yield potential of 16t DM/ha
• 150-230 day maturity
Turnips
Turnips have a good tolerance to lighter and lower fertility soils and may be sown alone or in mixtures with rape or grasses (particularly Italian ryegrasses). Early maturing, summer turnips are generally sown in October and provide fast, high quality summer feed (60-100 days after sowing). They are typically used on dairy farms to maintain milk production through summer, when pasture growth and quality is poor. Later maturing varieties are typically sown through January to February in drier regions for use as a single-graze winter crop. They are an alternative to swedes in dry climates as they are faster maturing and can therefore be sown later after the hot, dry summer has passed. They have a lower leaf/bulb ratio than earlier maturing types. Turnips are generally susceptible to aphids, club root, dry rot and viruses.
BARKANT®
• High quality forage predominantly used for summer feed, suitable for cattle grazing
• High leaf to bulb ratio, resulting in high protein levels – early maturing (60-90 days after sowing)
• Tankard bulb shape to enhance utilisation and reduce risk of choking
DYNAMO
• A high quality, summer forage crop for dairy cattle
• Very leafy, upright growth habit with large, soft-fleshed bulbs and is early maturing (60-90 days)
• Good disease and pest tolerance
• Provides a high yielding, high metabolisable energy crop, suitable for maintaining milk production throughout the summer months
• Good disease tolerance with soft palatable leaves
• High energy crop with excellent leaf/bulb ratio
G2
• Round, traditional globe turnip for winter use and all stock types
• A later maturing (110+ days) diploid, green-skinned, white-fleshed turnip
• Excellent disease tolerance rating
• Latest globe type, new breeding offering enhanced yields and disease tolerance
GREEN GLOBE
• Multi-purpose product can be sown for grazing in summer, autumn and winter
• Later maturing (90-120 days after sowing)
• Winter-hardy, frost tolerant variety
HT BULB TURNIP™
Sold as part of Cleancrop™ Brassica System only
• A specialised crop for areas with high weed burden
• Agronomically similar to Green Globe – maturing 90-120 days after sowing
• Suitable for summer, autumn and winter feed
• A herbicide tolerant product that provides excellent weed control
MARCO (Tetraploid)
• Ideal summer crop with flexible sowing date, including late sowings
• Earliest maturing turnip on the market (55-65 days)
• Good resistance to bolting
• High yielding, with large bulbs and excellent bulb storage quality
NEW YORK
• Medium maturity turnip at approximately 16 weeks
• Excellent yield potential with an improved leaf to bulb ratio
• Bred for improved turnip mosaic virus tolerance
• Full leaved variety (not segmented)
RIVAL
• Early maturing diploid summer turnip, approximately 12-14 weeks
• Excellent leaf production and leaf holding
• Tankard bulb with high proportion above ground
WHITE STAR Stubble Turnip
• Suited for summer/autumn/winter feed for flexible use
• A mid-maturing (90-110 days) stubble turnip with erect, productive tops
• Good disease tolerance
• Flexible sowing/grazing times to fit farmers’ feed requirements, with good frost tolerance
YORK GLOBE
• An early maturing (80-100 days) summer turnip
• Good option for a first year crop
• Produces medium sized, round, pink skinned bulbs with soft white flesh
Leafy Turnips
Leafy turnips (also referred to as “forage brassicas”) are a quick establishing, summer/autumn finishing feed option. They produce little bulb, however their swollen tap-root provides multiple growing points, allowing for regrowth and multiple grazings. They are an alternative to rape, with superior regrowth. However, they are less tolerant to lower soil fertility and dry conditions due to their shallow roots.
PACER
• Versatile option with quick recovery for multiple grazings of quality feed
• Fast growing, commence grazing at 42-56 days
• Very good tolerance to brassica diseases
• New breeding interspecific hybrid, with enhanced non-bolting characteristics and high yields of quality feed
PASJA II
• High yields from successive grazings
• Fast establishing, high quality feed, ready for grazing within 42-70 days of sowing
• Excellent plant persistence after multiple grazings with a minimal ripening requirement
• Provides a flexible grazing option for all stock classes over summer and autumn
HT LEAFY TURNIP™
Sold as part of Cleancrop™ Brassica System only
• A specialised crop for areas with high weed burden
• Agronomically similar to Pasja – ready for grazing 42-70 days after sowing
• Herbicide tolerant product that provides excellent weed control
HUNTER
• Early maturing from spring sowing, 6-8 weeks with minimal ripening requirement
• Excellent quality forage for finishing animals through the summer months
• Fast recovery from grazing with excellent subsequent yields
• Strong plant survival from multiple grazings
Fodder Beet
Fodder Beet
Fodder beet has gained in popularity as a high yielding, high feed value, winter feed crop option.
Not being a forage brassica, club root and dry rot pathogens are not an issue and potential for large yields enables a smaller land area to be cropped, placing less strain on crop rotations. The full potential of fodder beet will only be achieved through good crop husbandry, with close attention to seedbed preparation, weed control and timing of herbicide applications. As fodder beet is a specialist crop, ensure you have planned for the crop well in advance.
There are two different groups of fodder beet available on the market.
1. Multi-germ varieties are produced and harvested as a clustered seed. The clustered seed then has to go through a mechanical process to produce a single seed. These types are often referred to as ‘technical mono-germ’ varieties.
2. Mono-germ varieties are produced as a single seed and seed size can often be more uniform. The genetic mono-germ varieties are available in each of the three dry matter categories. These types are often referred to as ‘genetic mono-germ’ or ‘true mono-germ’ varieties.
Fodder beet can be split into three dry matter categories, being high, medium and low. Low dry matter types (less than 13%) are also known as ‘mangels’. The higher dry matter varieties will represent a more uniform bulb size, which is suitable for machine harvesting and storing. Medium types are suitable for grazing and in addition, farmers have the option to mechanically lift and store if required. Low dry matter types are suitable for grazing and have a softer bulb, which makes them suitable for younger stock.
BANGOR
• A high yielding, grazing fodder beet
• 16-18% bulb dry matter
• High quality mono-germ seed
• Improved leaf disease tolerance
BLAZE
• Suits a variety of end uses with its uniformity of bulbs
• High percentage of bulb above ground – mono-germ variety
• High yields with red bulbs and palatable tops
• Medium dry matter variety
BLIZZARD
• Specialist lifting type
• Very high bulb dry matter content (20-22%)
• Very good storing ability
• Excellent leaf holding ability and disease resistence
BRIGADIER Mangel Beet
• Highly palatable and digestible with excellent yields
• The highest proportion of bulb above ground than any other commercially available variety
• Exceptional yields of large orange bulbs and vigorous, healthy tops
• Exceptional utilisation by any class of stock, especially young stock due to above ground bulb and low dry matter percentage
CERISE
• Recent breeding release from Florimond Desprez
• True mono-germ cultivar
• High dry matter type (18-21%)
• Approximately 40-50% of bulb above ground
• Very good resistance to bolting
• Above ground colour – yellow/green
ENERMAX
• Ideal for lifting and wintering cattle
• High yields and clean bulbs
• 19-21% dry matter bulb
• Uniform height
• High quality mono-germ seed
FELDHERR
• Grazing beet with lower dry matter content
• 13-16% dry matter bulb
• Good leaf disease tolerance
• High quality mono-germ seed
JAMON
• True mono-germ cultivar
• Medium to high dry matter type (16-18%)
• 50% of bulb above ground
• Very good resistance to bolting
• Above ground colour – orange
KYROS
• Medium dry matter (16%)
• Intermediate type, suitable for grazing and harvesting
• Excellent yield performance
• Good disease tolerance
LIFTA
• Medium to high dry matter type
• High yielding, versatile beet
• Unsurpassed leaf quality
• Genetic mon-germ hybrid
MONRO
• True mono-germ cultivar
• Larger bulb type
• Low dry matter type (13-15%)
• 60% of bulb above ground
• Good resistance to bolting
• Above ground colour – red
RIBAMBELLE
• New breeding release from Florimond Desprez
• True mono-germ cultivar
• Medium to high dry matter (15-18%)
• Approximately 40-50% of bulb above ground
• Very good resistance to bolting
• Above ground colour – red
RIBONDO
• True mono-germ cultivar
• Grazing and lifting (dual purpose), giving extra flexibility
• Very even bulb shape and height with erect leaves
• Medium to high dry matter content (18-20%)
RIVAGE
• True mono-germ cultivar
• Medium sized, uniform bulbs
• High dry matter type (18-21%)
• Very good leaf holding ability
• Very good resistance to bolting
• 50% of bulb above ground
• Above ground colour – orange
ROBBOS
• True mono-germ cultivar
• Grazing variety suitable for all stock types
• Medium dry matter content (16-18%)
• Good leaf keeping ability through autumn, winter and spring
SUGA Sugar Beet
• The latest in sugar beet technology
• From one of the world’s leading breeding programmes
• Bred specifically for the highest harvestable yields
• Very high dry matter, genetic mono-germ hybrid
TROYA
• High yielding grazing beet
• 15-18% dry mater bulb
• Good leaf disease tolerance
• High quality mono-germ seed
Forage Cereals
Barley
Oats
Triticale
Forage Cereals
Forage cereals are used to provide large volumes of moderate to good quality feed for either grazing or harvesting silage. They have an advantage over other winter feed options, as they can be sown later in the autumn due to their greater ability to grow in cold conditions. They can be sown for grazing or for harvesting as silage. Whole crop cereal silage is a flexible, high yielding, cool environment, low risk option for producing a well-balanced, high energy and effective fibre supplement.
Oats and triticale are commonly sown in autumn to provide winter and/or spring grazing. They can also be sown with the intention of harvesting green chop silage in spring or whole crop cereal silage in summer. New varieties of triticale are capable of recovering from multiple winter grazings and producing whole crop cereal silage.
Barley is sown in early to mid-spring for harvesting as whole crop cereal silage in late December/January. Barley is faster maturing than wheat or triticale and is well suited to regions with shorter spring growing seasons, allowing for timely establishment of new pasture or winter feed options.
BOLT Triticale
• Autumn or spring sown option – ideally suited for green chop or whole crop cereal silage
• Robust genetics with very good resistance to rust
• Unique double-haploid breeding, resulting in exceptional uniform maturity
• Very long seed heads, good lodging tolerance and high metabolisable energy grain
CRACKERJACK Forage Triticale
• Improved resistance to stripe rust
• High silage yields
• High energy and carbohydrate levels
• Cool season growth
• Good tolerance to lodging
DOUBLETAKE Multi-graze Triticale
• Ideal for planting in autumn for strip grazing in winter or late winter for early spring grazing or silage
• Late maturing oat with excellent disease and frost tolerance
• A high quality oat with high leaf to stem ratio
• Excellent holding of quality in winter, ideal for sheep and cattle
CORONET Forage Oats
• Very good rust tolerance
• Late maturing
• Frost/cold tolerant
• High leaf to stem ratio
• Very high yielding for grazing or green chop cereal silage
INTIMIDATOR Oats
• Very good frost tolerance
• Versatile, single harvest forage oat
• Produces high yields very quickly
• Suggestions for use – February to May sowing for early to late winter grazing, autumn sowing for GCCS between maize crops, or winter to spring sowing for hay GCCS or WCCS
MILTON Oats
• Very high yields
• Improved disease resistance
• Rapid establishment
MONTY Barley
• Hooded barley, reducing the impact of awns during feeding
• High yield, whole crop barley
• Excellent straw strength
• Good disease tolerance
OMAKA Barley
• A versatile autumn or late winter sown barley
• A high yielding variety for quality forage or silage
• Very good resistance to most barley plant diseases
• Can be blended with ryegrass to provide further grazing in early spring
WINTER MAX Forage Triticale
• Excellent early establishment vigour
• Winter activity (dry matter production) superior to other forage cereals
• Highly nutritious early spring forage supplement or green chop cereal silage (not recommended for WCCS)
• Winter nitrogen uptake through vigorous growth may assist with mitigating leaching and may be useful for effluent mop-up
• Short stature and strong straw strength
Maize
Maize is a specialist high yielding crop, spring sown and cut for silage in autumn. Maize is a subtropical or “C4” plant that is frost tender and its yield is driven by accumulated heat units – meaning the warmer the area, the higher the potential yield. Maize requires good crop husbandry, so ensure you have planned for the crop well in advance. It has three times the water use efficiency of pasture on a summer seasonal basis and an extensive rooting system, helping it capture nitrogen and water.
Comparative Relative Maturity (CRM) silage ratings provide a comparison between hybrids, indicating the relative rates they reach harvestable whole plant dry matter. They do not represent actual calendar days from planting to harvest.
Farmlands Grain and Seed supplies maize seed from Pioneer, Corsons, Carrfields Grain and Seed, Nutritech and VP Max seed wholesalers.
Please refer to the Farmlands Maize Field Guide publication for your complete guide to growing and harvesting maize silage and hybrid information.
Index Of Cultivars
Annual
Tribute
Weka
Hamua
Pawera
Relish
Rossi
Rajah
Sensation
Turoa
Tuscan..............................51
ANNUAL
Bindoon (sub clover) .........52
Coolamon (sub clover) ......52
Denmark (sub clover) ........52
Narrikup (sub clover) .........52
Rosabrook (sub clover) .....53 Lightning
refer to the Farmlands Maize Field Guide publication for your complete guide to growing and harvesting maize silage and hybrid information.
SEED SOWING RATES
As
SPECIES
Grasses
Ryegrass – Diploid
Ryegrass – Tetraploid
Tall Fescue
Cocksfoot
Phalaris
Brome Grass
Legumes
White Clover
Red Clover – Diploid
Red Clover– Tetraploid
Herbs
Cereals
Spring Silage Barley
Forage Oats
Forage Triticale
n/r = not normally recommended. Sowing
RYEGRASS COMPARISONS
Long RotationPerennial
Mid (-7 to +7 days) Late (+8 to +21 days)
Late (+8 to +21 days)
Very Late (+22 days and later) Hogan (T)AberNiche HSGDelish (T)Banquet II (T)ArrowAberGreen HSGAberGain HSG (T) Jivet (T)AccelerateManawaJeta (T)ExcessAberMagic HSGBase (T)
NUI is the standard against which all other are compared. Nui = 0 days. (T) = Tetraploid. This table is intended only as a guide to the categories of ryegrass based on their heading date and perenniality.
Ultrastrike, Superstrike and Prillcote are registered trademarks of PGG Wrightson Ltd and contain pesticides which are register ed pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997.
Gaucho ® and Poncho ® are registered trademarks of Bayer Group.
Gaucho and Poncho are registered to the ACVM Act 1997 No P4200 and P5967 –and are approved pursuant to the HSNO Act 1996, Nos HSR000495 and HSR000694, respectively.
Agricote is a registered trademark of New Zealand Agriseeds Ltd and is registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997.
SF Force Field is a registered trademark of Seed Force Limited.
