Forage Crops INDEX DLF SEEDS INTRODUCTION 3 TRIALS AND RESEARCH 4 RECOMMENDED LIST GRASS 6 ITALIANS & WESTERWOLDS GRASS 7

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1 DLF Forage Seed Catalogue 2016

2 Forage Crops INDEX DLF SEEDS INTRODUCTION 3 TRIALS AND RESEARCH 4 RECOMMENDED LIST GRASS 6 ITALIANS & WESTERWOLDS GRASS 7 MAIZE ENSILED 8 BEET ENSILED 11 HYBRID RYE ENSILED 13 TRITICALE ENSILED 14 KALE INSITU 15 RAPE INSITU 16 STUBBLE TURNIPS INSITU 17 SWEDES INSITU 18 FORAGE RYE INSITU 19 LUCERNE PROTEIN 20 ARABLE SILAGE PROTEIN 21 RED CLOVER PROTEIN 22 CHICORY ALTERNATIVE 23 CATCH CROPS GREENING 24 COVER CROPS GREENING 26 COSTS 28 FERTILISER TABLE 29

3 DLF Introduction 3 Introduction We are delighted at DLF to present our complete range of Grass and Forage varieties in our new Forage Seed Catalogue DLF are one of the largest forage breeding and seed production companies in the world, with plant breeding and testing stations located from Waterford and all the way around the globe as far as New Zealand. We pride ourselves on our portfolio of products, which we are constantly updating with both local and international research efforts was the year that DLF became established in the Irish market. We launched many new products into the Irish market and established a Grass and Forage Seed research station in the South East which represents the largest investment in local Research and Development by any independent seed wholesaler in Ireland. Our future is moulded around our ability to source and select the correct varieties to give an added benefit to Irish farming systems. We had a very strong portfolio in 2015 which we believe is significantly strengthened going into 2016 with the new additions to our portfolio. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your custom to date and wish you a happy, safe and profitable farming year ahead. Regards, Paul Flanagan General Manager DLF Meet the DLF Seeds Team Paul Flanagan Paul is General Manager of DLF and holds an honours degree in Turfgrass Science from the University of Central Lancashire and brings with him a wealth of technical expertise, project management and research experience to his role. Paul Flanagan General Manager Kevin Cunningham Business Manager Kevin Cunningham As business manager for the southern regions, Kevin s commercial experience along with his technical knowledge and expertise in grass, maize, beet and forage crops is instrumental to the success of DLF. Damian McAllister As business manager for the northern regions with DLF, Damian brings over 15 years experience in agri-business, a vast knowledge of agronomy, soil fertility and inputs from previous roles. Damian McAllister Business Manager Jimmy Staples Trails Manager Jimmy Staples Jimmy manages the grass, maize, beet and forage crop trials with a background as an agricultural advisor and research trials technician.

4 4 Trials and Research Trials & Research DLF Research and Development Program 1. Global Research DLF have over 125 years of experience within plant breeding, and the company has given its name to some of the very best grass and clover varieties on the market and continue to do so today by bringing new varieties like Nifty to the Irish market in Our research is done within an international network of breeding stations and research sites, ensuring that our varieties are tested under different climatic conditions and forms of use. Today breeders select material for a new variety based on different trial data that has been collected during the growing season. Typically, only the top 5-10% are selected for further breeding while the rest is discarded. The same selection criteria are applied in the second year on the next generation and so forth until the improvements that will qualify the variety for national listing has been obtained. DLF is now leading with a new technological development, which may lift the trait values to unseen heights. The technology, called Genome Wide Selection (GWS), bases itself on the genetic potential, which is hidden in the plant genome. GWS selects breeding material on the basis of the plants DNA code instead of their trial data alone. One of the current limitations with traditional breeding techniques lies in the ability to select for more traits simultaneously. Today the development of a new variety with superior yield requires at least 500 field plots. If the new variety is also going to be superior in disease resistance the breeding process requires 500 x 500 (= 25,000) field plots. This is an impossible task, which in practice means that you can select for one trait (typically yield) and then only hope to find variation for other traits in your selected material. GWS can overcome these limitations because it can dissect, which part of the genome controls different traits. This technology has been implemented in cattle breeding with great success and the best breeding bulls are now selected even before one year of age based on genetic breeding value. Prior to GWS, data on these animals and their offspring was collected for 5-6 years before it could be concluded, which bull had the greatest potential. 2. Grass Variety Trials DLF established its first grass trials in Ireland in the autumn of Harvesting of the 800 trial plots will commence in the spring of Grass varieties are harvested for 2 years after sowing using the General Purpose protocol as defined by the Department of Agriculture recommended list which is one spring grazing cut followed by two silage cuts and then three grazing cuts in the first year. In the second year we implement the simulated grazing protocol which is an 8-10 cut system taken at periods corresponding to current commercial practice. We are committed to delivering the best grass varieties for farmers in Ireland and preparation has already started for the 2016 sowing in which another 800 plots will be established. Mixture Trials There is no variety that ticks every box; optimal spring growth, summer and autumn growth, combined with high digestibility and ground cover scores. That is why our research team

5 Trials and Research 5 designs mixtures based on individual variety performance and trial data from the actual mixture. We pride ourselves on mixture formulation which we are trialling under Irish conditions to ensure productivity as promised from our brands. 3. Maize DLF trials in excess of 80 varieties of maize for their suitability to the Irish market every year. This selection process has evolved over the years into a two site trial. As maize is very sensitive to heat units, altitude and daylight hours we test all new material across two geographical sites each year; Favourable and less favourable. The favourable site is a warm south east facing site 30m above sea level while the less favourable site is north west facing 130m above sea level and a colder field in general. As the Department of Agriculture test varieties for the recommended list across a number of sites this is a more robust way to select varieties for the Recommended List. 4. Beet We redesigned our beet trials in 2014 where by all plots are taken to harvest and subsamples are tested for dry matter. All our beet trials are currently conducted in Carlow. This year we have both a replicated plot trial and large ½ acre strip trial. Both sugar and fodder beet varieties are being tested. Our replicated beet trial consists of 12 varieties in three replications and the ½ acre strip trial has 20 varieties. We have expanded our portfolio of beet considerably in the last three years and will have 10 varieties available to the market in 2016 many of which are new varieties. 5. Forage Brassicas We have an extensive portfolio of kales, forage rapes, swedes and stubble turnips which are all included in our research farm for viewing, all of which have detailed variety and agronomy information within this catalogue.

6 6 Grass Department of Agriculture Grass and Clover Recommended Lists INTERMEDIATE PERENNIAL GENERAL PURPOSE TRIALS Variety Heading Total Rel. Ground Spring 1st Cut 2nd Cut Autumn Date Yield Cover Growth Silage Silage Growth Control Mean (tdm/ha) Boyne 22-May Nifty 27-May Rosetta 24-May Abermagic 31-May Solomon 21-May Seagoe (T) 28-May Magician (T) 22-May Carraig (T) 24-May Dunluce (T) 30-May LATE PERENNIAL RYEGRASS GENERAL PURPOSE TRIALS Variety Heading Total Rel. Ground Spring 1st Cut 2nd Cut Autumn Date Yield Cover Growth Silage Silage Growth Control Mean (tdm/ha) Kerry 01-Jun Glenroyal 05-Jun Stefani 02-Jun Aberchoice 09-Jun Piccadilly 03-Jun Clanrye 06-Jun Glenveagh 02-Jun Majestic 02-Jun Drumbo 07-Jun Tyrella 04-Jun Solas (T) 10-Jun Delphin (T) 02-Jun Aspect (T) 06-Jun Xenon (T) 11-Jun Twymax (T) 07-Jun Abergain (T) 05-Jun Aberplentiful (T) 09-Jun Kintyre (T) 07-Jun Navan (T) 06-Jun Astonenergy (T) 02-Jun Alfonso (T) 04-Jun INTERMEDIATE PERENNIAL RYEGRASS GRAZING TRIALS Variety Total Rel. Ground Spring Summer Autumn DMD* WSC* Yield Cover Growth Growth Growth % % Control Mean (tdm/ha) Nifty Boyne Abermagic Rosetta Solomon Variety Total Rel. Ground Spring Summer Autumn DMD* WSC* Yield Cover Growth Growth Growth % % Control Mean (tdm/ha) Kerry Glenroyal Stefani Aberchoice Majestic Clanrye Glenveagh Drumbo Piccadilly Tyrella Solas (T) Aspect (T) Xenon (T) Delphin (T) Twymax (T) Aberplentiful (T) Abergain (T) Kintyre (T) Navan (T) Astonenergy (T) Alfonso (T) Variety Total Leaf Size Clover Year 1st Breeder Origin Name Yield % Listed Control Mean 9.8 Buddy 100 Medium Teagasc IRL Avoca 103 Medium Teagasc IRL Iona 94 Medium Teagasc IRL Alice 99 Large (0.76) IBERS UK Barblanca 105 Large (0.78) Barenbrug NL Chieftain 98 Medium Teagasc IRL Aberherald 98 Medium IBERS UK Crusader 95 Medium Barenbrug NL Aberace 99 Small (0.38) IBERS UK Note: Varieties marked in green are in DLF Mixtures. LATE PERENNIAL RYEGRASS GRAZING TRIALS RECCOMENDED WHITE CLOVER VARIETIES 2016 The above tables are from the Grass and White Clover Irish Recommended list 2016 as published by the Department of Agriculture. *DMD and WSC controls data is shown as g/100g on this Table and have been taken from both the GP and SG Trials. Ground Cover values for Simulated Grazing are derived from Year 2 values. Seagoe (T) Magician (T) Dunluce (T) Carraig (T)

7 Grass 7 Italian Ryegrass Italian ryegrass has a rapid regrowth after cutting and the quality of the grass is very high in respect of digestibility. It thrives on all kind of soils and is mainly used for conservation in short duration leys, often in mixtures with red clover. New varieties have good persistence suitable for 2-3 year use in mild climates. A lot of Italian ryegrasses are used for intercropping, i.e. between maize crops. Italian ryegrass exists in diploid and tetraploid forms. CROP INFORMATION Sow in Late Summer for Optimum Spring Growth Sowing Period April-September Sowing Rate 36kgs/ha DM Yields 16-20tnDM/ha Fresh Weight (FW) Yield tn /ha Energy (ME) 10-11Mj/kg Digestibility Value 1st cut 71% DMD Subsequent cuts 66% DMD Westerwold Ryegrasses WESTERWOLDS are annuals and are therefore used to produce excellent yields within a short period of time. They are very vigorous and establish rapidly. Spring sown crops can be ready for cutting in just weeks after sowing and are capable of producing 3-4 cuts. The crop can also be grazed in situ or used as an early turnout option if sown in September. Avoid autumn sowing in frost affected sites as Westerwolds are not noted for winter hardiness. Note: Contrary to Italian Ryegrass, Westerwolds form stems during the sowing year. Sow at 36kgs/ha. Variety Peleton Angus DLF VARIETY PORTFOLIO Type Larger seed size Highest ranking of the varieties

8 8 Ensiled Crops Forage Maize Maize is grown primarily for its energy and yield potential. With average yields achieved in official trials under film of 17tn DM/ha and starch of up to and above 30%, high yields of energy can be achieved from forage maize. The starch in maize is slowly degraded which is more beneficial to animals. I ve seen an increase in my cows protein since I ve introduced maize into their diet When growing Maize ensure to use MaizExpert app to select your variety Noel McCall, Dairy Farmer of the Year 2015, Wicklow CROP INFORMATION Sowing Period Late March-Early May Sowing Rate ,000 seeds/ha Dry Matter (DM) 30-35% DM Yields 13-19tn/ha Fresh Weight (FW) Yield 50-60tn/ha Starch % 28-35% Energy (ME) 11.5MJ/kg Digestibility Value 80DMD SOWING TIPS Soil Type Sowing Temperature Seed Bed Preparation Light, dry, free draining +10 C Fine, firm, level seedbed required GROWING ADVICE Diseases Fertiliser Eyespot, Stalk Rot, Fusarium See fertiliser table at back of booklet HARVESTING ADVICE Maize 30-35% Dry Matter (DM) 28-35% Starch

9 Ensiled Crops 9 DLF VARIETY PORTFOLIO Variety Type COVERED Grosso LG MAS 23E Ronaldino Variety Beethoven Severus Atrium Kroft Good yielding variety High digestibility and starch Excellent early vigour and high yield potential High yielding Type Very high yielding High yield and starch Excellent stay green ability Very high starch OPEN Plastic Covered List +100 Yield -100 Yield Variety Relative Dry Dry Matter Relative Starch Relative Matter Yield Content Content Starch Yield (tns/ha) (%) (%) (tn/ha) Controls LG Award (c) P Justina (c) Galbi CS* Ambition Grosso Tekni CS (c) Source: Department of Agriculture Year Average Results Note: DLF Varieties are marked in blue. *Galbi trialled in 2012 but not in Results shown are 2012, 2014 & 2015 average. Calculated from Yield & Starch Results Open List +100 Yield -100 Yield Variety Relative Dry Dry Matter Relative Starch Relative Matter Yield Content Content Starch Yield (tns/ha) (%) (%) (tn/ha) Controls Severus Ambition Atrium Beethoven (c) Kroft Activate Beacon (c) Source: Department of Agriculture 2015 (The data is based on results of trials carried out over three years in the period 2012 to 2014). Calculated from Yield & Starch Results

10 10 Ensiled Crops MaizExpert App from DLF Seeds Do you know what the most suitable maize variety is for your site? The MaizExpert App from DLF Seeds is designed to aid your selection of the most suitable maize variety for your site, in 5 simple steps. The correct choice of variety is especially important for maize. All suggested varieties are proven under Irish conditions. Maize Manager App The Maize Manager App from Limagrain is also available to identify if your crop is ready for harvest. Download it now from the App Store. Download the apps for free from the App Store or GooglePlay

11 Ensiled Crops 11 Fodder Beet Fodder Beet is a high yielding high energy feed. Yields of 15-18tn DM/ha can be achieved with consistent energy levels. It is a perishable feed so needs to be fed quickly or ensiled. CROP INFORMATION Sowing Period March-Late April Sowing Rate ,000 seeds/ha Dry Matter (DM) 13-22% DM Yields 13-16tn/ha Fresh Weight (FW) Yield tn/ha Energy (ME) 11MJ/kg Digestibility Value 80DMD Never Lift Too Early. Crops continue to grow up until the end of October SOWING TIPS Soil Type Sowing Temperature Seed Bed Preparation Light, dry, free draining +5 C Fine, firm, level seedbed required GROWING ADVICE Diseases Fertiliser Rust, Ramularia, Powdery Mildew See fertiliser table at back of booklet HARVESTING ADVICE Beet Harvest from late Oct onwards Harvest low DM varieties first It is a cost effective feed and reduces the need for silage. Blizzard - Billy Shaw, Co. Offaly

12 12 Ensiled Crops Variety Type DM% Colour Comments DLF VARIETY PORTFOLIO Barents Energy/Sugar 24.6 White Energy Beet - Highest DM yield of beets in trials Tadorne Energy/Sugar 25 White Very high DM sugar beet Haydn Energy/Sugar 26.7 White Highest DM content of all beets in trials Blizzard HDM Beet 22.5 White Tried and tested very popular HDM Fodder Beet Tarine HDM Beet 20.8 Pink Very clean consistent roots Bangor MDM Beet 17.8 Yellow Highest fresh yield in 2015 trials and highest DM yield of MDM Fodder Beets Alpes MDM Beet 16.6 Yellow Very good root yield. Low soil tare Blaze MDM Beet 15.2 Red Highest fresh yield of all beets over two years of trials, very clean Feldherr LDM Beet 12 Orange Grazing beet Research Half acre strip trial: 20 varieties Selection of varieties - Sugar Beet, High DM Fodder Beet, Medium Beet Breeders include DLF, Limagrain, KWS. Lion Seeds & other seed producers 5 competitor beets also included as reference BEET TRIAL LIST 2016 Replicated strip trial: 12 varieties Varieties are also replicated by DLF in other countries Varieties are yielded and dry matter recorded Data on emergence, top size, leaf cover, dirt tare etc also recorded Variety Type Beet Average Average Rel DM % Above Dirt Colour Fresh Yield DM % Yield of Controls Ground Score (1-10) (tn/ha) Controls Energy/Sugar Barents new Energy White Energy/Sugar Tadorne new Sugar White Energy/Sugar Haydn new Sugar White Energy/Sugar Gerty Sugar White Energy/Sugar Rosalinda Sugar White HDM Beet Blizzard Fodder White HDM Beet Tarine new Fodder Pink HDM Beet Cagnotte Fodder Yellow HDM Beet Magnum Fodder White MDM Beet Bangor new Fodder Yellow MDM Beet Alpes new Fodder Yellow MDM Beet Blaze Fodder Red MDM Beet Minotaure Fodder Orange Note: DLF Varieties are marked in blue. Source: DLF Beet Trials , Rathvilly, Co. Carlow

13 Ensiled Crops 13 Hybrid Rye Hybrid Rye is a new crop to Irish shores and primarily grown on challenging land. It has the potential to yield 13-16tn DM/ ha at relatively low costs. Its ability to tiller and produce many seed heads means it has a high energy value along with a high DM ability. CROP INFORMATION Sowing Period September-November Sowing Rate kg/ha Dry Matter (DM) 35-40% DM Yields 13-16tn/ha Fresh Weight (FW) Yield 30-40tn/ha Energy (ME) 11MJ/kg Digestibility Value 75DMD DLF VARIETY PORTFOLIO Variety Type Usage KWS Magnifico Hybrid Rye Wholecrop Silage & Biogas Production KWS Progas Hybrid Rye Wholecrop Silage & Biogas Production Soil Type Sowing Temperature Seed Bed Preparation SOWING TIPS Light, dry, free draining +5 C Fine, firm, level seedbed required It s important to get good forage and I m happy with what I get using Hyrbid Rye GROWING ADVICE Colin Hartley, Dairy Farmer, Waterford Diseases Fertiliser Brown Rust, Septoria See fertiliser table at back of booklet HARVESTING ADVICE Hybrid Rye Harvest at end July, cheesy grain stage

14 14 Ensiled Insitu Crops Triticale Generally triticale can be grown on a very wide range of soils and at high altitudes compared to other forages. Triticale can also be under sown with grass. As triticale is generally taller than wheat and its growth particularly during the early spring is quite fast, it is likely to be more competitive towards weeds. Triticale is a low input forage crop. CROP INFORMATION Sowing Period Mid Sept-Late Oct (Winter) March-April (Spring) Sowing Rate 150kg/ha Dry Matter (DM) 30-35% DM Yields 8-10tn/ha Fresh Weight (FW) Yield 25-30tn/ha Energy (ME) 10.5MJ/kg Digestibility Value 65DMD SOWING TIPS Soil Type Wide range of soils and heights Sowing Temperature +8 C Seed Bed Preparation Fine, firm, level seedbed required DLF VARIETY PORTFOLIO Variety Type Comment Orval Winter High yield of grain & starch Bienvenue Spring High yield potential Triticale is a Versatile Crop and can be sown on a wide range of soil types GROWING ADVICE Diseases Fertiliser Rust, Mildew, Septoria See fertiliser table at back of booklet HARVESTING ADVICE Triticale Harvest at milky ripe stage

15 Insitu 15 Kale It offers excellent yields Brian Jennings, Aughrim Kale needs a well drained field which is free from pans or evidence of soil compaction. It is a fast growing crop and responds well to fertiliser and residual nutrients. It can provide up to 30-35% of dry matter intake for dairy cows and is normally grazed insitu. It is inexpensive to establish and reduces the need for housing. Strip Graze to Maximise Utilisation CROP INFORMATION Sowing Period April-Early July Sowing Rate 5kg/ha (Direct drill) 8kg/ha (Broadcast) Dry Matter (DM) 13-15% DM Yields 9-11tn/ha Fresh Weight (FW) Yield 65-85tn/ha Energy (ME) 11MJ/kg Digestibility Value 68DMD Soil Type Sowing Temperature Seed Bed Preparation Diseases Fertiliser SOWING TIPS Medium, dry, free draining +7 C Fine, firm, level seedbed required GROWING ADVICE Club Root, Alternaria & Mildew See fertiliser table at back of booklet Forage Kale Variety Grampian Caledonian Coleor HARVESTING ADVICE Can be strip grazed Can be harvested and fed/baled DLF VARIETY PORTFOLIO Type High yield potential Club root resistant Winter hardy variety TRIAL DATA Variety Type Total DM Fresh Yield DM Leaf: Stem Height Digestibility Yield % % % Ratio cm Value % 100% = Tonnes/Ha Caledonian Club root resistant Grampian Intermediate Pinfold Intermediate Bittern Intermediate Voltage Intermediate Keeper Short Grazer Maris Kestrel( c) Short Grazer Thousand Head Older Standards Data Source: Limagrain UK & James Hutton Trials ( c ) = control

16 16 Insitu Forage Rape Forage rape makes an excellent break crop between grass leys. Forage rape crops can be ready to utilise between weeks from sowing. They are ideally used for finishing lambs or flushing ewes and can be lightly grazed by cattle. Forage rape is more flexible than Kale in that they can be sown later in the year. CROP INFORMATION Sowing Period May-August Sowing Rate 6kg/ha (Direct drill) 9kg/ha (Broadcast) Dry Matter (DM) 12-13% DM Yields tn/ha Fresh Weight (FW) Yield 25-35tn/ha Energy (ME) 10.5MJ/kg Digestibility Value 65DMD fast growing, bulky and winter hardy Only choose varieties that have good Disease Resistance which lead to higher intakes Larry Timmons, Wicklow SOWING TIPS Soil Type Light, dry, free draining Sowing Temperature +7 C Seed Bed Preparation Fine, firm, level seedbed required GROWING ADVICE Diseases Club Root & Mildew Fertiliser See fertiliser table at back of booklet Forage Rape Variety HARVESTING ADVICE Can be strip grazed DLF VARIETY PORTFOLIO Type Interval Hybrid Exceptional yield potential Emerald Conventional Rapid establishment Hobson Conventional Very palatable and digestible Variety Total DM Yield Fresh Yield DM Powdery Mildew Resistance % % % 9 = Best 100%=Tonnes/Ha Interval (Hybrid) Swift (Hybrid) * Hobson ( c ) Emerald Stego * Redstart (Hybrid) * Winifred * Hungry Gap * Data Source: Limagrain UK trials TRIAL DATA

17 Insitu 17 Stubble Turnips Stubble turnips can be grown on a wide range of soils including sandy loams, silts, peat or clay loams, but because the crop is grazed in-situ, free draining dry soils are best. Cattle and sheep should be introduced gradually to the crop and allow run-back between grazing s or access to grass silage. Stubble turnips can be either very leafy or have large bulbs depending on the feeding required. If not overgrazed, Typhon will Regrow and Produce More Foliage CROP INFORMATION Sowing Period April-June Sowing Rate 5kg/ha (Direct drill) 8kg/ha (Broadcast) Dry Matter (DM) 8-10% DM Yields 3-4tn/ha Fresh Weight (FW) Yield 35-40tn/ha Energy (ME) 11MJ/kg Digestibility Value 70DMD SOWING TIPS Soil Type Light, dry, free draining Sowing Temperature +10 C Seed Bed Preparation Fine, firm, level seedbed required GROWING ADVICE Diseases Club Root & Powdery Mildew Fertiliser See fertiliser table at back of booklet Stubble Turnips Variety HARVESTING ADVICE Best to strip graze DLF VARIETY PORTFOLIO Type Samson (tet) Hugh tankard roots Autumn/Winter Delilah High yielding Autumn/Winter Tyfon Leafy growth Summer with regrowth Variety Type Total DM Total Fresh Root DM Leaf Dry Mildew Resistance Yield % Yield % Yield % Matter Yield % 9 = Best 100%=Tonnes/Ha Delilah Tankard Samson (Tet) Tankard Barkant Tankard Rondo Round Dynamo Round White Star Round Tyfon (Hybrid) Leafy Appin Leafy Data Source: Limagrain UK trials TRIAL DATA

18 18 Insitu Swedes Swedes can be grown on a wide range of soils, including sandy loams, silts, peat or clay loams. They are very palatable and an easy to digest fodder. A good fibre source should be available to all stock being fed swedes. They establish relativity quickly and are very high in energy. CROP INFORMATION Sowing Period April-June Sowing Rate 3kg/ha Dry Matter (DM) 10-12% DM Yields 8-10tn/ha Fresh Weight (FW) Yield 70-80tn/ha Energy (ME) 12.5MJ/kg Digestibility Value 80DMD SOWING TIPS Soil Type Light, dry, free draining Sowing Temperature +10 C Seed Bed Preparation Fine, firm, level seedbed required GROWING ADVICE Diseases Club Root & Powdery Mildew Fertiliser See fertiliser table at back of booklet Swedes Variety Invitation Gowrie Lomand HARVESTING ADVICE Best to strip graze DLF VARIETY PORTFOLIO Type Winter hardy High yielding Dual purpose TRIAL DATA Variety Type Total DM Fresh Yield DM Mildew Resistance Root Shape Yield % % % 9 = Best 9 = Best 100%=Tonnes/Ha Gowrie Dual Purpose Lomond Dual Purpose Ruby Forage Invitation Forage Brora Culinary Ruta Otofte ( c ) Forage Magres Culinary Helenor Culinary Marian Dual Purpose Data Source: Limagrain UK trials and James Hutton Institute ( c ) = Control

19 Insitu 19 Forage Rye Forage Rye is primarily grown for its ability to deliver very early grazing in the spring. Sowing in weed free, sheltered and well drained sites is essential. A southerly facing aspect is best and avoid very exposed or badly drained fields as it is grazed in very early spring. It is ideal for early turnout of stock and can be established late in the autumn. CROP INFORMATION Sowing Period September-October Sowing Rate 185kg/ha Dry Matter (DM) 18-23% DM Yields 6tn/ha Fresh Weight (FW) Yield 25tn/ha Energy (ME) 10MJ/kg Digestibility Value 65DMD Forage Rye Variety Protector Humbolt HARVESTING ADVICE Strip graze to avoid wastage DLF VARIETY PORTFOLIO Type Winter Winter SOWING TIPS Soil Type Sowing Temperature Seed Bed Preparation Light, dry, free draining +7 C Fine, firm, level seedbed required GROWING ADVICE If grazed early, a 2nd crop is possible with Forage Rye Diseases Weeds Few, infrequent diseases Consult your Agronomist

20 20 Protein Lucerne Lucerne can be grown on a wide variety of sites and soil types. Sufficient soil moisture is essential for generating successful establishment. Lucerne is a legume and as such is able, in association with bacteria, to fix nitrogen into the soil for its own use. Lucerne is Best Harvested at the set of the flowerbud High Protein, 5 year multi-cut crop, excellent in drought conditions. CROP INFORMATION Sowing Period April-August Sowing Rate 25 kgs/ha (Direct drill) 34 kgs/ha (Broadcast) Dry Matter (DM) 20% DM Yields 8.5 tn/ha Fresh Weight (FW) Yield 40 tn /ha Crude Protein 16-18% Energy (ME) 10.5 Mj/kg Digestibility Value 63D Soil Type Sowing Temperature Seed Bed Preparation SOWING TIPS Light, dry, free draining soils, ph C Fine, firm, level seedbed required Lucerne HARVESTING ADVICE Harvest mid to late bud 1st cut mid May Cut every 40 days thereafter Use a recommended silage additive GROWING ADVICE Variety DLF VARIETY PORTFOLIO Type Diseases Weeds Virticulum Wilt Consult your Agronomist Marshall Alicia High yielding High protein

21 Protein 21 Arable Silage Arable silage mixtures are ideal for farmers wishing to increase their levels of home produced protein and starch while reducing their reliance on purchased feed. They also provide the opportunity to be used as cover crop for establishing an under-sown grass crop. Try Sowing as a Straight Crop followed by a full grass reseed CROP INFORMATION Sowing Period April-June Sowing Rate 125 kg/ha under sown with grass kg/ha straight crop Average fresh yield ton/ha Dry Matter (DM) 30% DM Yields 9tn/ha Fresh Weight (FW) Yield tn/ha Crude Protein 12% Energy (ME) 12MJ/kg Digestibility Value DMD Diseases Weeds GROWING ADVICE Rhynchosporium, Mildew, Rusts Consult your Agronomist HARVESTING ADVICE Cut weeks post sowing when cereals at cheesy stage. Store in round bales or as pit silage. Soil Type Sowing Temperature Seed Bed Preparation SOWING TIPS Well drained soils +8 C Fine, firm, level seedbed required DLF VARIETY PORTFOLIO Variety Type AS1 60% Barley 40% Peas Single purpose treated 50kgs AS2 60% Oats 40% Peas Single purpose treated 50kgs HARVESTING STAGES OF FORAGE PEAS Always use the first truss to make your harvest assessment

22 22 Greening Protein Red Clover Red Clover silage swards can meet the forage requirements of an organic farm whilst improving the protein content and overall feeding value of the winter forage. Red Clover is better suited to silage production than White Clover because of its much more erect growth habit and its significantly higher forage yields. Diseases Weeds GROWING ADVICE Generally disease free Consult your agronomist CROP INFORMATION HARVESTING ADVICE Sowing Period April-early August Seed Rate kgs per ha (Direct drill) 36kg per ha 20% Red Clover 80% grass mix Dry Matter (DM) 25-30% DM Yields 12-16tnDM/ha Crude Protein 16-20% Energy (ME) MJ/kg Digestibility Value 70DMD SOWING TIPS Cut at the early bud stage around mid-late May Cut every 40 days thereafter Mixture Advance Silage Protein Plus Red Clover Blend DLF MIXTURE PORTFOLIO Comment 25% Red Clover 75% Ryegrass Includes Diploid + Tetraploid Varieties Soil Type Sowing Temperature Seed Bed Preparation Light, dry, free draining soils, +10 C Fine, firm, level seedbed required. 10mm seed depth

23 Greening 23 Chicory Forage chicory is a broad-leaved grazing perennial herb. Research has shown that lambs grazing forage chicory have improved liveweight gains and reduced faecal egg counts, as it has the potential to reduce the effects of internal parasites. It is drought tolerant and has a high mineral content, as its long tap root can extract water and minerals from deep in the soil profile. Graze every 5-6 weeks to Prevent Flowering. CROP INFORMATION Sowing Period April-June Sowing Rate 5kg/ha (Drilled or Broadcast) 2kg per ha when sown with grass Dry Matter (DM) 11% DM Yields 15tn/ha Fresh Weight (FW) Yield 150tn/ha Energy (ME) 11MJ/kg Crude Protein 25-30% Digestibility Value 70-80DMD Diseases Weeds GROWING ADVICE No significant diseases Consult your Agronomist HARVESTING ADVICE Graze at 8cms. Avoid grazing after flowering or in very wet conditions as this can damage growing crowns. Soil Type Sowing Temperature Seed Bed Preparation SOWING TIPS Free draining fertile soils +7 C Fine, firm, level seedbed required Variety Chico DLF VARIETY PORTFOLIO Type High quality forage

24 24 Greening Catch Crops Conditions/specification Establish a catch crop annually by the 15th of September, using light cultivation (not ploughing) seed mix can be broadcast or drilled Minimum area 10ha (Priority action) or 4ha (General action) and the minimum area is 32ha Action can be delivered in full or split parcels A suitable mix must contain 2 of the species below Catch crop must remain in place until 1st December annually Grazing of catch crops is permitted but cannot take place until after 1st December Catch crop minimum sowing rates (mix must contain two species) All straights available for bespoke mixtures. Cover Crop Species Seed Rate kg/ha Cover Crop Species Seed Rate kg/ha Buckwheat Rye Crimson Clover Tillage Raddish 5 Berseem Clover Vetch 12 Fodder Rape 3 5 Leafy Turnip 5 Mustard Peas 30 Oats (& Black Oats) Beans Phacelia 5 10 Catch Crops DLF Stock Mixtures Mixture Grazing mixture (5kg Leafy Turnip & 3kg Forage Rape) Soil structure mix (5kg tillage Radish & 12kg Vetch) N fix mix (12kg Vetch & 75kg Black Oats) Biofume Mix (15kg Mustard & 5kg Radish) Pack Size 8kg 17kg 12kg + 25kg 20kg Grazing Mixture With forage rape + stubble turnip this cover crop will provide excellent winter feed for cattle or sheep. Note: Can only be grazed after 1st December under GLAS rules. Soil Structure Mix Contains tillage raddish ; variety Dakion, Which produces a deep white tap root helping alleviate soil compaction. Vetch has a deep fibrous rooting system and will also fix N. N Fix Mixture This mixture combines the benefits of black oats high N uptake with Vetch N fixing ability. This mix is suitable for crop rotations which contains oilseed rape. Can be sown in summer/early autumn after harvest. Maintains a true break from cereals or oilseed.

25 Greening 25 Wild Bird Cover Conditions/specification Establish wild bird cover by 31st May Crops must remain in situ until March 15th the following year Establish one year mix using approved cereal with either linseed or mustard Establish two year mix using approved cereal and kale Mix of seed Cereal and Linseed Cereal and Mustard Cereal and Oilseed Rape Species Triticale Oats Oilseed rape Linseed Mustard 1 Year Mix Sowing Rate 75kg/ha Cereal 15kg/ha Linseed 75kg/ha Cereal 10kg/ha Mustard 75kg/ha Cereal 3kg/ha Oilseed Rape Wild Bird Cover Pack Size 25kg 25kg 5kg 15kg 10kg 2 Year Mix Year Mixture Sowing Rate Year 1 Establish half plot with 75kg/ha Cereal Cereal and half with Kale 3kg/ha Kale Year 2 Kale remains in situ 75kg/ha Cereal re-establish cereal Year 3 Re-establish half as cereal 75kg/ha Cereal and half as Kale 3kg/ha Kale Year 4 Kale remains in situ in half 75kg/ha Cereal the plot and re-establish creal Year 5 Re-establish half as Kale 75kg/ha Cereal and half as cereal 3kg/ha Kale

26 26 Greening Cover Crops Arable Grass Margin Conditions/specification Establish margin 3, 4 or 6 metre depending on the size of the field Grass seed mixture containing at least 60% Cocksfoot or Timothy or combination of both Grass seed labels must be retained for duration of GLAS Soil cultivation cannot be carried out within the margin once established The margin must be mulched, mown or grazed at least once per year but not between March 1st and August 15th. Off takes can be removed Fertilizers or lime cannot be applied to the margin Pesticides cannot be applied to the margin except for the spot spraying of noxious/invasive weeds DLF Arable Grass Margin Mixture: 50 % Erecta Timothy and 50% Amba/Athos Cocksfoot Environmental Management of Fallow Land Conditions/specification Establish a fallow area through sowing a grass seed mix by 31st May 2016 Minimum area is.25ha and the maximum area is 3ha Grass seed mixture must contain 60% Cocksfoot or Timothy or a combination of these Area must be mulched or mown once a year but not between march 1st and September 1st off takes are not allowed Area must be stock proof grazing is not permitted GLAS Grass Mixtures Grass mixture suitable for: Arable Grass Margin Grey Partridge Grass Seed mixture Environmental management of fallow land Species Grass Mixtures Pack Size 30% Timothy & 70% Cocksfoot 15kg 50% Timothy & 50% Cocksfoot 15kg

27 Greening 27 Grey Partridge Conditions/specification Establish 12m margin: 4-meter grass and 8 metre grey partridge mix by May 31st 2016 Establish along the full length of an existing field of LIPS boundary The grass mix must consist of 70% Cocksfoot and 30% Timothy. Seed labels must be retained for the duration of the scheme Hen Harrier Wild Bird Cover Species Triticale Kale Linseed Mustard Pack Size 25kg 5kg 15kg 10kg Twite C Species Triticale Oats Oilseed rape Radish Mustard Turnip Kale (2 year mix) Pack Size 25kg 25kg 5kg 5kg 10kg 5kg 3kg Grey Partridge Seed Mixture Species Pack Size Triticale 25kg 3kg Kale; 4kg Lucerne 2kg Chicory & 1kg Radish 10kg

28 28 Costs Costs CROP Grazed Kale Maize Fodder Maize Grass Swedes Stubble Rape Grass Covered Beet Uncovered Silage Turnips Concentrate Costs Yield Seed Fertiliser Spray Herbicide Fungicide Insecticide Plough/Till/Sow Spraying Fertiliser Spreading Harvesting/Ensiling Plastic film Total Variable Costs ,633 1,640 1, Fresh Yield (tn/ha) DM Yield Utilised * 13 13* (tn/ha) Cost/tn DM Energy UFL/kg DM Cost/UFL (per kg DM) Source: Teagasc Crops Costs and Returns Note: Based on Department of Agricuture Recommended 15% waste. Cost/tn Comparision with Cost/UFL Grazed Grass Kale Maize Covered Fodder Beet Maize Uncovered Grass Silage Swedes Stubble Turnips Rape Cost/UFL (per kg DM) Cost /tn DM

29 Fertiliser Table 29 Fertiliser Table Maize Fodder Beet Hybrid Rye Triticale Forage Rape Swedes/Stubble Forage Kale (kg/ha) (kg/ha) (kg/ha) (kg/ha) (kg/ha) Turnips (kg/ha) (kg/ha) Source: Teagasc Johnstown Castle FERTILISER REQUIREMENTS N P K N P K N P K N P K N P K N P K N P K Note: to convert kg/ha to units/acre multiply by 0.8 AVAILABLE NUTRIENT CONTENT OF ORGANIC FERTILISERS (KG/M3 & UNITS/1,000GLNS) Nitrogen (N) Phosphorus (P) Potassium (K) kg/m3 units/1,000glns kg/m3 units/1,000glns kg/m3 units/1,000glns Cattle Slurry Pig Slurry Soil Water Farm Yard Manure Broiler Litter Turkey Litter Source: Teagasc Johnstown Castle

30 30 Contact Details Contact Details Paul Flanagan General Manager p (0) e. Damian McAllister Business Manager p e. Kevin Cunningham Business Manager p (0) e. Jimmy Staples Trials Office p (0) e.

31 Notes 31

32 Ballymountain, Ferrybank, Waterford Tel: DLF Seeds VAT Reg No: LH Registered in Ireland Company Reg No: Registered Office Ballymountain, Ferrybank, Waterford, Ireland Disclaimer: Reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the brochure content is accurate and up-to-date however DLF Seeds makes no warranties or representations about accuracy, sequence or completeness of the brochure. The information in this brochure is intended for general guidance only. design