FORAGE SEEDS Grass Seed Mixtures Root & Fodder Crops Gamecover Forage Maize Environmental Mixtures

Transcription

1 FORAGE SEEDS 2015 Grass Seed Mixtures Root & Fodder Crops Gamecover Forage Maize Environmental Mixtures

2 Energy Crops Methane production in the United Kingdom is increasing at a significant rate over a wide area of the country. In some regions maize may not be the most suitable crop to grow but there are some excellent alternatives. MAIZE AMBROSINI (Early: FAO 220) % DM yield across all NIAB trials Large structured stay green hybrid Good early vigour ( ) for early drilling High starch content (30%) and very high ME yield (210,000 MJ/Ha) Recommended sowing rate 42,000/acre (111,000/hectare) USAGE Forage Crimp/Grain Biogas FABREGAS (Early: FAO 220) Heavy yield potential (50-55 t/ha) Safe maturity for the majority of mainstream sites (27-31% DM) Excellent early vigour for rapid establishment Early flowering for earlier maturity Large structured hybrid with excellent standing Recommended sowing rate 42,000/acre (111,000/hectare) USAGE Biogas RICARDINIO (Early: FAO 230) Class leading yield potential for Silage (60 t/ha +) Maturity: Approx. 4 days earlier than RONALDINIO and has similar stay green characteristics Suitable as a later high yielding crimped maize, under plastic Moderate drought tolerance for lighter soil types Recommended seed rate: 45,000 seeds/acre (111,000 seeds/hectare) USAGE Silage Grain Biogas RONALDINIO (Intermediate: FAO 240) Heavy yield potential (55-60 t/ha) Safe maturity for the majority of mainstream sites (27-31% DM) Recommended chop length: 7 9 mm Excellent stay green characteristics Recommended seed rate: 45,000 seeds/acre (111,000 seeds/hectare) USAGE Forage Crimp/Grain Biogas ENERGY BEET Suited to UK soils and climate Familiar crop husbandry Consistently high yields Complete crop use Very fast bio digestion High and clean methane yields Varieties: CINDY KWS High DM yields Lowest dirt tare of energy beets Tolerant to Rhizomania Suits a number of soil types Packed in 100,000 seeds Cruiser Energy Maize GERTY KWS High in the dry matter yield Very low dirt tare High acreage efficiency Excellent methane producer Energy Crops compared Energy Beet Hybrid Rye Italian Ryegrass Fresh Yield %DM Biogas Yield Conversion Methane Conversion Rate 53% 55% 54% 53% Methane Yield m 3 /ha 6,300 7,900 4,300 5,100 HYBRID RYE Easy to manage High, whole-crop yields Ideal for drought prone regions and less favourable maize growing areas Late drilling after Maize or Beet Higher DM content Varieties: KWS MAGNIFICO Winter hybrid rye suitable for biogas production Extreme winter hardiness and ideal for all soil types Performs well in dry conditions Wide drilling window See page 13 for suggested sowing rates RYEGRASS SILAGE MAKER NO. 8 Ideal for sowing after Maize or Beet Provides crop throughout the growing season Highly productive for 2-3 years Can be over-seeded to maintain high yields Excellent for utilising digestate in season Thrives in damper conditions Details on page 5 KWS PROGAS Very high yielding Good straw thickness and standing ability Good tillering ability Effective in suppressing blackgrass 2

3 Forage Maize is capable of producing some of the Best Yields of Forage on your Farm. Below are most of the leading varieties available for 2015 Forage Maize AUGUSTUS (MC10) A Born Leader! Maturity: Ultra Early: FAO 170 No.1 DM yield in its segment (2012: ) across all sites Rapid early vigour (2012: 7.7) Up to (9.0) on warmer sites Semi stay-green for wider harvest window Full cob sheath coverage Excellent starch (2012: %) & M.E content (2012: MJ/KG) Suitable for Medium Loam Heavy Clay soils SEVERUS (MC 8) Commanding Yields from KWS Maturity: Early: FAO 170 Top DM yield in its class - all NIAB trials - 113% Outstanding early vigour on all soil types 8.7 Very high starch 39.6% & ME content 11.7 MJ/Kg Suitable for all soil types from Light Sandy to Heavy Clay Data source: FERA/NIAB NL1-2 Trials (marginal & intermediate sites) KOUGAR (MC 7/8) KWS s Most Popular Hybrid Maturity: Early: FAO % DM yield across all NIAB trials Good early vigour ( ) on tough sites Balanced starch (34.0%) and ME content (11.4 MJ/Kg) Suitable for Light Sandy to Medium Loam soils Data source: NIAB Descriptive List Trial Reports ( ) NEW from KWS Limited availability The Original Micro Granular Maize Starter Fertiliser Low application rates (typical 6-8 kg per acre) Low cost less hassle Umostart % Zn Micro granular fertiliser. Used on farms in the UK since Applied with the seed directly into the seedbed More cost effective & better than MAP Umostart is the first choice for many farmers today Umostart gives maize that all important start. Packed in 10kg, very easy to handle bags Over 25,000 acres treated Umostart, is a proven product on British Farms. What do you do when you ve removed your maize crop? The minimum requirement is to cultivate land to avoid soil erosion, but why not sow some AFTER MAIZE and produce an extra mega joules of energy for little cost. BEFORE AFTER Clamp Buster/After Maize A blend of quick to establish, fast growing, high yielding Italian ryegrasses. Details on page 4. The best way to start your maize crop! Unrivalled Starch yield GLORY is very early maturing and is suitable for marginal sites or later sowing. GLORY is the TOP variety available for starch yield. With a very high starch content and improved digestible fibre, GLORY produces superb quality silage. GLORY is one of the best varieties available for ME yield the 3rd highest on the NIAB List. GLORY has EXCELLENT EYESPOT TOLERANCE one of the best 3 on the entire NIAB List MATURITY CLASS 10 (FAO 190) VERY EARLY EARLY VIGOUR 7.7 SUPERB ACTIVATE Concentrated goodness YIELD DM 104% VERY HIGH AMBITION The UK s top selling variety MATURITY CLASS 11 (FAO 140) VERY EARLY EARLY VIGOUR 7.3 GOOD YIELD DM 98% GOOD GLORY STARCH YIELD 112% TOP QUALITY AMBITION produces the TOP ME yield of all varieties on the NIAB List. AMBITION is the 3rd highest first choice variety for dry matter yield. AMBITION s excellent early vigour, gives maximum performance in all conditions. AMBITION is very flexible and performs exceptionally well under plastic. AMBITION HAS EXCELLENT EYESPOT TOLERANCE one of the best 3 varieties on the entire NIAB list. MATURITY CLASS 9 (FAO 180) EARLY EARLY VIGOUR 7.8 EXCELLENT YIELD DM 105% VERY HIGH STARCH YIELD 107% GOOD QUALITY The combination of top starch content and superior cell wall digestibility means that ACTIVATE produces energy dense maize for top performing silage. ACTIVATE has the 2nd highest starch yield of all varieties on the NIAB List. ACTIVATE - the highest ME content of all the varieties on the entire NIAB List. ACTIVATE has excellent cob tip cover and stays green up to harvest, reducing the risk of Fusarium infection. STARCH YIELD 112% TOP QUALITY SONIDO seed treatment is available for the control of Leatherjackets and Wireworm on some varieties. 3

4 Dual Purpose Leys Maximising production from grassland is widely recognised as the most effective way of improving profitability on the majority of stock farms in the UK. Extra production usually comes from earlier growth in the spring, faster regrowth after grazing or cutting and better mid-summer growth. The high yielding varieties chosen for these mixtures ensure reliability throughout the year. The inclusion of tetraploid ryegrasses gives the bulk required for large silage cuts. Tetraploids have high sugar levels which improve the palatability of the aftermath grazing, this leads to higher intakes by stock thus increasing milk and meat production. Clamp Buster/After Maize 6 month - 2 year ley A blend of Diploid and Tetraploid Italian Ryegrasses suited to a range of short term uses. Ideal for sowing after a crop of maize has been harvested to produce a bumper crop in early spring for either early grazing or silaging prior to establishing another maize crop. Alternatively, it could be left for further cropping during that summer autumn. Italian RG 100% Tetraploid 50% Diploid 50% Seeds per m 2 * 1, kg/acre (25-37kg/ha) Double Profit 4-5 Year Ley An early grazing, high yielding flexible mixture. Can be used for early grazing followed by 1 or 2 cuts of silage. Alternatively take an early cut of silage followed by palatable aftermath grazing. This dual purpose ley responds to intensive or extensive systems. Also available without clover. Early PRG 20% Intermediate PRG 75% White Clover 5% Tetraploid 38% Diploid 62% Seeds per m 2 * 1, kg/acre (30-34kg/ha) No.37 Quality Long Term Dual Purpose Ley No.50 The wide range of ryegrasses and the inclusion of Timothy gives a good spread of growth across the whole season. This ley is most suitable for cattle grazing with the opportunity of hay and silage cuts. Also available without clover. Early PRG 15% Intermediate PRG 45% Late PRG 30% Timothy 5% White Clover 5% Tetraploid 45% Diploid 55% Seeds per m 2 * 1, kg/acre (30-34kg/ha) Cut & Graze Long Term Dual Purpose No.62 This is a reliable mixture designed to thrive on lower, more fertile land where Timothy is not required. Predominantly a grazing ley being very suitable for both sheep and cattle. The mixture can also produce high yields of high D value silage. SAC 1st Choice varieties. Also available without clover. Intermediate PRG 54% Late PRG 40% White Clover 6% Tetraploid 56% Diploid 44% Seeds per m 2 * 1, kg/acre (32-37kg/ha) Permanent Pasture Long Term Mixture No.58 Provides good quality grazing and cutting over a number of years with good ground cover - ideal for sheep and beef production. The ryegrass varieties have been selected for their persistence and palatability. SAC 1st Choice varieties. Also available without clover. Intermediate PRG 45% Late PRG 40% Timothy 8% White Clover 7% Tetraploid 50% Diploid 50% Seeds per m 2 * 2, kg/acre (32-37kg/ha) 4 *Seed numbers per m 2 are based on the mid point of the suggested sowing rate

5 The most effective way of reducing the cost of your silage is to ensure that the grass you sow is capable of producing high yields of high quality forage. Young productive swards of specialist silage mixtures will produce higher yields of high quality silage at a lower cost per kilo of dry matter than older grass leys. The close cutting dates for each mixture in this section means that all the grasses are at a similar stage at the same time. This has been shown to increase the energy content of the silage by 0.3 or more MJ/kg dry matter over general purpose mixtures. Silage Maker Short Term Silage No.8 Very high yielding 2/3 year ley with fast spring growth and regrowth. It is capable of producing 4/5 cuts per year with fresh yields around 30 tonnes per acre. The more astute grower will make use of Silage Maker to extend the grazing season in very early spring and late autumn. Italian RG 60% Advanced IRG 15% Hybrid RG 25% Tetraploid 50% Diploid 50% Seeds per m 2 * 1, kg/acre (30-34kg/ha) Silage Leys Long Term Cutter Long Term Silage No.56 Persistent silage mixture with good spring growth to suit the early silage producer wanting three quality cuts a year. Excellent silage fermentation from the high sugar tetraploids which also give palatable aftermath grazing. Intermediate PRG 100% Tetraploid 60% Diploid 40% Seeds per m 2 * 1, kg/acre (32-37kg/ha) High Protein Short Term Mixture A blend of Hybrid Ryegrasses, Advanced Hybrid Ryegrasses and Red Clover capable of producing over 20 tonnes per acre with 17-18% protein. Excellent spring growth and quick recovery gives the flexibility of taking 2 or 3 cuts or grazing a number of times. Hybrid RG 48% Advanced HRG 24% Red Clover 28% Tetraploid 48% Diploid 52% Seeds per m 2 * 1, kg/acre (25-30kg/ha) Heavy Silage No.10 No Year Cutting Mixture Designed to give at least two good silage cuts per year. The chosen grass varieties have close cutting dates for optimum quality. The inclusion of hybrid ryegrass ensures early spring growth and fast recovery. Hybrid RG 40% Advanced HRG 20% Intermediate PRG 40% Tetraploid 60% Diploid 40% Seeds per m 2 * 1, kg/acre (32-37kg/ha) Quality Cutter for proven Quality Silage No.57 Long term silage mixture capable of producing quality silage plus excellent aftermath grazing, over 5 years or more. Fresh yields could be as high as 13 tonnes per acre at 67D from first cut. Quality Cutter is noted for its high quality, leafy, aftermath grazing. Also available with Cutting Blend White Clover. Late PRG 100% Tetraploid 60% Diploid 40% Seeds per m 2 * 1, kg/acre (32-37kg/ha) *Seed numbers per m 2 are based on the mid point of the suggested sowing rate 5

6 Grazing Leys Grazed grass is the cheapest feed on the farm. It is also the part of the diet where the greatest improvements can be made to intake levels. To achieve the best results from your grazing area the grassland should be young, palatable and productive. Grass palatability is strongly influenced by the sugar content of the plant. While there are now a few newer diploid varieties available, Tetraploid ryegrasses are still sweeter and more palatable. Tetraploids are also much more efficient at using soil nitrogen, give improved mid-summer growth and better drought tolerance than diploids. The success of ACTion grazing leys is based on the use of high quality late heading grasses to enhance grass intakes. Sweet Grazer Long Term Dairy Grazing The most popular mixture in the Action range. This high sugar mixture contains 100% Tetraploid ryegrasses. These have been shown in numerous trials and over several thousand acres, to increase the dry matter intakes of cattle; the essential factor in increasing daily LWG or litres of milk per cow. Many farmers have proven to themselves that Sweet Grazer does increase milk production. That s why they come back for more! The deeper rooted nature of Tetraploid grasses has proven them to be more tolerant of droughty conditions. Late PRG 93% White Clover 7% Tetraploid 93% Diploid 7% Seeds per m 2 * 1, kg/acre (32-37kg/ha) No.59 Long Term Grazer For Beef & Sheep Grazing Produces good summer and autumn growth, often used to complement earlier growing swards. The inclusion of Tetraploid ryegrasses and Timothy gives superior palatability for a long term ley. Establishes into a dense sward, suitable for sheep, giving good intakes and impressive live weight gains. The white clover blend increases digestibility and contributes Nitrogen to the sward. Late PRG 86% Timothy 7% White Clover 7% Tetraploid 36% Diploid 64% Seeds per m 2 * 2, kg/acre (32-37kg/ha) No.60 ACTion Herb Mixture New addition to grazing leys The addition of herbs to any grazing pasture is an excellent means of increasing the mineral uptake of the animals. These deep rooted species will not only improve soil structure and drainage but will also enhance the availability of minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous and Potassium. ACTion Herb Mixture can be added to any standard grazing mixture to provide cover across the whole area. Alternatively, sow in strips along headlands in fields that are likely to be foraged. 1kg/acre (2.5kg/ha) Intensive Grazer The Ultimate Grazing Mixture No.63 This mixture gives quality grazing spring, summer and autumn. The high sugar grasses encourage high intakes and quick regrowth, which increases profitability by reducing costs. The inclusion of late heading perennial ryegrasses means better mid-summer grazing in carefully managed swards. Late PRG 93% White Clover 7% Tetraploid 35% Diploid 65% Seeds per m 2 * 1, kg/acre (32-37kg/ha) 6 *Seed numbers per m 2 are based on the mid point of the suggested sowing rate

7 Organic livestock have the same requirements for energy, protein, minerals and vitamins as those on conventional systems but, because of restrictions on the use of bought-in feeds, much more of this needs to come from home-grown forage. Organic Leys At the same time restrictions on the use of artificial fertilisers mean that a higher proportion of clovers need to be included in grass leys to provide a natural source of nitrogen to stimulate grass growth and increase the protein and mineral content of the sward. The following mixtures have been specifically formulated to produce high yields of high quality forage under organic production systems. All ACTion organic mixtures contain at least 70% organically produced seed. Fertility Builder Organic High yielding 2-3 year ley with a large proportion of Red Clover to enhance Dry Matter and protein yields. It is possible to take 1-3 cuts of silage starting at the end of May/early June before aftermath grazing. Hybrid RG 40% Italian RG 15% Advanced IRG 15% Red Clover 30% Tetraploid 55% Diploid 45% Seeds per m 2 * 2, kg/acre (30-34kg/ha) Grazing Mixture Organic This organic mixture is similar to No.60 Long Term Grazer. The use of late heading grasses with a high percentage of tetraploid cultivars gives increased palatability and drought tolerance. The resultant ley will give medium to long term organic grazing. The White Clover blend helps to maintain soil fertility. Late PRG 90% White Clover 10% Tetraploid 50% Diploid 50% Seeds per m 2 * 1, kg/acre (35-40kg/ha) No.1 No.2 Organic Arable Silage Mixture No.1 A mixture designed to produce a bulky crop with a high crude protein content. Organic Arable Silage Mixture No.2 A Mixture with more emphasis on the bulk and starch of barley but well supported with the protein & starch production of the peas. Organic Arable Silage Mixture No.3 Arable Silage No. 3 is based on a more traditional Cereal/Pea style of mixture providing good palatability as well as reasonable protein production Sowing Rate 75 kgs per acre sown straight. Reduce to kgs if undersown with grass. Cutting Mixture Organic This mixture is designed to produce high quality silage. The varieties chosen have a close range of cutting dates which can produce higher ME levels than general purpose leys. This medium to long term organic mixture is primarily designed for cutting. The White Clover contributes to nitrogen fixation in the soil. Intermediate PRG 90% White Clover 10% Tetraploid 45% Diploid 55% Seeds per m 2 * 1, kg/acre (35-40kg/ha) General Purpose Mixture Organic No.3 No.4 The range of varieties helps to provide a successive pattern of growth from early spring into the autumn. The high level of White Clover contributes to the Early PRG 10% Intermediate PRG 20% Late PRG 50% Timothy 10% White Clover 10% Tetraploid 25% Diploid 75% Seeds per m 2 * 2, kg/acre (35-40kg/ha) sward growth and digestibility. The mixture is designed for high quality organic grazing and conservation. The inclusion of Timothy improves mid-summer production. *Seed numbers per m 2 are based on the mid point of the suggested sowing rate. Varieties marked are organically produced seed. 7

8 About our grass seeds Grassland is still the main source of energy production on nearly all livestock farms. Re-seeding grassland on a more frequent basis has been proven to be one of the most cost effective and reliable ways of reducing bought in feed costs. Grass Species Perennial Ryegrass Perennial ryegrass is the most widely used of the ryegrass species accounting for approximately 70% of all grass seed sold in UK agriculture. The varieties available have a diverse growing habit which allows them to be used very successfully in medium to long term leys for both cutting and grazing management systems. Due to the large number of Perennial ryegrass varieties available they have been grouped according to their heading dates by the NIAB trial system and can be broadly identified by the criteria below. Early Heading Perennials (EPRG) The varieties currently available head between 5th and 16th May and provide the highest spring growth of all the perennials listed and are generally used in conservation leys for either silage or hay production. Intermediate Heading Perennials (IPRG) These are the largest group of perennial ryegrasses available, whose heading dates range from 18th May to around 31st May. They are used for both cutting and grazing management and are capable of persisting for 5 years or longer. Late Heading Perennials (LPRG) This group of perennials are the leafiest of all and the heading dates range from around the end of May through to the middle of June. Late perennial ryegrasses are used mainly for grazing but are often seen in cutting leys where they tend to produce high quality silages when cut at the appropriate date. Hybrid Ryegrass (HRG) Hybrid ryegrasses are a cross between perennial and Italian ryegrass to harness the yield of the Italians and the persistence of the perennial. The group available in the UK are capable of persisting for 3-4 years and are used mainly in cutting swards. Italian Ryegrass Italian ryegrasses are biennial plants capable of producing high yields of forage over a two year period. Fast to establish and grow, they are generally used for cutting for either silage or haylage and are often sown after maize crops have been harvested for an early cut the following spring. Westerwolds Ryegrass Westerwolds ryegrass is an annual plant producing seed heads in the year of sowing. They are capable of extremely quick establishment and fast re-growth after cutting. They are ideal for sowing in the spring to provide high yields of silage where winter damage to a sward has reduced its potential, or as a companion grass to a longer term re-seed to provide cover and increase production from first cut. Timothy A very palatable and persistent species, Timothy is used for both cutting and grazing systems and is noted particularly for its winter hardiness and disease resistance. The very small nature of Timothy seed means it is only included in mixtures in small amounts and a fine firm seed-bed is imperative to obtain a good establishment. Cocksfoot Cocksfoot is renowned for its drought tolerant abilities and its persistence. It grows well with legumes and is used in the more traditional style of grass mixture. However it has fallen out of favour in recent years and now accounts for approximately 1% of all grasses sown for agricultural use. White Clover White clover is the most persistent of the legume species used in the UK and is an ideal companion plant for Perennial ryegrasses, especially for grazing use. It produces a mat of stoloniferous growth which often ensures its presence in longer term leys and will provide estimated levels of 150kg /ha of nitrogen to the sward in ideal conditions. Red Clover With its high Dry Matter yields, Red Clover is one of the best producers of protein in the UK. Often grown alongside Ryegrass it usually persists for three years. Normally used as a cutting crop it is grazed on some farms to great benefit. Lucerne Probably the highest protein producer in UK conditions, Lucerne is mainly used for conservation as either hay or silage. Can persist for up to four years. Advanced Grasses are a new development in the breeding and success of forage grasses in Europe. They constitute the crossing and on occasions the back crossing of various ryegrass species with Tall Fescue and Meadow Fescue to produce plants that combine the most favourable characteristics of each parent. The best of these retain the quality and yield of the ryegrass whilst gaining many of the benefits of the fescue. These include better drought tolerance, improved persistence and speedier re-growth. There are currently three types of these Advanced Grasses available: EC 80% EC 96% Numbered, ACTion Ley Quality Standards GERMINATION HVS 80% HVS 98% ACTION TARGET 90% SEED PURITY ACTION TARGET 99% 2014 AVERAGE 93% 2014 AVERAGE 99.3% Seed Quality All ACTion seed ley mixtures are of a high standard of purity and germination. There is a legal minimum standard for all grass and clover seed bought and sold in the European Community, referred to as the EC Standard. Prior to the UK being part of the European Community there were local standards in this country which were higher than those adopted by the EC. These standards have been retained and are known as HVS (Higher Voluntary Standard). ACTion seed aims to provide seed of a quality at least as high as HVS and higher wherever possible. The % figures shown in the charts refer to ACT s Perennial Ryegrass Seed for For Better Establishment Use Reseeding grassland is not always as straightforward as it might be. Problems with drought, soil pests and diseases can sometimes mean there is an expensive need to overseed or reseed for a second time. is a natural, bacterial seed treatment which encourages more vigorous root growth and ultimately faster and better plant development. This treatment has been shown to reduce the need to re-sow pastures on farms in many areas of the UK and is proven to increase speed of seedling establishment. will help to: Stimulate root growth Promote cell division and lateral rooting Improve overall plant hardiness Improve absorption of essential nutrients Provide healthier plants Speed up crop utilisation Untreated All our major grass mixture come treated as standard. For those looking for untreated seed, mixtures 37 and 50 are available without. Diploid versus Tetraploid Ryegrass treated There are two forms of ryegrass available within each type of ryegrass described opposite; Diploid & Tetraploid. Diploid is the natural form of ryegrass displaying all the characters expected of this species. The Tetraploid form of the grass displays additional characteristics; larger cells which contain 1-2% more moisture, higher sugar levels and a more easily digestible cell wall. Additionally they have deeper more diverse root systems which make the plant more nutrient efficient and more tolerant of droughty conditions. 8 Grass seed mixtures: Where there is a shortage of a specific variety, we reserve the right to substitute with a suitable alternative. All components will be identified on the bag label.

9 Protein rich legumes can produce large tonnages of forage for silage or grazing usually at a lower cost per unit of protein than bought in feeds. Protein Crops These forage protein crops can be grown successfully on most UK farms. Legumes also supply nitrogen which helps to improve overall soil fertility. White Clover White Clover contains up to 25% digestible crude protein. It also maintains its digestibility and palatability throughout the growing season. Where White Clover is around 30-35% of the sward, it can contribute up to 120 units/acre of Nitrogen to the soil. Clover can be easily introduced by simply broadcasting into the open sward in late spring or early summer e.g. by using an OPICO Seeder, Slug pellet distributor or other suitable device Varieties available: VIOLIN - A large leaved white clover with outstanding yields in 2nd harvest year with very good ground cover under both hard and light defoliation. CHIEFTAIN - A medium-leaved White clover, high yielding with good Autumn ground cover suited for cutting management. AVOCA - A medium-large leaved White clover with good yields under cutting management with good ground cover in 2nd & 3rd years. IONA - A medium-leaved variety with very high yields of DM due to consistently good mid-summer growth. Suitable for both cutting and hard grazing management. GALWAY - A small leaved white clover highly suited to hard grazing by sheep. Gives very good ground cover in both spring and autumn. ACTion WHITE CLOVER BLENDS Grazing Blend Avoca and Galway Cutting Blend Iona, Violin and Chieftain Dual Purpose Blend Violin, Chieftain, Avoca, Iona and Galway High Protein Short Term Mixture Red Clover Red Clover sown on its own is capable of up to 5.5 tonnes of DM per acre in its first year, with yields of 2.0 tonnes at first cut. Care should be taken when grazing breeding ewes on Red Clover at tupping time. No.10 A blend of Hybrid Ryegrasses, Advanced Italian Ryegrasses and Red Clover capable of producing over 20 tonnes per acre with 17-18% protein. Excellent spring growth and quick recovery gives the flexibility of taking 2 or 3 cuts or grazing a number of times. Hybrid RG 48% Advanced HRG 24% Red Clover 28% Tetraploid 48% Diploid 52% Seeds per m 2 * 1, kg/acre (25-30kg/ha) Varieties available: MAGELLAN - A Tetraploid red clover that has high total annual yields combined with excellent protein content. It is noted for its outstanding DM yields and ground cover in the second harvest year CORVUS - Diploid Red Clover. Excellent resistance to sclerotinia. Above average yield with excellent persistence. High yields in 2nd year of production PAVO - Very persistent Red Clover which competes very favourably when sown with grass seed. Yields of dry matter are above average and standing power is good. Lucerne Lucerne is grown for its high dry matter yields, its excellent protein production and its ability to persist for up to 4 years. Being a legume, Lucerne thrives best in conditions where temperatures remain at higher levels for long periods of the growing season. It is more usually grown in eastern and southern counties of England but is occasionally seen further north. Lucerne prefers more friable soils with ph levels near neutral or slightly higher and is fairly tolerant of drier growing conditions during the summer months. It is usual to add a bacterial innoculent to the seed at the time of sowing to aid establishment and help develop good root growth. Lucerne, like all legumes, produces all of its own nitrogen requirements and consequently doesn t need any artificial N inputs. Only ensure there are adequate levels of phosphate and potash available along with the appropriate ph mentioned above. Lucerne is not suited to grazing and best results are obtained from cutting for silage or hay production at around 6 weekly intervals. Alternatively, zero grazing can be a useful addition to any feeding system. Sow at 7 9Kg/acre (17 22kg/ha). YIELD (T/DM/acre) PROTEIN % White Clover 25% 1.9 Forage Pea 20% 5.5 Red Clover 17% 6.2 Lucerne 19% *Seed numbers per m 2 are based on the mid point of the suggested sowing rate. 9

10 Reseeding for Pasture Improvement Re-seeding is the most effective method to get more from grassland. However, following some of the methods below and using the products suggested can improve production significantly. Improve your existing pasture in THREE simple moves. 1. Control troublesome weeds Weeds such as thistle, dock and nettle can be controlled in a nonclover ley with Pastor. (Always read the label. Use pesticides safely). Pastor is a trademark of Dow Agrosciences. 2. Open up existing sward Timing - Immediately after the last silage cut of the season or after a hard graze in the spring or autumn. Field Preparation - Remove all surplus grass growth by cutting or hard grazing. Scarify the field in opposite directions using a springtine harrow to open up the sward and pull out dead material. For best results use an OPICO Grass Harrow and Seeder. Contact Opico Tel: Sowing - Sow at the same time as scarifying with around 10kg/ acre of grass seed or 1.5kg/acre of White Clover. Immediately after sowing roll the field to consolidate the ground and ensure good seed to soil contact. Fertiliser - Apply appropriate fertiliser as recommended by your FACTS qualified ACT adviser. Livestock re-introduction - After Cutting, wait until aftermaths have fully recovered. After Grazing, keep stock on for days then remove and allow sward to recover. 3. Overseed Westerwolds - Short term yield booster Clamp Buster/After Maize - Italian ryegrass, short term yield booster. See page 4. Pasture Restorer - Patching and medium term yield booster, available without clover, or with white or red clover Action No.59 - Increased yields and improved palatability White Clover - For protein and soil fertility Overseeding with White Clover Adding White Clover to a ley enhances its productivity and palatability to livestock Pelleted clover seed allows easier drill adjustment and more uniform seed dispersal. The pellet contains HEADSTART, which will feed the seedling and help it compete in the grass sward. Provides an ideal way to introduce white clover into a newly sown grass ley after the weeds have been controlled. Suitable for slot seeding white clover into mature grass pastures. Sowing Rate/Packaging Opico Harrow and Seeder - Ideal for over seeding Easy-to-spread White Clover Pelleted CLOVER PLUS is sown at 2kgs/acre and is available in a handy 5kg, one hectare pack. What is iseed 50? iseed is a unique seed coating of Nitrogen and Phosphate and is an economic and environmentally friendly alternative to seedbed fertiliser. Grass is a particularly sensitive crop to establish with many factors affecting its success. iseed assists establishment and enhances seedling vigour at a critical stage of development. Improved Establishment and Vigour With iseed up to 50% improvement in plant vigour can be observed during establishment. A clear benefit in the successful creation of a dense, high quality and long lasting sward. Higher Yield With iseed 5-15% more dry matter can be expected in the first cuts following establishment which equates to around 1 tonne extra dry matter per ha. Improved Fertiliser Effeciency With iseed the uptake of nutrients is up to 4 times more efficient than standard seedbed fertiliser which maximises the economic benefit while minimising the impact on the environment. Ease of Application With iseed the sowing can be carried out using any standard grass seed drill, therefore no additional investment in specialist equipment is required. 10

11 Other Grasses Pasture Restorer ACTion Pasture Restorer is a carefully balanced blend of fast to establish and persistent ryegrasses capable of improving production for up to 3 years. Sow late March/early April. Packed in 20 kg bags. Also available with iseed treatment. Sow at 15kg/acre. Pasture Restorer + Red Clover ACTion Pasture Restorer (RC) has been designed to boost yields of ryegrass in the sward and has the addition of high yielding red clover to increase protein levels. Packed in 20 kg bags. Also available with iseed treatment. Sow at 15kg/acre. Pasture Restorer + White Clover ACTion Pasture Restorer (WC) is a carefully balanced blend of ryegrasses to improve swards quickly, with the addition of white clover to aid protein levels and release nitrogen in the soil. Packed in 20 kg bags. Also available with iseed treatment. Sow at 15kg/acre. Seed treatments. as standard. Alternatively iseed 50 Seed treatments. as standard. Alternatively iseed 50 Seed treatments. as standard. Alternatively iseed 50 Westerwolds Ryegrass Westerwolds is the highest yielding ryegrass available. It is used for one year leys and is capable of providing more fresh weight than Italian Ryegrass. When sown in the spring the crop can be available in 6-8 weeks to produce 3-4 cuts of silage during the season. Sow in late March/early April at kg per acre. Peleton Packed in 25 kg bags. The fast growth of PELETON allows late sowing in the autumn improving the chance of successful establishment. Good lodging resistance A big advantage if harvesting is delayed due to poor weather conditions. Excellent production of drymatter The total annual drymatter yield is very high and of very good forage quality. Intermediate PRG 55% Late PRG 20% Creeping Red 15% Fescue Timothy 10% Tetraploid 0% Diploid 100% Seeds per m 2 * 2,780 10kg 13-15kg/acre (32-37 kg/ha) Landscaping Horse Pasture Flexible Equine Mixture A flexible cutting and grazing ley specially designed for horses and ponies. Horse Pasture is capable of producing the dense ground cover needed by horses. Good repair capabilities after heavy treading or close grazing. Horse Pasture is also suitable for gallop and exercise areas. Spring growth can be left until June should cuts of hay be required. 10kg, g/m 2 Formal lawn-seed mixture LOW MAINTENANCE 0% Ryegrass Shaded /dry soils Drought tolerant Reduced mowing Fine appearance FORMAL 0% Ryegrass Quality lawns and landscape areas Fine appearance Reduced mowing Fine leaved GREENSWARD 0% Ryegrass Building surrounds, steep slopes and banks Non Ryegrass landscape areas Low maintenance Helps soil stabilisation Fine leaved ESTATE 70% Ryegrass High wear areas Reseeding General landscaping Quick establishment *Seed numbers per m 2 are based on the mid point of the suggested sowing rate. 11

12 Green Manuring Mixtures and Cover Crops for Ecological Focus Areas The range of green manure mixtures on this page have been especially formulated to help protect soils as well as improving soil health and fertility. At the time of publication, those marked EFA are suitable for use in the new Ecological Focus areas required under the latest CAP proposals N-Rich Cover Mixture Vetches and Rye complement each other to provide an excellent crop mixture for the winter. Vetches are fast growing and quick to establish. They have a prolonged growing season, combined with excellent winter hardiness and have the advantage of being able to fix nitrogen at lower temperatures than other legumes. Forage Rye is deep rooting which provides a good underground network for the plant to scavenge most of the nitrogen left by the previous crop. Forage Rye 80% Winter Vetch 20% Sowing rate 50-70kg/ha Untreated COVER CROP FOR EFA 25kg Buster Cover Mixture A mixture containing species with aggressive deep roots that can help with difficult compacted soils and produce huge amounts of biomass. During the winter months this mixture can benefit the soil by providing vast quantities of organic matter, prevent nutrients being lost and penetrate through compacted soils. Forage Rye 83% Daikon Radish 7% Phacelia 6% Fodder Radish 4% 25kg Sowing rate 30-40kg/ha Untreated Sprinter Sprinter is a very vigorous mixture and contains pure oat (Avena Stigosa) and Vetch. It is a great mixture to help control blackgrass. The mixture allows blackgrass to establish in the Autumn, before being destroyed with giyphosate after the 1st January EFA period. COVER CROP FOR EFA Pure Oats Silke (Avena Stigosa) 70% Vetch (Purple Flowering) 30% Sowing August to September at 25-30kg/ha Untreated Revival Cover Mixture Oats, white mustard and phacelia make a very effective catch crop. White mustard and phacelia are very good at suppressing weeds, they are also easy to break down and incorporate into the soil because they are less frost hardy. White mustard is high in glucosinolates which when the plant is destroyed and incorporated into the soil release isothiocyanates that act as a biofumigant aiding the control of soil borne pathogens. The oats provide good ground cover further helping with weed suppression and produce a large quantity of organic matter. COVER CROP FOR EFA Oats 90% White Mustard 5% Phacelia 5% 25kg Sowing rate 30-50kg/ha Untreated N-Hance Cover Mixture This mixture can benefit the soil by the use of species that absorb the leaching nutrients and has the added advantage of the useful nitrogen fixing winter vetch. It produces a huge quantity of organic matter and has the benefit of Daikon tillage radish s large roots that can grow through difficult compacted soils, utilising nutrients from the deeper layers of soil. Forage Rye 60% Winter Vetch 28.5% Daikon Radish 8.5% White Mustard 3% Sowing rate 35-50kg/ha Untreated 25kg Red Reviver Grass can be used as either a catch crop or a cover crop as long as it is undersown in the previous crop and sufficiently established. Red Reviver will protect soils during the winter months and crimson clover will fix nitrogen, which will benefit the subsequent spring crop. This mixture is best undersown in cereal crops prior to harvest. COVER CROP FOR EFA Italian Ryegrass Blend 70% Crimson Clover 30% Sowing June and July at 25-30kg/ha Untreated GAME COVER and ENVIRONMENTAL MIXTURES Game cover crops and environmental mixtures are too diverse and specialist to feature in this Forage Crop booklet however we will be pleased to send you a copy of either of the two publications pictured. 12

13 The use of Arable Silage, Forage Rye & Catch Crop mixtures are simple, supplementary ways of increasing feed production on farm and reducing bought-in feed costs. Catch Crops, Arable Silage and Rye Arable Silage Arable Silage No.1 A high pea content mixture to raise yields and provide additional crude protein. Arable Silage No.2 A higher starch mixture containing peas and barley. Like Arable Silage No.1 this mixture is suitable for under-sowing with grass seed. Arable Silage No.3 A more traditional blend of Oats, Barley and Peas. Arable Silage No.3 will provide a lower protein crop. % stated are by weight, not seed numbers Supplied in 25kg bags. Sow above mixtures at: 50-60kg per acre undersown with grass kg per acre for maximum production. These mixtures of peas (high in protein) and cereals (high in starch) can produce high yields of a well balanced, quality forage crop. Arable silage mixtures are usually sown in March. This will give a crop ready for cutting in weeks with a yield of tonnes of fresh material per acre. For a high protein forage cut after pea flowering. For a high starch forage, cut when the grain is at the cheesy stage. Hybrid Rye Hybrid Rye used for wholecrop has been shown to outperform both Wheat and Triticale for total Dry Matter Yield, % DM, ME and Starch. Adjust sowing rates according to sowing time. Late September Mid October; 200 seeds /m 2 Late October Early November; 250 seeds/m 2 Mid to later November; 300 seeds/m 2 Varieties: KWS MAGNIFICO High DM Yields 12-15tonnes/ha Extreme winter hardiness Good straw strength Good standing ability Forage Rye Humbolt Selected for its greater leafiness Early turnout (reducing overwintering costs) Early bite for dairy cows Winter sheep keep Flexible sowing options after maize or cereals Catch crop Zero grazing option Helps mop up residual nitrogen and prevents soil erosion KWS PROGAS Very High DM yields 5-10% increase on Magnifico Excellent winter hardiness Very good straw strength Very good straw thickness Catch Crop Mixtures Forage for Cattle & Sheep Meatmaker (2kg, one acre pack) Ideal for maximum intake and liveweight gain. Sow late July to August for utilisation October to January. Forage for Sheep Lamb Tonic (4kg, one acre pack) A concept from New Zealand. The use of Forage Plantain provides additional mineral content and faster finishing. Perennial mixture lasting up to 4 years. Autumn Keep (2.5kg, one acre pack) Very fast establishment for autumn use, Autumn Keep will produce a quality crop with good disease resistance. Late Lamb (7kg, one acre pack) Slightly more winter hardy mixture designed for sowing after winter barley. Ready for use between November and January. 13

14 Fodder Crops for Winter Feeding These full season crops are well proven to increase live weight gain in both cattle and sheep and are able to be either grazed in-situ or lifted and stored for winter use. GRAZED HARVESTED & STORED KALE SWEDE FODDER BEET autumn/winter use autumn use winter use autumn lifting sheep beef & dairy sheep & cattle sheep dairy, beef or sheep Keeper Grüner Angelita/Grampian/Caledonian Lomond Gowrie/Invitation Robbos/Ribondo/Blizzard/Blaze/Feldherr KALE is a well proven crop which consistently provides large yields of green fodder. A flexible high protein crop utilised between August and March. Keeper Very winter hardy and exhibits excellent lodging resistance. Keeper is a medium/ shorter type ideal for fattening lambs and providing high quality winter keep. Grüner Angelita A very high yielding, tall variety, with good winter hardiness and excellent feeding quality. Fresh yields 15% higher than Caledonian in German trials. Ideal for strip grazing dairy or beef cattle from October through to March. Grampian A newer variety with high dry matter yields and good digestibility. Grampian has some clubroot resistance and improved nutritional factors that make it ideal for autumn or winter grazing systems. Caledonian Is very high yielding with extra winter hardiness and clubroot resistance. Ideal for strip or zero grazing by dairy and beef cattle. Sowing Information Sowing period: Precision Drill: Direct Drill: Broadcast: Yield & Feed Quality April - early July Grade J 2kg/ha (750g/acre) Natural seed 4-5kg/ha (1-2kg/acre) Natural seed 8kg/ha (3kg/acre) Av. DM Yield: 8-10 tonnes/ha Av. Fresh Yield: tonnes/ha Dry Matter: 14-16% Crude Protein: 16-17% fresh 19-25% ensiled Digestibility Value: 68D ME: MJ/Kg DM SWEDES prefer a cool moist climate, e.g. west and northern areas of the UK. The winter hardiness of swedes makes them suitable for the coldest sites. Invitation A very uniform club root resistant variety, ideal for utilisation after Christmas. Invitation also has excellent resistance to powdery mildew. Lomond A new introduction ideal for pre Christmas utilisation and beyond. Huge dry matter yields combined with clubroot and powdery mildew resistance make it perfect for fattening lambs and overwintering ewes. Gowrie A new variety from JHI with very high dry matter yields and excellent palatability and disease resistance (Club root & Powdery mildew). Ideal for autumn or winter grazing. Sowing Information Sowing period: Precision Drill: Direct Drill: Broadcast: Yield & Feed Quality April - June Grade H g/ha ( g/acre) Natural seed 2.5kg/ha (1kg/acre) Natural seed 5kg/ha (2kg/acre) Av. DM Yield: 7-10 tonnes/ha Av. Fresh Yield: tonnes/ha Dry Matter: 10-13% Crude Protein: 10-11% fresh Digestibility Value: 82D ME: MJ/Kg DM FODDER BEET has the highest yield potential of fodder crops. The roots have an excellent feed quality which can complement grass and maize silage. Robbos Very high dry matter yields of medium high DM%. Large leaved for ease of lifting. Clean rooted. Ribondo A yellow skinned variety that is Rhizomania resistant. With good yields & high dry matter content Ribondo sits quite well out of the ground. Blizzard The highest dry matter variety available, deep rooted with a white sugar beet type skin. Ideal for harvesting with sugar beet machinery. Blaze Red rooted variety combining very high yields with low dirt tare ratings. Feldherr One of the highest yielding fresh weights from a fodder beet Feldherr is ideal for grazing in-situ due to its lower DM content. Has a very low dirt contamination when lifted. Sowing Information Sowing period: Precision Drill only: Yield & Feed Quality Late March - end April 100,000 seeds/ha (40,000 seeds/acre) Sold in one acre packs (50,0000 seed units) Av. DM Yield: tonnes/ha Av. Fresh Yield: tonnes/ha Dry Matter: 12-19% Crude Protein: 12-13% Digestibility Value: 78D ME: MJ/Kg DM 14

15 Like the Catch Crop mixtures, these fast growing, versatile, easy to use brassica crops are a useful way of increasing home feed production Fodder Crops for Grazing STUBBLE TURNIP FORAGE RAPE HYBRID ROOT CROP autumn/winter autumn winter Tyfon Delilah/Samson Rondo/Dynamo (Organic) Hobson Interval Hungry Gap White fleshed stubble turnips make an excellent catch crop, which can produce nutritious, highly palatable feed in just weeks. Delilah This new variety has out-performed existing varieties in terms of dry matter yields. Samson Samson is a tetraploid variety that has been shown in trials to be preferentially grazed. Samson can produce huge purple tankard shaped bulbs with minimal effort. Samson is ideal for fattening lambs or flushing ewes and will provide excellent quality forage. Rondo Rondo is a very leafy variety which has shown to be more winter hardy than other varieties. Rondo will produce a very leafy crop, with a smaller green globe-shaped root, within weeks of sowing and is ideal for sowing on hillside fields. Dynamo (Organic) Dynamo has performed consistently over a number of years and is ideal for finishing lambs or providing autumn/winter keep. Dynamo s growth habit ensures that the variety has excellent root anchorage, which can help reduce wastage in the field. Produces a grazing crop in weeks. Its relatively low seed and input costs make forage rape a popular choice with many livestock farmers. Hobson Hobson has consistently provided UK farmers with high quality autumn and winter keep. Hobson is ideal for fattening lambs and can provide summer strip grazing for dairy or beef cattle. Interval When it comes to filling the gap in your winter feed programme, Interval rape/kale hybrid can really boost your profits. Interval has exceptional yield potential combined with disease resistance. Interval is perfect for fattening lambs or flushing ewes. Hungry Gap For later use, Hungry Gap s exceptional winter hardiness ensures the crop can be used in January & February. Best sown in June or July. TYFON... perfect summer grazing! Tyfon is ideally sown in the spring and can be utilised in the summer months by beef and dairy cattle or sheep. Tyfon can reach maximum production in only 60 days and has regrowth potential. Tyfon is extremely leafy and can provide a highly palatable summer feed. Very quick growth, ideal as a summer buffer feed for dairy cows Regrowth potential (4-6 weeks after initial graze) Strip or zero graze Sowing Information Sowing period: (early) May - June (later) July - August Direct Drill: Natural seed 5kg/ha (2kg/acre) Broadcast: Natural seed 8kg/ha (3kg/acre) Sowing Information Sowing period: May - end August Direct Drill: Natural seed 6kg/ha (2.5kg/acre) Broadcast: Natural seed 8-10kg/ha (4kg/acre) Sowing Information Maximum production: 60 days Regrowth potential: 30 days after use Direct Drill: 5kg/ha (2kg/ac) Broadcast: 8kg/ha (3kg/ac) Yield & Feed Quality Av. DM Yield: tonnes/ha Av. Fresh Yield: tonnes/ha Dry Matter: 8-9% Crude Protein: 17-18% (mainly leaves) Digestibility Value: 68-70D ME: 11 MJ/Kg DM Yield & Feed Quality Av. DM Yield: tonnes/ha Av. Fresh Yield: tonnes/ha Dry Matter: 11-12% Crude Protein: 19-20% Digestibility Value: 65D ME: MJ/Kg DM Yield & Feed Quality Av. DM Yield: 4.5 tonnes/ha Av. Fresh Yield: tonnes/ha Dry Matter: 8-9% Crude Protein: 17-18% (mainly leaves) Digestibility Value: 68-70D ME: 11 MJ/Kg DM Brassicas intended for grazing should be gradually introduced to stock over a two week period. There should also be an area of grassland with a water supply, for the animals to return to. 15

16 FORAGE SEEDS 2015 ACT operates throughout England, Scotland and Wales from Shetland to the Scilly Isles Fertilisers Feeds Fuel Seeds Crop Protection Mineral Supplements Animal Health Silage Additives Silage Wrap Dairy Chemicals Energy Buckets Lubricating Oils Call FREEphone Agricultural Central Trading Limited 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG. Shrewsbury Office