Leaders in the Organic Field

Transcription

1 2017 Leaders in the Organic Field Est. 1976

2 Western Seeds Limited Ordering Next day delivery is available please phone order by 2pm. We do not currently offer weekend delivery. For advice and orders, contact our seed professionals: UK: +44 (0) Ireland: +353 (0) Website: Methods of payment: Contents Grass Mixtures Forage Rye 15 Arable Silage Forage Brassicas Combicrop We reserve the right to apply a credit card payment charge (currently 3%) on overdue accounts. Cheque with order made payable to Western Seeds Ltd. Western Seeds Ltd Clover Park Farm, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, SA67 8EY Cereal Blends Environmental Important Notes Mixtures correct at time of going to press. As the season progresses some varieties occasionally become unavailable. If this happens, a similar variety will be used in its place. Errors and omissions excepted. Confirm variety composition at time of ordering. UK Derogation Do I need a derogation? Less than 70% Organic 70% - 99% Organic 100% Organic A derogation is required before purchase. No derogation required before purchase. Derogation form sent later. Guaranteed to be accepted. No derogation required. In Republic of Ireland, please consult your certification provider before purchase This catalogue represents a sample of our most popular products. There are many more mixtures and varieties that we have been unable to include please call us with your requirements. 2

3 Organic Herbage Overview Good productive grass leys are the bedrock of Organic Farming, CLOVER being the powerhouse with its free nitrogen. But which grass ley? Due to a variety of factors; climate, topography, soil type and farm management requirements, one grass seed mixture may not always be the most suitable choice overall. In response to these variations and other difficulties, experienced within individual farms, across counties and throughout the U.K., Western Seeds offer a large choice of grass seed mixtures. With so many choices available from so many different sources, selection of the best, most appropriate ley for the particular farm requirements, can be difficult. Every mixture we provide aims to correspond exactly with a farmer`s requirements, formulating specials where necessary. Ours is not simply a book knowledge Company, operating with feet up in comfy chairs but practical, innovative, hands-on-out-in-the-fields, discussing with farmers, examining leys, conducting trials and much more. It is standard practice at Western Seeds to monitor grass seed mixtures sold on selected farms and to trial new mixtures all over the U.K., from sowing onwards. This gives us a wide spectrum of up-to-date, first-hand knowledge in farm production information; subsequently utilised in the selection of grass varieties for each ley produced and for the formulation of new grass seed mixtures for the future. We also utilise the independent advice available from the BSPB and we strongly urge you to become familiar with their information, made freely available in their publication. Obtain a free BSPB grass seed variety booklet (we can supply you with one), or go on line to Your organic farm is your business but it is our business as well. We aim to help you to succeed. 3

4 SHORT TERM LEYS AWARD 2 YEAR RED CLOVER LEY MIXTURE Label No: C Seed Mixture of/for Agriculture Ref No: 17/21724/1280 Weight: Kg per Acre List of Species and Varieties: 70% Organic AWARD 2 YEAR LEY VARIETIES KILOS Organic ASTONENERGY Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass 4.10 Organic LIGRANDE Diploid Italian Ryegrass 3.00 Organic DORIKE Tetraploid Italian Ryegrass 2.00 Conventional ABERNICHE Festulolium 0.90 Conventional MERVIOT Red Clover 3.00 Many organic farmers especially in the more rotational arable areas of the U.K. require a two year, red clover, short-term ley; for silage, hay or mulching (to build up soil fertility). Many available two year leys, with Italian ryegrass, struggle to reach the two-year target. Western Seeds has addressed the problem with Organic AWARD. Primarily based on Italian ryegrass and red clover, we have included a substantial amount of selected intermediate perennial ryegrass. This inclusion of selected ryegrasses in Organic AWARD gives a thicker, denser sward which will crop for a full two years: This helps to stop weeds from seeding in the grass ley and building up a weed seed-bank in the soil This will reduce the amount of residual weed seeds germinating in future cash cropping Perennial ryegrass produces a considerable amount of fibrous roots, which improve the soil structure and humus content, helping to hold moisture in the soil; valuable for future cropping Organic AWARD: Is a good red clover break-crop between cereal or horticultural cropping, improving soil structure and fertility Is specially recommended for cuts of silage and hay with available soil fertility Red clover will leave residual nitrogen in the soil, beneficial for future cropping The better the break-crop the better the next arable crop will be! 4

5 SHORT TERM LEYS CHOICE 2 YEAR WHITE CLOVER LEY MIXTURE Label No: C Seed Mixture of/for Agriculture Ref No: 17/22871/1280 Weight: Kg per Acre List of Species and Varieties: 70% Organic CHOICE 2 YEAR LEY VARIETIES KILOS Organic ASTONENERGY Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass 4.10 Organic LIGRANDE Diploid Italian Ryegrass 3.00 Organic DORIKE Tetraploid Italian Ryegrass 2.00 Conventional ABERNICHE Festulolium 0.90 Conventional ABERFARRELL Diploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass 1.00 Conventional ABERHERALD White Clover 1.00 Conventional ARAN White Clover 1.00 Many organic farmers especially in the more rotational arable areas of the U.K. require a two year, white clover, short-term ley, for grazing, cropping for silage, harvesting for hay or mulching for the build-up of soil fertility. Many two year leys with Italian ryegrass grow for less than two years. Western Seeds has addressed the problem with Organic CHOICE. Organic CHOICE is based on Italian ryegrass and white clover but we also add a substantial amount of intermediate perennial ryegrass. The inclusion of selected ryegrasses in Organic CHOICE give a denser sward which will crop for a full two years: Perennial ryegrass helps to control weeds in the grass ley and also reduces the build-up of residual seed in the soil, (weed seed-bank), thereby, lowering the quantity of weed seeds germinating in future cash cropping Perennial ryegrass potentially produces a considerable amount of fibrous roots which improve the soil structure and humus content helping to hold moisture in the soil: all beneficial for future cropping Organic CHOICE: Is a good white clover break-crop between cereal or horticultural cropping, improving soil structure and fertility Is a dual-purpose two year ley, suitable for grazing or conservation The better the break-crop the better the next arable crop will be! 5

6 MEDIUM TERM LEYS MAGNUM Red and White Clover Silage Ley MIXTURE Label No: C Seed Mixture of/for Agriculture Ref No: 17/12345/1280 Weight: Kg per Acre List of Species and Varieties: 70% Organic MAGNUM VARIETIES KILOS Organic SOLID Hybrid Tetraploid Ryegrass 4.00 Organic ASTONENERGY Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass 2.80 Organic ABERDART Diploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass 1.00 Organic MILVUS Red Clover 2.00 Conventional ABERGREEN Diploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass 2.20 Conventional ABERCLARET Red Clover 1.00 Conventional ARAN White Clover 1.00 Organic MAGNUM is an unique mixture of red and white clover blended with high sugar/high D value grasses. Marketed as a five year ley, it often lasts much longer with good management. It is especially recommended for silage production, with three cuts achievable per year. What does Organic MAGNUM silage do best for your organic business? Manufactures its own red and white clover-based nitrogen Gives a more persistent, long-lasting, red/white clover ley Produces a thick, dense sward with very high yields of quality forage Recommended as a cutting ley since grazing can damage the red clover What do the above benefits mean for your farm business? Achievable extra 5 litres/cow/day from MAGNUM forage Stock can increase forage intake by 2 kilos of dry matter/day This adds up to 20% increase in forage dry matter intake Cattle grow and finish on MAGNUM silage without supplementary meal concentrates Organic MAGNUM works well with Organic MELIOR in your conservation farm rotations. Herbs can be supplied with Organic MAGNUM. 6

7 MEDIUM TERM LEYS MELIOR White Clover Silage Ley MIXTURE Label No: C Seed Mixture of/for Agriculture Ref No: 17/12313/1280 Weight: Kg per Acre List of Species and Varieties: 70% Organic MELIOR VARIETIES KILOS Organic SOLID Hybrid Tetraploid Ryegrass 4.00 Organic ABERDART Diploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass 2.80 Organic ASTONENERGY Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass 3.00 Conventional ABERGREEN Diploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass 2.20 Conventional ABERHERALD White Clover 1.00 Conventional ARAN White Clover 1.00 Organic MELIOR is an unique herbage mixture of high-yielding white clovers, blended with high sugar / high D value grasses. It is especially recommended for silage production, with three cuts achievable per year. Its thick, dense sward also allows for successful grazing and with the correct forage management, persists for a full five + years. What does Organic MELIOR do best for your business? Manufactures its own white clover-based nitrogen Produces a thick, dense sward with very high yields of quality forage Recommended as a dual-purpose ley, suitable for cutting and grazing What do the above benefits mean for your farm business? As with MAGNUM, stock can increase forage intake by 2 kilos of dry matter/day This means a 20% increase in forage dry matter intake Achievable extra 5 litres/cow/day from MELIOR forage Cattle grow and finish on MELIOR silage with minimum supplementary meal concentrates Organic MELIOR works well with Organic MAGNUM in your conservation farm rotations. Especially important in minimising red clover eelworm infection. Herbs can be supplied with Organic MELIOR 7

8 LONG TERM LEYS BONUS Dual Purpose Ley MIXTURE Label No: C Seed Mixture of/for Agriculture Ref No: 17/12325/1280 Weight: Kg per Acre List of Species and Varieties: 70% Organic BONUS LONG TERM LEY VARIETIES KILOS Organic ABERDART Diploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass 3.00 Organic ASTONENERGY Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass 3.00 Organic ABERAVON Diploid Late Perennial Ryegrass 2.60 Organic DOLINA Timothy 0.50 Conventional ABERMAGIC Diploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass 2.40 Conventional ABERHERALD White Clover 1.00 Conventional ABERDAI White Clover 0.50 BONUS mixture has been marketed by Western Seeds for many years, retaining its same successful formula of intermediate, late perennial ryegrasses, timothy and clover; updated by the selection and inclusion of new grass varieties as they become available from specialist grass breeders. What s so special about Organic BONUS? Organic BONUS contains a blend of high D value, quality grass seed varieties suitable for grazing and cutting A high proportion of diploid grasses are utilised in BONUS, to ensure with good management, a very dense, thick sward, showing great persistency A quality, long-term, adaptable, grass seed mixture Check out the varieties we use in Organic BONUS on your independent BSPB Grass and Clover list 2017 (we can supply you with a booklet), or go online to We are confident that you will be impressed with our choices of grasses and clovers, made for the success of your business. Proven over many years, Organic BONUS is an outstanding long-term silage and grazing mixture. Herbs can be supplied with Organic BONUS 8

9 LONG TERM LEYS FORTIS Long Term Grazing Ley MIXTURE Label No: C Seed Mixture of/for Agriculture Ref No: 17/12392/1280 Weight: Kg per Acre List of Species and Varieties: 70% Organic FORTIS LONG TERM LEY VARIETIES KILOS Organic ABERAVON Diploid Late Perennial Ryegrass 4.00 Organic FOXTROT Diploid Late Perennial Ryegrass 1.60 Organic ASTONPRINCESS Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass 3.00 Organic DOLINA Timothy 0.50 Conventional ABERGREEN Diploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass 2.40 Conventional ABERHERALD White Clover 1.00 Conventional ABERDAI White Clover 0.50 On many organic stock farms there is a need for a quality, long-lasting, thick-leaved, dense-growing grazing sward. Organic FORTIS produces a sward where stock can be put out to graze in the Spring and with good grazing management, a leafy dense growing sward can be maintained, with very few seed heads, throughout the grazing season. The inclusion of High Sugar / High D Value grass varieties substantially improves palatability of the sward, which increases utilisation of grass in the field, making grassland management much easier. If you add together all the benefits from FORTIS above, you will have a long-term grass ley to be proud of, plus more cash in the bank. Check out the varieties we use in Organic FORTIS on your independent BSPB, Recommended Grass and Clover list 2017 (we can supply you with a booklet), or go online to we are very confident you will be impressed with the choice of grasses and clovers, made for the profitability of your business. Organic FORTIS consistently achieves high quality grazing throughout the growing season. Watch the milk yield and growth rates go up when you open the field gate to FORTIS. Herbs can be supplied with Organic FORTIS 9

10 LONG TERM LEYS BRAVO LONG TERM GRAZING LEY MIXTURE Label No: C Seed Mixture of/for Agriculture Ref No: 17/32186/1280 Weight: Kg per Acre List of Species and Varieties: 70% Organic BRAVO LONG TERM LEY VARIETIES KILOS Organic SOLID Hybrid Ryegrass 3.00 Organic ABERAVON Diploid Late Perennial Ryegrass 3.00 Organic ASTONPRINCESS Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass 3.10 Conventional ABERGREEN Diploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass 2.40 Conventional ABERDAI White Clover 1.00 Conventional ABERHERALD White Clover 0.50 Organic BRAVO is a long-term grazing ley which includes all the quality grasses contained in Organic FORTIS but with the added extra of early Spring growth. Many organic farmers have been in the unenviable position of being short of conserved fodder in late Winter/very early Spring. Winter is slow to lose its grip grass growth and stock turnout time never seem to arrive Or you may be lambing early in Spring and need some early grass to produce sufficient ewe milk for the lambs which will save on bought-in concentrates Then again, you may be a dairy farmer determined to maximise milk from grass and need an early start to the grazing cycle If you have fields of free draining soil, able to withstand grazing in early Spring, then welcome Organic BRAVO it may be the ley for you. An added plus to a long-term ley which will cut or graze for the rest of the forage year. Go online to to check out the varieties utilised in Organic BRAVO. Early Spring grass for ewes in milk: Early grass for milking cows, that s BRAVO. Herbs can be supplied with Organic BRAVO 10

11 LONG TERM LEYS PRIMUS LONG TERM GRAZING LEY MIXTURE Label No: C Seed Mixture of/for Agriculture Ref No: 17/41876/1280 Weight: Kg per Acre List of Species and Varieties: 70% Organic PRIMUS LONG TERM LEY VARIETIES KILOS Organic DOLINA Timothy 4.00 Organic LAURA Meadow Fescue 3.00 Conventional LIHEROLD Meadow Fescue 1.50 Conventional ABERHERALD White Clover 1.00 Conventional ABERDAI White Clover 0.50 Many farms have at least one wet-lying, poorly drained field which proves difficult to manage successfully. Perennial ryegrass tends not to persist in very wet soil over Winter, resulting in the return and dominance (often in a surprisingly short space of time), of the natural grasses pertaining to that particular field and overall environment. Organic PRIMUS is a timothy, meadow fescue, white clover ley which has proven, over many years, to thrive in poor fertility, wet conditions. Utilisation of forage will be restricted by the soil conditions but with good ley management cuts of hay and silage, when applicable, are readily achievable. In order to avoid poaching, grazing management is restricted to when soil conditions permit but when soil and weather conditions allow, high yields of quality grazing can be realised. A high-yielding hay crop especially suitable for horses and cattle can be obtained on a yearly basis, with the added advantage of harvesting when soil conditions are hopefully more favourable, in midsummer. Organic PRIMUS sales are increasing year-on-year as more organic farmers are looking at specific ley mixtures to improve grass yields which will persist on problem wet fields. Suitable herbs can be supplied with Organic PRIMUS 11

12 LONG TERM LEYS HARMONY LONG TERM HERBAL GRAZING LEY MIXTURE Label No: C Seed Mixture of/for Agriculture Ref No: 17/28714/1280 Weight: Kg per Acre List of Species and Varieties: 70% Organic HARMONY LONG TERM LEY VARIETIES KILOS Organic LAURA Meadow fescue 4.00 Organic DOLINA Timothy 2.40 Organic ABERCREST White Clover 2.00 Conventional SPARTA Cocksfoot 2.00 Conventional CHICORY Herb 0.74 Conventional BURNETT Herb 0.32 Conventional RIBGRASS Herb 0.16 Conventional TONIC PLANTAIN Herb 0.16 Conventional SHEEPS PARSLEY Herb 0.16 Conventional YARROW Herb 0.06 There are many areas in the U.K. which suffer from low precipitation over the growing season. This can have detrimental effects on yearly grass output, grass persistency and overall farm profitability. How do we increase herbage quality and production in low rainfall areas, build humus, increase soil fertility and improve soil structure, for possible future cereal cropping? We need to sow herbage species which are naturally adapted to dry growing conditions, producing large deep rooting, fibrous root systems, while further supplying good quality forage to feed stock. A tall order! Organic HARMONY is made from different species of grasses, clovers and herbs in which all are formulated to work in harmony together and with the environment, to produce a quality, balanced sward. The selection of strong rooting grasses such as meadow fescue, timothy and cocksfoot with the addition of deep-rooting herbs, all help to improve soil structure/texture, while improving soil water holding capacity for the ley and possible future cash-cropping. Deep-rooting herbs, also improve stock intake of much needed minerals and improve forage intake and palatability. With good ley management Organic HARMONY is persistent in dry, low rainfall areas, will yield good quality forage and add humus, also improving overall soil structure and future soil fertility. 12

13 REJUVENATION SALVUS REJUVENATION MIXTURE MIXTURE Label No: C Seed Mixture of/for Agriculture Ref No: 17/17984/1280 Weight: Kg per Pack List of Species and Varieties: 70% Organic SALVUS GRASS CLOVER MIXTURE VARIETIES KILOS Organic SOLID Hybrid Tetraploid Ryegrass 7.50 Organic ASTONENERGY Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass 3.00 Conventional ABEREVE Hybrid Ryegrass 3.00 Conventional ABERHERALD White Clover 1.50 Due to difficulties with variable weather patterns in recent years, many grass leys affected by excessive rainfall have been poached by stock, over Summer and Winter months. Conversely, there are other areas in the U.K. which have experienced very dry conditions where grasses in the sward have not persisted, due to drought. The impact of each extreme (excessive rainfall/drought), has resulted in the lowering of the quantity and quality of the grass sward, requiring a rescue plan that does not involve ploughing-up the damaged grass ley. Rescue plan Organic SALVUS is a grass and clover mixture, formulated to restore damaged leys to full production, as soon as possible. How do we work Organic SALVUS? Broadcasting SALVUS; Chain harrow broadcast seed chain harrow flat roll Direct drill SALVUS; Chain harrow direct drill seed chain harrow flat roll Sowing seed rate 5 to 10 kilo acre, depending on the original grass condition All quality grasses utilised in Organic SALVUS are large seeded for rapid establishment, also producing a thicker, sweeter sward with early Spring growth. Organic SALVUS has proven to be a sward-saver. 13

14 UNDERSOWING PREMIUM Undersowing Mixture MIXTURE Label No: C Seed Mixture of/for Agriculture Ref No: 17/28280/1280 Weight: Kg per Pack List of Species and Varieties: 70% Organic PREMIUM Grass Clover Mixture VARIETIES KILOS Organic CALIBRA Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass Conventional ABERHERALD White Clover 0.75 Conventional ABERCLYDE Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass 3.75 Organic PREMIUM is specifically formulated for use only in, Spring-sown, cereal tillage rotations and over the years has shown many benefits. Organic PREMIUM Will capture the residual nitrogen (especially after a Combicrop), and other plant nutrients in the soil after crop harvest Will minimise soil erosion after heavy rain fall Will improve soil structure/texture with grass roots Will provide feed over Autumn-Winter-Spring for out-wintered stock, ready to plough again for the next cereal crop in Spring Organic PREMIUM is undersown at only three to five kilo per acre (eight to twelve kilo per Ha), with carefully selected grasses and clover which will not grow through the cereal crop and cause problems at harvest time. If you want your organic farm to be green and increasingly productive all year round grow Organic PREMIUM under every Spring cereal Blend and Combicrop. 14

15 HUMBOLT GRAZING RYE HUMBOLT Grazing Rye HUMBOLT grazing rye is very much underused on organic grass-stock-tillage farms. In many ways, it can fit in very profitably, on your organic farm: There is increased forage production in early Spring. Great for early-bite for cows and ewes in milk. Clean fresh grazing, no worm-burden Can be sown after combine harvesting a Combicrop in late Summer where it will absorb the nitrogen, produced by the peas Will also reduce the leaching of all soil nutrients over Winter, with its large fibrous root system Can be ploughed down in Spring after utilization by stock, ready for the next part of your organic rotation Ploughman will notice improved soil structure, you will notice improved crop yields How do we put HUMBOLT to work on your farm? HUMBOLT was especially bred to be utilised as an early-bite for dairy cows, beef and sheep: HUMBOLT grows (approx.), three weeks earlier than Italian ryegrass One hectare = two weeks grazing (approx.), for 25 cows or 50 ewes, in - milk in early Spring 75 kilo acre (best drilled), from end of August to mid-september, a little later if you farm in a mild, dry area There are many more applications for HUMBOLT rye on the farm but to summarise: Consider HUMBOLT as a means of increasing early Spring forage on farm mopping up and holding soil nutrients over Winter for future cropping use improving soil structure with its massive fibrous root system working well with Winter feeding forage brassicas in your farm rotations will help to reduce soil erosion over Winter which will keep the environment officer off your door step. That s HUMBOLT Grazing Rye 15

16 ARABLE SILAGE 70% Organic DUET Arable Silage Organic Spring Barley Spring Forage Pea 50 Kilo / Acre 70% Organic TRIUMPH Arable Silage Organic Spring Oats Spring Forage Pea 50 Kilo / Acre Organic ARABLE SILAGE The ability to successfully reseed a field after tillage or grass into grass is vitally important, since a poor grass-take for whatever reason, will not reach its full potential, leaving the farm business at a substantial financial and forage loss, over many years. Accepting the diverse variations in organic farming businesses in the U.K. there is one farm activity which is almost universally constant reseeding a new ley. How and when we reseed is important we have the same seed costs to establish a bad reseeded ley as a good reseeded ley. Problems with reseeds, late Summer to late Autumn: Poor establishment of clovers on many organic farms Previous cereal regrowth competing with grass Weed growth especially chickweed on wet high-fertility soils Low soil fertility for reseeding, after a long run of combinable crops 16

17 ARABLE SILAGE How can we reseed for the future with confidence, ensuring that we obtain the full potential from the grass mixture sown, ensuring maximum profit over the length of the ley? An old well-tried grass establishment method is becoming increasingly popular for Spring reseeding and is a method recommended by Western Seeds. When reseeding directly from grass to grass a brassica break is recommended before reseeding with grass seed Plough and sow forage rape or stubble turnips in late Summer / early Autumn (mid-july to mid-august: see page 18), and feed stock Autumn-Winter Alternatively, if forage is required in early Spring, HUMBOLT grazing rye can be sown (see page 15) in August-September, for grazing late February onwards Unless the field in totally un-ploughable, Western Seeds does not recommend direct drilling of forage crops or grass, with the exception of Salvus the sward-saver (See Page 13) When Autumn-sown forage crops have been utilised in Spring, it is time to consider the best grass seed mixture to sow under a cover crop. Western Seeds` Arable Silage Mixtures are a mixture of cereal and forage peas and are unique in the U.K. Not to be confused with Wholecrop a different product, see below. How do we achieve a first class reseed in the Spring? Plough field in Spring (after Autumn-sown brassica break), and cultivate to a good seed bed Drill Arable 50 kilo acre Broadcast new grass ley the same day (important), and roll field Benefits; Harvest Arable Silage with grass included in 9 to 10 Weeks Maximum Yield: 8 X 600 kilo (approx.) big bales per acre By cutting in 9 to 10 weeks, there will be no rats in the big bales or clamp because there will be no grain in the arable silage for them to eat Arable silage will make up for the loss of silage production when sowing grass in Spring, leaving a weed-free, thick, dense new ley which is clean (worm-free), in 9 to 10 weeks Clover, especially red clover will usually establish better in the Spring, compared to an Autumn sowing You will have a well-established, new, weed-free ley by mid-june to mid-july, depending on time of sowing, and with good grassland management it will give many years of profit. Arable Silage is not a Wholecrop!!! This is a common misunderstanding. Wholecrop is usually harvested in 15 to 16 weeks when the grain is at milky stage. This is not recommended for reseeding because the cereal cover is on seedling grass, for too long Even with perfect weather conditions and a standing wholecrop, a good percentage of the grass seed sown will be lost due to lack of light Farmers will say, This is ok, the ley will thicken-up but in reality although the remaining grass will do its best to cover the ground, spaces will be left for weed grasses / seedling docks to establish and you are soon back to square one If you want to achieve a first-class Spring reseed every time utilise a Western Seeds` Arable Silage mixture. 17

18 FORAGE BRASSICAS RAPID 70% Organic Rape / Kale / Stubble Turnip Mixture 40% DYNAMO Organic Stubble Turnip 30% SPARTA Organic Forage Rape 20% INTERVAL Non-Organic Forage Rape 10% KEEPER Non-Organic Kale RAPID is a first-class blend of Organic forage rape and leafy stubble turnip. This will give a very palatable high protein forage crop for all stock. SPRINT 70% Organic Forage Rape Mixture 70% SPARTA Organic Forage Rape 30% INTERVAL Non-Organic Forage Rape SPRINT is a top quality mixture containing two high-yielding forage rape varieties. This mixture helps to reduce leaf diseases which can attack the crop. SPRINT produces a very palatable, thick crop for all stock. TEMPO 70% Organic Stubble Turnip Mixture 70% DYNAMO Organic Stubble Turnip 30% RONDO Non-Organic Stubble Turnip TEMPO is a mixture of two first-class varieties of stubble turnips. This combination of two stubble turnips reduces leaf diseases and increases stock intake. With very fast establishment and excellent high yields, it is ideal for sheep, beef and dairy cattle. SPARTA 100% Organic Forage Rape seed Over the years SPARTA has proven to be a good forage rape variety. It is high-yielding, with good disease resistance. It is fast growing and is utilised in our forage mixtures. DYNAMO 100% Organic Stubble Turnip seed DYNAMO gives high yields of forage with a medium sized bulb. A proven variety, grown in the U.K. Sown on its own or in our forage mixtures. LOMOND 100% Organic Swede seed LOMOND is available as natural seed and Grade H. LOMOND has massive dry matter yields of 80% digestibility. It is good for both human consumption and as a high energy Winter stock feed. Bred in Scotland for U.K. and Irish conditions. HUMBOLT Forage Rye Best for an early-bite for dairy cows or as fresh forage for lactating sheep in Spring. Sow in September to 75 Kilo per acre. If possible select a free-draining, dry, sheltered field for best results. 18

19 FORAGE BRASSICAS Western Seeds Forage Crop Planner Species Forage Rye Forage Rape Stubble Turnip Swede RAPID SPRINT TEMPO Features and Benefits Early-bite Winter hardy Quick growing weeks High crude protein Good value Leafy Can be utilised weeks from sowing Winter hardy High energy Extended digestibility Palatable Fast to establish Palatable feed Better disease resistance Increased intake High yielding More palatable than single variety Suitable For Dairy Beef Sheep Sheep Dairy Beef Sheep Dairy Beef Sheep Dairy Beef Pigs Sheep Dairy Beef Sheep Dairy Beef Sheep Dairy Beef Year Planner January Strip Grazed Strip Grazed Strip Grazed Strip Grazed Strip Grazed February Grazed or Lifted March Strip or Zero Grazed April May Grade H Precision drill grams/acre June July Direct drill 3 kilo/acre Broadcast 4 kilo/acre Direct drill 2 kilo/acre Broadcast 3 kilo/acre Natural seed Direct drill 1 kilo/acre Broadcast 2 kilo/acre Direct drill 3 kilo/acre Broadcast 4 kilo/acre Direct drill 3 kilo/acre Broadcast 4 kilo/acre Direct drill 2 kilo/acre Broadcast 3 kilo/acre August September Drill at 75 kilo/acre October November Strip Grazed Strip Grazed Strip Grazed Strip Grazed Grazed or Lifted Strip Grazed December Harvest Utilisation Sowing Period 19

20 TRIAL SITE Western Seeds 20

21 TRIAL SITE Trial Site

22 ORGANIC PRIZE AND HERBS 70% Organic PRIZE Horse and Pony Long-Term Ley 4.40 Kilo Dolina Organic Timothy 4.00 Kilo Laura Organic Meadow Fescue 1.00 Kilo Presto Timothy 0.90 Kilo Parsifal Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass 1.70 Kilo Corail Creeping Red Fescue Kilo per Acre Organic PRIZE, with good pasture management, is a long-term ley delivering first-class grazing and a hay crop if required. It is a premium quality ley specially formulated for the particular requirements of horses and ponies. Variety Profile Organic PRIZE contains a quality selected blend of timothy, meadow fescue, creeping red fescue and smooth-stalked meadow grass; ideally suited for equine grazing and hay production. Important Points to Consider The composition of Western Seeds Organic PRIZE herbage mixture, reflects our understanding of the detrimental effects of ryegrass and clovers on the health of equines (notably the disease of Laminitis), which are therefore omitted. Herbs PUNA II Chicory PUNA II Chicory is a broad-leaved, perennial forage crop that offers high yields of very palatable and nutritious feed for grazing livestock. It has a high mineral content, including zinc, potassium and copper. Drought resistant with rapid re-growth after grazing Kilo per Pack General Purpose HERB Mixture 46% Puna II Chicory 20% Burnett 10% Tonic Plantain 10% Sheeps Parsley 10% Ribgrass 4% Yarrow 1.00 Kilo per Pack Specific equine herbs can be supplied with Organic PRIZE. NOTE - DEROGATION Puna II Chicory and General Purpose Herb mixtures are only available as 100% conventional seed. Therefore a pre-purchase derogation will be required from your certifying body. 22

23 CEREAL OVERVIEW ORGANIC CEREAL Overview Trying to guess what the future holds for organic farmers, is difficult. What we do know however, is that there are many dedicated organic farmers, who are farming sustainably and thriving financially, in the present organic farming situation. Nevertheless, nothing stands still and we must all plan and prepare for the future. WESTERN SEEDS is committed to the organic way of farming and has been involved with its development over many years. Much of our research has been directed into more efficient ways of growing better organic crops. We aim: To enable organic farmers to grow their own production meal, concentrate and with good quality forage to achieve a profitable, sustainable, organic farming business To lower overall organic farm-feed input costs To make your farm businesses self-sufficient leading to a more secure, sustainable, organic future To enable organic farmers to become very much less dependent on imported feed inputs from Ukraine, China, Brazil Buying organic protein and cereals many miles away from your farm and from distant countries is not sustainable organic farming! If we grasp the organic opportunities now available, with commitment and confidence in an established, well-proven and successful method of farming, we are convinced that a profitable, sustainable and enjoyable farming future lies ahead. 23

24 COMBICROP WHAT IS COMBICROP? COMBICROP is unique to Western Seeds and is a precise blend of Spring cereal and a Spring combinable pea. 100% organic seed for combining dry and crimped 70% organic seed for Wholecrop An excellent versatile crop Environmentally beneficial It is a profitable crop to grow WHY GROW COMBICROP? We need a simple and cost effective way to grow cereals and protein to feed our stock With a 50% increase in protein above straight cereals, Combicrop enables the farmer to grow a 13 to 18% protein concentrate, eliminating the requirement of bought-in protein Growing Combicrop for sale with its increased protein percentage translates directly in a higher price per tonne grain pulses sold ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF COMBICROP Minimum foliar disease risk with Combicrop cereal and legume pea combination, compared with straight cereals Free residual nitrogen from peas is saved for the following crop 100% & 70% Organic PRIME Combicrop Spring Wheat Spring Pea Sow at Kilo / Acre See page % & 70% Organic HERALD Combicrop Spring Barley Spring Pea Sow at Kilo / Acre See page % & 70% Organic CROWN Combicrop Spring Oats Spring Pea Sow at 75 Kilo / Acre See page % & 70% Organic MORGAN Combicrop Spring Barley Spring Oats Spring Pea Sow at Kilo / Acre See page 32 24

25 COMBICROP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GENERAL COMBICROP INFORMATION QUESTIONS FARMERS ASK Seedbed preparations? Combicrop seedbed preparations are the same for all cereals Are there any special adjustments to the seed drill? NO. Simply calibrate the seed drill as you would with any cereal seed How deep do I drill? Drill at 2-4 cm (same as cereals). Combicrop must be drilled not broadcast What size bags? Combicrop is delivered in 500 kilo, 250 kilo and 25 kilo bags mixed and ready to drill What weight of cereal to pea is in Combicrop? One of the key research areas was determining the optimum ratio of cereal to pea. Different varieties of peas and cereals are different in size. Therefore because the Thousand Grain Weight (TGW), of the cereal and pea is taken into account, the total weight of cereal to pea can vary with each batch of Combicrop Will the peas ripen the same time as the cereal? The peas will ripen before the wheat and oat companion crop waiting in the cover of the crop, until the cereal is ready to combine, with the peas The peas will ripen at the same time as the barley companion crop What yield can I expect? No lower than a Spring cereal but usually considerably higher with the big advantage of up to 50% increased protein in the crop Can I combine Combicrop dry? Yes, when grain (cereal and pea), is rolled or ground, increase in protein percentage of the processed concentrate is in the region of 50% over straight cereals Can I crimp Combicrop? Yes, the higher protein percentage in the Combicrop crimp will mean that a specific additive will be needed for preservation which will be different from a straight cereal crimp additive Can I wholecrop Combicrop? Yes, Combicrop wholecrop can be utilised in two ways: Wholecrop 25% to 45% dry matter Wholecrop 50% to 70% dry matter Is the Combicrop straw good for feeding? Yes, all Combicrop straws are good for feeding to stock with increased palatability evident, especially with the barley-pea Combicrop straw Combicrop has been grown successfully over many years in the U.K. and Ireland. Grow your own stock concentrate in 2017 you will not regret it Will I have to make any special adjustments to my combine? No adjustments are needed on the combine to achieve a first-class Combicrop other than the adjustments a combine operator would normally make for cereals 25

26 COMBICROP COMBICROP COMBINED DRY 100% ORGANIC SEED No special adjustments are needed to combine harvest COMBICROP just set up the combine for the cereal and look for the cereals and peas in the combine tank. Combination of cereals and peas eliminates foliar diseases High feeding value of cereal straw and pea haulm, enhanced by low foliar disease on crop 50% to 60% increase in protein above straight cereals Harvest a ready-made concentrate of 14% to 18% protein Very high total yield Undersow with Organic PREMIUM see page 14 26

27 COMBICROP COMBICROP CRIMP 100% ORGANIC SEED No special adjustments are needed to combine harvest COMBICROP just set up the Combine for the cereal and look for the cereals and peas in the combine harvester tank Harvest a combined mixture of high starch / high protein pea and a high starch cereal Crimp the mixture and clamp concentrate meal ready to feed Crimping eliminates the need to roll your own dry grain over Winter Crop will be cut earlier for crimp which will enhance the feeding value of the cereal and pea straw, when fed to stock Produces a very palatable feed, high in protein and starch which will considerably reduce or even eliminate, the need for bought-in concentrates. Undersow with Organic PREMIUM see page 14 27

28 COMBICROP COMBICROP WHOLECROP 70% ORGANIC SEED COMBICROP harvested as Wholecrop. Combicrop can be utilised in two ways. Wholecrop 25% to 45% dry matter: Harvesting COMBICROP early as a wholecrop, (cereal and peas), greatly enhances the protein and palatability of the forage Can be fed as the main forage ration to stock or utilised with other forage; grass silage Crop harvested early, leaves a considerable amount of residual nitrogen from the peas, in the soil for the next crop Wholecrop fermented / 50% to 70% dry matter: Harvesting COMBICROP later as a whole crop, (cereal and peas), will yield a high protein, high starch, high fibre forage Best fed with other forages; grass silage Crop will leave a considerable amount of residual nitrogen from the peas, in the soil for the next crop Undersow with Organic PREMIUM see page 14 28

29 COMBICROP ORGANIC PRIME COMBICROP PRIME Combicrop is a precise blend of Spring wheat and a combining pea. Total crop yields are equal to and in the majority of crops, higher than straight wheat. It can be utilised in a number of ways: Combined dry to produce a feed concentrate meal, high in starch with 14% to 18% protein. Or looking at it another way, a 50% to 60% increase in protein above straight wheat Combined crimped to produce a high quality, starch and protein concentrate for dairy cows, followers and fattening / finishing beef cattle (1) Wholecrop fermented 25% to 45% dry matter to feed on its own or with grass silage, as a forage for stock (2) Wholecrop or fermented / preserved 50% to 70% dry matter feeding with other conserved forage i.e. grass silage Organic PRIME Combicrop can be considered as a soil conditioner, leaving the soil structure very much improved after harvest. Undersowing with Organic PREMIUM is highly recommended. Premium Information on page 14 29

30 COMBICROP ORGANIC HERALD COMBICROP HERALD Combicrop is a precise blend of Spring barley and a combining pea. Total yields are equal to and in the majority of crops, higher than straight barley. It can be utilised in a number of ways: Combined dry to produce a feed concentrate meal, high in starch with 14% to 18% protein. This corresponds with a 50% to 60% increase in protein above straight barley. Combined crimped to produce a high quality, starch and protein concentrate for dairy cows, followers and fattening / finishing beef cattle. (1) Wholecrop fermented 25% to 45% dry matter to feed on its own or with grass silage, as a forage for stock. (2) Wholecrop fermented preserved 50% to 70% dry matter feeding with other forage i.e. grass silage Most organic farmers now buy a grass blend with clover included for its advantageous nitrogen-producing capacity. For the same reason farmers are buying cereals with peas. HERALD Combicrop; Spring barley with PEAS has the same capacity to produce nitrogen in the crop, giving dramatic improvements in organic cereal crop production. HERALD Combicrop can be considered as a soil conditioner, leaving the soil structure very much improved after harvest. Undersowing with Organic PREMIUM is highly recommended. Premium Information on page 14 30

31 COMBICROP ORGANIC CROWN COMBICROP CROWN Combicrop is a precise blend of Spring oats and a combining pea. Total crop yields are equal to and in the majority of crops, higher than straight oats. It can be utilised in a number of ways: Combined dry to produce a feed concentrate meal, high in starch with 14% to 18% protein. This equates to a 50% to 60% increase in protein above straight oats Wholecrop fermented 25% to 45% dry matter to feed without additions, as a forage to stock Organic CROWN is best sown as your last combining crop in your tillage rotation, since it will yield better than other Combicrops in lower fertility situations. Most organic farmers now buy a grass ley with CLOVER included for its advantageous nitrogen producing capacity. Farmers are now buying CROWN Combicrop, oat seed with PEAS included, which produce the nitrogen required for the crop, giving dramatic improvements in organic cereal crop production. CROWN Combicrop can be considered as a soil conditioner, leaving the soil structure very much improved after harvest. Undersowing with Organic PREMIUM is highly recommended. Premium information on Page 14 31

32 COMBICROP ORGANIC MORGAN COMBICROP One day a very keen, successful organic farmer, in Wales asked: Can you make up an organic cereal mixture with barley, oats and peas that I can combine dry, to feed to my cows and other stock? We replied We doubt that combination will work satisfactorily. He thankfully persisted and now Organic MORGAN Combicrop is one of our bestselling Combicrops. Thank you Mr Morgan. You have done us all a great service. MORGAN Combicrop is a precise blend of Spring oats, barley and peas. It can be utilised in a number of ways: Combined dry to produce a feed concentrate high in starch with 14% to 18% protein. This corresponds to a 50% to 60% increase in protein above straight oats or barley. Wholecrop fermented 25% to 45% dry matter to be fed on its own or fed with grass silage. Most organic farmers will buy a grass ley with CLOVER included for its advantageous, nitrogen producing ability. For the same reason, farmers are buying cereals with PEAS included, (which produce the nitrogen required for the crop), as a Combicrop, giving dramatic improvements in crop production. MORGAN Combicrop can be considered as a soil conditioner, leaving the soil structure very much improved after harvest. Undersowing with Organic PREMIUM is highly recommended. Premium information on page 14 32

33 COMBICROP INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC WESTERN SEEDS` CEREAL BLENDS Cereals such as wheat, barley and oats are usually grown as a single species crop on conventional farms in the U.K. This has been made possible by the availability, in the last 50 years, of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. These artificial crop inputs are utilised to try and minimise the inevitable loss of yield caused by crop pathogens, when growing single variety species in the field. Organic farmers cannot utilise herbicides, fungicides and insecticides in their cereal cropping and yet, despite the difficulties, many still attempt to grow single variety cereal crops, as they have done heretofore, accepting lower yields because they are Organic. For over 35 years, Company profits have been invested in research and development trials (on our own and other participating organic farms), resulting in the development of Cereal Blends. Marketed over 25 years, cereal Blends have proven to fill that yield difference between organic and conventional cereal production. Cereals and grasses are part of the same botanical family, but standard practice has been to sow grass leys as a blend of grasses and cereals as a single species. Why? The advantages of sowing a grass ley as a blend has been well proven over many years and applies to both conventional and organic farmers: Higher, reliable yields with minimal forage crop diseases The same advantages as above have been shown with selected cereal varieties grown together as a cereal blend. Our forefathers in their wisdom grew blends. Western Seeds, have developed and refined the concept, bringing precision and accuracy into the process and with access to outstanding cereal varieties now available, we have produced first rate Blends, that will leave our customers saying, Please sir, can I have some more? Undersowing with Organic PREMIUM is highly recommended. Premium information on page 14 33

34 CEREAL BLENDS ORGANIC OVATION WHEAT BLEND Organic OVATION is a mixture of selected wheat varieties which ripen at the same time and offer variable disease resistance to cereal fungal diseases; grown and utilised by farmers, well before fungicides became available, so this is not a new idea but it is a very good idea! Why sow a Western Seeds` Organic OVATION cereal blend? More resistant to variable yearly conditions weather, fertility and field. Less crop disease better grain sample stronger straw and higher yield. OVATION is suitable for combining dry, crimped or wholecrop, for animal feed. There are many production advantages to buying a grass seed mixture. The same advantages apply to a cereal mixture. Undersowing with Organic PREMIUM is highly recommended. Premium information on page 14 34

35 CEREAL BLENDS ORGANIC ADVANCE BARLEY BLEND A cereal blend has proven to considerably lessen the infection of fungal diseases on the cereal crop and was utilised, by farmers, well before fungicides became available, so this is not a new idea but it is a very good idea. Organic ADVANCE is a mixture of different barley varieties which ripen at the same time and offer variable disease resistance to cereal fungal diseases. Why sow a Western Seeds` Organic ADVANCE cereal blend? More resistant to variable yearly conditions weather, fertility and field Less crop disease better grain sample stronger straw higher yield ADVANCE is suitable for combining dry, crimped or wholecrop, for animal feed ADVANCE is not suitable for barley grown for malting, a single variety is required by the maltster. There are many production advantages to buying a grass seed mixture. The same advantages apply to a cereal mixture. Undersowing with Organic PREMIUM is highly recommended. Premium information on page 14 35

36 CEREAL BLENDS ORGANIC CONCERT OAT BLEND A cereal blend has proven to considerably lessen the infection of fungal diseases on the cereal crop and was utilised, by farmers, well before fungicides became available, so this old idea is now the new, good idea. Is there anything new under the sun? Organic CONCERT is a mixture of different oat varieties which ripen at the same time and offers a diverse range of disease resistance to cereal fungal diseases. Why sow a Western Seeds` Organic CONCERT cereal blend? More resistant to variable yearly conditions weather, fertility and field Less crop disease better grain sample stronger straw higher yield CONCERT is suitable for, wholecrop, combined dry for animal feed and sold off-farm for milling oats There are many production advantages to buying a grass seed mixture. The same advantages apply to a cereal mixture. Undersowing with Organic PREMIUM is highly recommended. Premium information on page 14 36

37 CEREAL BLENDS ORGANIC MELODY CEREAL BLEND Organic MELODY is a cereal blend of wheat, barley and oats, developed as a Cereal Wholecrop. Cereal crop leaf diseases can severely affect the forage quality of Wholecrop. A three cereal blend has proven to considerably lessen the infection of leaf / root diseases in the cereal crop and was utilised by farmers, well before conventional pesticides became available, so this is not a new idea As Mr. James James of Banbury used to say, The old uns knew something then-a-days. Bearing in mind, a blended mixture was grown extensively in former times, Western Seeds developed, improved and refined the concept, producing for our 2017 customers our new updated Blend MELODY Organic MELODY is a precise mixture supplied with the same constant ratio of each cereal species, sown per acre. This precision ensures a harmonious mixture of wheat, barley, oats, without any one cereal species dominating the crop. There are many good production advantages to buying a grass seed mixture. The same advantages apply to a cereal mixture. Undersowing with Organic PREMIUM is highly recommended. Premium information on page 14 37

38 ENVIRONMENTAL MIXTURES 70% Organic Wild Bird Seed Mixture 70% Organic Triticale 10% Spring Barley 7% Kale 4% Fodder Radish 4% White Millet 3% Quinoa 2% Red Millet 8 Kilo per Pack; 16 Kilo per Acre In many farming locations, small birds have a very hard time over the Winter months due to lack of suitable food, in the form of cereal grain and protein seeds. We have become almost too efficient at harvesting our cereal crops, leaving little grain for our wild birds to survive on, over Winter. As farmers, we are considered to be the guardians of our countryside, so we need to look at ways of keeping the birds singing for future generations. Wild Bird Mixture is sown on farm to rectify the food deficit situation over Autumn / Winter which will enable them to survive until Spring, in a good healthy breeding condition. The sowing location of Wild Bird mixture is important to obtain the maximum benefit for our small seed-eating birds: areas next to a wood, rounding up the corners of fields or on field headlands are ideal. Wild Bird Mixture costs little but gives BIG 70% Organic Margin Mixture 33% Organic Creeping Red Fescue 18% Organic Meadow Fescue 17% Organic Timothy 2% Organic Red Clover 12% Tall Oatgrass 10% Sheeps Fescue 5% Sainfoin 1% Agri Yarrow 1% Meadow Buttercup 1% Ox-eye Daisy 8 Kilo per Pack; 8 Kilo per Acre Although the least productive part of a field, the margins support a wide diversity of wildlife. A good nectar-rich home for insects and spiders which provide food for birds and small mammals A favoured habitat of ground nesting birds Small mammals, voles and mice are to be found in the margins, providing food for birds of prey The above environmental contributions may seem small and inconsequential but it is one extra plus for an environment that is becoming increasingly depleted, for our wildlife, in the drive for ever greater farming efficiencies. We are happy to produce a mixture specific to your individual requirements. 38

39 ENVIRONMENTAL MIXTURES 70% Organic Pollen & Nectar Mixture 32.5% Organic Early English Winter Vetch 27.5% Organic Lucerne (inoculated) 10% Organic Red Clover 18% Sainfoin 6% Birdsfoot Trefoil 6% Alsike 10 Kilo per Pack; 5 Kilo per Acre The applications of herbicides and insecticides in modern farming methods, have largely eradicated herbaceous weeds and insects beneficial and pest. This has had a dramatic effect on the natural food chain for insects and birds, both wild and game. Pollen and Nectar in full flower is a sight to see and on a closer look, you will notice it is alive with insect life. Increasing numbers of insects will provide natural, essential food for the game bird hen and her chicks. Pollen and Nectar mixture, sown in a strategic pesticide-free area of the farm, is designed to provide the beneficial pollen and nectar needed for native insects to survive, over an extended flowering period. 70% Organic GALLANT Game Cover Mixture 25% Organic Buckwheat 20% Organic Mustard 20% Organic Sunflower 5% Organic Forage Rape 20% White Millet 10% Maize 10 Kilo per Pack; 10 Kilo per Acre GALLANT has many talents: Visually very pleasing with a high inclusion of flowering species Highly attractive to nectar-seeking insects, including honey bees Yields a generous supply of varied seeds, available over a long period Autumn/Winter for large game and small wild birds GALLANT gives an accessible dry-cover area for game birds, with good holding capacity Observation As Autumn approached the ripe sunflowers in the mixture lodged to within a foot of the soil just the right height for pheasants to feed on, while taking advantage of the crop cover. We have marketed GALLANT for many years and it has proven so popular, with all interested parties our customers and the wildlife that the GALLANT species recipe will remain unchanged for

40 Western Seeds, Clover Park Farm, Narberth, SA67 8EY UK: +44 (0) , Ireland: +353 (0) Registered Office: Clover Park Farm, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, SA67 8EY Registered in England and Wales Number: VAT No: