Quality Grass seed Mixtures - Countrywide Farmers

Why re-seed
One of the best ways for any farmer to
reduce costs is to produce more feed on farm.
For many livestock farmers the production
of grass is the predominant source of feed.
The cost of production is a major consideration for all livestock farmers
in relation to the end product whether it is a litre of milk or a Kg of live
weight gain. Grassland plays an important part in this. Some of the key
benefits include the following:-
• Cropping management is flexible. it provides grazing
or ensiled feed for most of the year
• high energy feed, which is very digestible
• bulk yields are large
• highly palatable to stock
• provides a source of protein, particularly in clover leys
• Grazed grass is the cheapest form of feed
• Good grassland production will mean improved
productivity and profits
Mixture seleCtiON
When selecting a mixture, it is important that
the mix is fit for the purpose intended and the
conditions where it is to be sown. It may be
appropriate to put together a special mixture.
• are there extreme weather conditions?
• What is the ph of the soil?
• What is the soil nutrient status?
• What are you planning to feed from the ley?
• What is the planned length of the ley?
• is it for grazing or cutting?
• any weed problems?
The main advantages of re-seeding include:-
increased ley production
improved animal performance
removal of toxic grasses and unwanted weeds
extended grazing season
introduction of newer improved varieties
• The longer that a field is left before
re-seeding means the longer you
will be MissiNG Out on productivity.
• Re-seeded grass increases milk production
and live weight gain as well as improving
digestibility and disease resistance.
Establishment of a grass ley
Many factors need to be considered to
ensure the best establishment of a new
ley. Correct timing and care will result in
a ley which will yield well, be weed free
and long lasting.
Sowing of a new ley can be from early spring
when the soil is warm and has sufficient
moisture, until September. To ensure good
establishment of clover leys they should be
sown by mid September.
A very firm seed bed is essential and clover
due to its seed size must be sown on the
surface. Rolling after sowing is recommended.
Incorrect depth of sowing can have a
detrimental effect on germination; increased
depth of sowing = reduced germination.
When a ley is establishing pest damage
must be checked for. Grass leys can suffer
from leatherjackets and slugs in spring and
autumn. Frit fly can be a problem in
summer or autumn.
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