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<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
I N T R O D U C T I O N<br />
Although HF Seeds can trace its roots back<br />
for over a century, the actual HF br<strong>and</strong> was<br />
first introduced to Scottish farmers in the<br />
1960’s. Originally launched as ‘Hi-Farming’<br />
<strong>and</strong> abbreviated over the years, HF has<br />
earned its rightful place as one of the UK’s<br />
leading seed br<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> is synonymous with<br />
the highest seed quality, the very best<br />
varieties <strong>and</strong> unrivalled performance in<br />
terms of productive <strong>and</strong> palatable grass swards.<br />
This strong position <strong>and</strong> technical approach transfers<br />
directly to HF Seeds <strong>and</strong> throughout its long history<br />
the HF br<strong>and</strong> has always been at the forefront of<br />
developments in grass seed technology. Whether it is<br />
the introduction of a new <strong>and</strong> improved variety, the<br />
development of a new mixture to meet a specific<br />
need or simply widening the availability of organic<br />
grass seed, HF’s reputation for turning innovation into<br />
sound agricultural practice is second to none.<br />
The HF total quality philosophy goes much further than just varieties<br />
<strong>and</strong> mixture trials however, <strong>and</strong> extends as far as the farm gate <strong>and</strong><br />
the end user. All HF products are backed by a country-wide<br />
network of in-house seed specialists <strong>and</strong> experienced distributors<br />
who are capable of offering technical help <strong>and</strong> advice on all aspects<br />
of mixture selection <strong>and</strong> establishment.<br />
HF mixtures transformed grass yields when first introduced in the late 1960’s <strong>and</strong> are<br />
still amongst the highest yielding grass mixtures available today.<br />
Now part of DLF Trifolium, one of the world’s largest grass seed<br />
companies, HF Seeds has access to greater technical <strong>and</strong> commercial<br />
resources than ever before. Based in Denmark, where the coastal<br />
climate is particularly well suited to producing grass seed, DLF<br />
Trifolium has over 100 years experience in plant breeding <strong>and</strong> seed<br />
production <strong>and</strong> currently has Europe’s largest research <strong>and</strong><br />
development programme to breed new <strong>and</strong> improved grass <strong>and</strong><br />
clover varieties. This commitment to producing new genetic<br />
material to meet the challenges of modern agriculture has resulted<br />
in DLF Trifolium having significantly more grass <strong>and</strong> clover varieties<br />
on UK Recommended Lists than any of its competitors.<br />
Modern trialling techniques <strong>and</strong> hi-tech machinery ensure that both yield <strong>and</strong> forage<br />
quality are maintained in HF mixtures.<br />
Contents<br />
3 Mixture Design<br />
4 Seed Quality<br />
5 Spring v Summer Reseed<br />
6-8 The Clover Story<br />
9 Advanced <strong>Grass</strong>es TM<br />
10 Triple Crown<br />
11-12 HF Varieties<br />
14-20 The Mixtures<br />
21-23 Overseeding<br />
24-25 High Clover Mixtures<br />
26-27 Organics<br />
28-30 Environmental Mixtures<br />
31-33 Root <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
34-35 Game <strong>Crops</strong><br />
13 Mixture Selector<br />
2
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
M I X T U R E D E S I G N<br />
Good grass mixture design begins with the assessment of<br />
individual variety characteristics <strong>and</strong> then uses this<br />
information to combine the mixture components in<br />
different proportions to produce the best possible<br />
mixture for the intended purpose of the final sward.<br />
The characteristics required in a sward <strong>and</strong> the emphasis placed<br />
upon them, depend entirely on the use to which the sward will be<br />
put. For example the early bite required for an early lambing flock<br />
will be a positive disadvantage for dairy turnout in late April <strong>and</strong> the<br />
open sward the organic farmer needs for clover survival will not suit<br />
intensive grazing on wet, heavy l<strong>and</strong>. Many of the different sward<br />
characteristics included in HF design are listed below<br />
■<br />
■<br />
■<br />
■<br />
■<br />
■<br />
■<br />
■<br />
■<br />
■<br />
■<br />
■<br />
Total annual <strong>and</strong> seasonal yield<br />
Maturity <strong>and</strong> heading date<br />
Sward purpose <strong>and</strong> management regime<br />
The need for early spring growth<br />
Overall sugar yield<br />
Forage quality <strong>and</strong> digestibility<br />
Animal intake factors including sward structure<br />
<strong>and</strong> palatability<br />
Clover content<br />
Disease resistance<br />
Sward density<br />
Persistency<br />
Winter hardiness<br />
Although many of the above criteria are included to meet specific<br />
farm enterprises or circumstances <strong>and</strong> are not applicable in every<br />
case, there is little doubt that with escalating input prices creating the<br />
need for even greater self-sufficiency, total yield will be of paramount<br />
importance on almost every farm. Maximising grass yields always has<br />
been <strong>and</strong> continues to be, a mainstay of HF mixture design <strong>and</strong><br />
independent assessment of the annual yields of HF varieties has<br />
shown that yield benefits of around 5% are perfectly achievable by<br />
using the best varieties. Simple arithmetic using 2012 prices can<br />
convert this yield benefit into a clear <strong>and</strong> substantial financial gain of<br />
at least £7 per acre per year for each 1% of additional yield.Thus the<br />
5% yield benefit shown by HF varieties over other lower yielding<br />
varieties, translates into a financial gain of around £35 per acre per<br />
year or £175 over the life of a five year ley.<br />
Although yield is of crucial importance the achievement of top<br />
quality <strong>and</strong> palatable forage also makes a huge difference to animal<br />
performance. Consequently HF mixture design must also take into<br />
account the many factors which ultimately affect forage quality<br />
ranging from D-value <strong>and</strong> growth habit right through to sugar<br />
content <strong>and</strong> disease resistance.<br />
The benefit of high D-value forage is clearly recognised by most<br />
farmers <strong>and</strong> independent trials have shown that on average, each<br />
additional unit of D-value produces an extra 1.5% more milk, 5%<br />
extra LWG in beef cattle <strong>and</strong> up to 10% extra LWG in sheep. In<br />
financial terms these benefits translate into each additional unit of<br />
D-value being worth £9 per acre per year in terms of the<br />
additional meat or milk produced. HF’s emphasis on quality <strong>and</strong><br />
the use of the highest D-value varieties ensures excellent digestibility<br />
of the forage in the final sward <strong>and</strong> improved animal performance as<br />
a result.<br />
Many other factors must be included in the assessment of overall<br />
forage quality <strong>and</strong> results of pioneering trial work on rumen health<br />
<strong>and</strong> performance have shown that the huge emphasis placed on<br />
sugar content in recent years <strong>and</strong> in particular on Water Soluble<br />
Carbohydrate (WSC), may not provide the full picture.<br />
Clearly, a high sugar content is important as it influences forage<br />
palatability <strong>and</strong> consequently animal intake. It also allows rapid<br />
fermentation in the silage pit thereby enhancing the quality <strong>and</strong><br />
feeding value of the conserved crop.The latest trial work, however,<br />
has shown that it is the form in which the sugar occurs in the forage<br />
that is important <strong>and</strong> that slowly digestible carbohydrates are much<br />
more valuable to rumen health <strong>and</strong> function than quickly digested<br />
Water Soluble Carbohydrates. Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF) is<br />
the slowly digestible part of carbohydrates in plants <strong>and</strong> there is<br />
clear evidence that a high NDF content in forage stimulates the<br />
rumen function, stabilises pH <strong>and</strong> has a beneficial effect on the<br />
digestion process.<br />
Armed with this new nutritional<br />
information on feed performance <strong>and</strong><br />
how it affects the rumen, coupled with<br />
detailed knowledge about the yields <strong>and</strong><br />
the other important agronomic<br />
characters of individual grass varieties, HF<br />
Seeds was able to introduce a br<strong>and</strong> new<br />
quality index system in 2011 called<br />
TRIPLE CROWN <strong>and</strong> a further year’s<br />
data has consolidated the value of this<br />
unique <strong>and</strong> advanced assessment system. The TRIPLE CROWN<br />
quality assessment technique is explained in more detail on page 10<br />
but it indicates top variety scores in all the important characters<br />
which influence animal performance.<br />
‘With extensive grass based livestock<br />
enterprises of dairy, beef <strong>and</strong> sheep, Glenapp<br />
Estate maximises production from home grown<br />
forage thus reducing the requirement for<br />
purchased feed. Consequently we ask a lot of<br />
our grass throughout the grazing season. With<br />
the assistance of HF Seeds we specifically<br />
developed a high clover mix to maximise yields<br />
<strong>and</strong> maintain grass quality whilst extending the<br />
grazing season at both ends of the year. The mixture establishes well,<br />
increases the number grazing days <strong>and</strong> consistently produces a lot of<br />
top quality grass under intensive grazing management. To date, we are<br />
delighted with the results.’<br />
Charlie Russell, Manager <strong>and</strong> 2011 Farmer’s Weekly Farmer of the Year,<br />
Glenapp Estate, Ballantrae, Ayrshire (Seed supplied by Nutriscot Ltd)<br />
3
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
S E E D Q U A L I T Y<br />
There are two certification st<strong>and</strong>ards for all species of<br />
agricultural seed within the UK.<br />
The lowest level is EU certification which is statutory throughout<br />
the whole of the European Union <strong>and</strong> which guarantees minimum<br />
quality st<strong>and</strong>ards for germination <strong>and</strong> purity below which seed<br />
cannot be sold.The second st<strong>and</strong>ard, which is unique to the UK, is<br />
HVS or Higher Voluntary St<strong>and</strong>ard:‘Higher’ because it is higher than<br />
EU <strong>and</strong> ‘Voluntary’ as it is not compulsory <strong>and</strong> is entirely at the<br />
discretion of the seed merchant. The level at which a grass seed<br />
mixture is certified can only be ascertained by the information on<br />
the official label. If the label does not show the HVS emblem it<br />
means that the seed is only certified to the EU Minimum st<strong>and</strong>ard.<br />
Unfortunately for the farmer as most of the grass seed sold in the<br />
UK is produced in Europe to the EU Minimum st<strong>and</strong>ard, the higher<br />
quality st<strong>and</strong>ards of HVS are difficult to find. Even in a normal year<br />
where the seed supply is good, an estimated 70% of grass mixtures<br />
are supplied at EU Minimum st<strong>and</strong>ard with only 30% at the Higher<br />
Quality St<strong>and</strong>ard.<br />
Be sure to look for the HVS symbol on the official label<br />
Germination is one of the main criteria on which the UK seed certification schemes are based but the minimum levels required are<br />
surprisingly low. The HF minimum germination st<strong>and</strong>ard for Perennial Ryegrass <strong>and</strong> Timothy is 10% higher than both EU <strong>and</strong> HVS <strong>and</strong><br />
as shown in the table below, the actual germination achieved across all HF mixtures in 2011 resulted in around 14% more live seed<br />
in every bag producing better establishment <strong>and</strong> denser, more productive swards.<br />
SPECIES EU HVS HF HF BENEFIT<br />
MINIMUM MINIMUM MINIMUM ACTUAL 2011 OF HF<br />
GERMINATION GERMINATION GERMINATION GERMINATION<br />
STANDARD STANDARD STANDARD<br />
Italian Ryegrass 75% 75% 90% 93.7% 18.7%<br />
Perennial Ryegrass 80% 80% 90% 94.1% 14.1%<br />
Timothy 80% 80% 90% 93.2% 13.2%<br />
14% more live seed in every bag is equivalent to a saving of almost £12 per acre at 2012 prices<br />
In addition to low germination st<strong>and</strong>ards, UK grass seed certification also allows the presence of relatively high levels of serious grass<br />
weeds including both docks <strong>and</strong> couch grass.Thus grass mixtures certified at EU <strong>and</strong> even HVS, can introduce literally thous<strong>and</strong>s of new<br />
weed seeds every time a field is reseeded. Recognising these potentially damaging levels of weed contamination, HF Seeds imposes its<br />
own freedom from weed st<strong>and</strong>ards which are unequalled elsewhere.<br />
EU HVS HF<br />
Docks 1,250 1,250 0<br />
Couch 30,000 2,500 250<br />
Blackgrass 25,000 2,500 250<br />
The above table shows the potential number of serious weed seeds which can be sown per acre at different levels of certification <strong>and</strong><br />
clearly demonstrates that HF quality st<strong>and</strong>ards offer huge advantages even over HVS, but when compared to the EU minimum st<strong>and</strong>ard,<br />
which accounts for over 70% of UK grass mixture sales, the benefit of HF quality becomes even greater.<br />
4
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
S P R I N G v S U M M E R R E S E E D<br />
Although the majority of grass in arable <strong>and</strong> mixed<br />
farming areas is still sown in the spring often under<br />
cereals, in true grassl<strong>and</strong> areas there is an increasing<br />
trend towards replacing grass in the traditional summer<br />
reseed months of August <strong>and</strong> September.<br />
The practice of summer reseeding is popular as it allows one or<br />
perhaps two cuts of silage to be taken before the field is ploughed<br />
<strong>and</strong> then effectively lost to production while the new grass is<br />
establishing. There can also be a significant benefit in terms of the<br />
weed burden <strong>and</strong> control in summer as opposed to a spring reseed.<br />
However whilst there is no doubting the potential benefits of a<br />
summer reseed, these benefits are completely cancelled out if<br />
circumstances or weather conditions prevent the reseed taking<br />
place <strong>and</strong> a poor field of grass is carried forward into the following<br />
year. Typically when a summer reseed is missed, as farmers are<br />
reluctant or perhaps unable to miss out on the following spring’s<br />
production, the new reseed is postponed until the following<br />
summer <strong>and</strong> the whole cycle is repeated. The problem with this<br />
sequence of events is that the intended reseed has been delayed for<br />
12 months, production has continued to fall in the interim <strong>and</strong> a<br />
substantial financial penalty has been incurred. Worse still, if for any<br />
reason the summer reseed is missed for a second year, the rapid<br />
downward spiral of lost yield <strong>and</strong> reduced quality continues, putting<br />
increased pressure on forage acres in the following spring <strong>and</strong><br />
making it even more difficult to get off the treadmill of delaying<br />
reseeding until the summer months.<br />
Whilst difficult summer weather can mean completely missed<br />
reseeds, it can also mean a late reseed as farmers are tempted to<br />
replace grass in late September <strong>and</strong> even into October. Late<br />
reseeds, particularly those with a high clover content, are at high risk<br />
from the early onset of winter <strong>and</strong> whilst they can be successful in<br />
prolonged mild autumns, there is a much increased risk of failure <strong>and</strong><br />
the investment in new grass <strong>and</strong> the expected improvement in<br />
production can easily be lost.<br />
The clear message is that prompt, effective reseeding is vital to<br />
maintain production but with changing weather patterns, successful<br />
summer reseeds can no longer be guaranteed. Spring reseeds on<br />
the other h<strong>and</strong> are guaranteed, as invariably there is a weather<br />
window when these can be achieved <strong>and</strong> if the loss of spring<br />
production argument can be countered, reseeding in the spring<br />
months becomes an attractive option.<br />
Spring reseeding with a full mix containing Westerwolds Ryegrass<br />
overcomes almost every argument against spring sowing <strong>and</strong> indeed<br />
is likely to produce more bulk <strong>and</strong> feed value per acre in the year of<br />
sowing compared to delaying until the autumn<br />
■<br />
■<br />
■<br />
■<br />
It ensures production in the year of sowing – a poor<br />
field cut twice <strong>and</strong> reseeded in the summer will<br />
produce an estimated 10 – 12 tonnes of fresh grass<br />
per acre whereas a spring reseed with Westerwolds<br />
will produce 20 – 25 tonnes per acre<br />
The total feed value produced per acre is<br />
dramatically increased through the increased yield<br />
but also by the replacement of old grass with new<br />
high quality material much earlier in the year<br />
Westerwolds will help compete against the greater<br />
weed burden in the spring <strong>and</strong> offers the option of<br />
weed control through cutting or grazing<br />
Spring sowing means that the full mix has longer to<br />
establish before its first winter <strong>and</strong> consequently is<br />
likely to produce a better, thicker sward for the long<br />
term<br />
Westerwolds Ryegrass is a short lived species designed to die out<br />
in the year of sowing following an initial flush of growth. It is included<br />
in a full mix at 20% by weight taking the total sowing rate to 17 –<br />
18 kgs/acre <strong>and</strong> it should always be sown before the end of June to<br />
ensure it dies in the year of sowing.The autumn management of a<br />
sward containing Westerwolds should always include hard grazing to<br />
ensure it is eradicated as survival into the second year may damage<br />
the final sward.<br />
Cutting HF 11 with Westerwolds at Roger <strong>and</strong> Sam Steel, Dubbs Farm, Eaglesfield,<br />
Cockermouth, Cumbria (Seed supplied by Carrs Billington Agriculture Ltd)<br />
‘We sowed HF11 with Westerwolds in<br />
April <strong>and</strong> in less than 12 weeks we had an<br />
unbelievable crop of grass. We cut it for silage<br />
<strong>and</strong> then grazed it hard right up to the back<br />
end. Using Westerwolds is a great way of<br />
getting production in the same year from<br />
a spring sow out’<br />
Tom Cox, Belmont, Delvin, Co Westmeath<br />
(Seed supplied by D & P Murphy)<br />
5
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong> T H E C L O V E R S T O R Y<br />
Clover, <strong>and</strong> particularly white clover, has always been an important component in UK grass mixtures <strong>and</strong> in the wake<br />
of recent fertiliser prices <strong>and</strong> a growing appreciation of the benefits that both red <strong>and</strong> white clover can bring, there is<br />
no doubt that clover <strong>and</strong> increasing clover levels in grass swards will be a priority on livestock farms in 2012.<br />
Although there are many clover species available including Alsike, Crimson <strong>and</strong> Yellow Blossom Clover, these tend to have niche uses <strong>and</strong><br />
the two species in greatest use on UK farms are White Clover (Trifolium repens) <strong>and</strong> Red Clover (Trifolium pratense).Although both species<br />
share the same name, each has very different characteristics, uses <strong>and</strong> production potential. Despite these differences however, they both<br />
offer similar benefits to the farmer by providing high quality, protein rich forage <strong>and</strong> a means of reducing or even completely eliminating the<br />
need for nitrogen fertiliser through a process unique to most legumes called nitrogen fixation.<br />
K E Y B E N E F I T S O F C L O V E R<br />
Nitrogen Fixation<br />
Both Red <strong>and</strong> White Clover form a mutually beneficial relationship<br />
with a naturally occurring soil bacterium called Rhizobium which<br />
colonises the roots of the clover plant in small growths or nodules.<br />
The Rhizobium bacteria in these nodules have the ability to take in<br />
or ‘fix’ nitrogen from the air <strong>and</strong> to convert it into a form which can<br />
then be utilised for plant growth.<br />
As a rough guide, although the amount of nitrogen fixed is directly<br />
proportional to the level of clover in the sward, a good clover <strong>and</strong><br />
grass sward has the ability to produce the equivalent of up to 160<br />
units N/acre/year (200 kgs N/ha/year).<br />
Increased Intake<br />
Clover is very palatable <strong>and</strong> animals will eat more of a grass <strong>and</strong><br />
clover sward than they will of a grass only sward.<br />
Better Livestock Performance<br />
The combination of clover’s higher feed value <strong>and</strong> increased intake<br />
ensures substantial improvements in animal performance when<br />
compared to grass only swards.<br />
Forage Quality<br />
Although the immediate attraction of clover to most farmers lies in<br />
its nitrogen fixing ability, the inclusion of clover in a sward also<br />
substantially improves forage quality <strong>and</strong> consequently animal<br />
performance.<br />
The digestibility of clover is considerably higher than grass <strong>and</strong> its D-<br />
value declines at a much slower rate than Ryegrass as the season<br />
progresses. In addition the crude protein level in clover is<br />
approximately 50% higher than grass of equivalent digestibility <strong>and</strong><br />
clovers generally have significantly higher contents of many of the<br />
major <strong>and</strong> minor minerals.<br />
6
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
W H I T E C L O V E R<br />
White Clover is less productive then Red but it is much<br />
more persistent <strong>and</strong> is therefore used in medium to long<br />
term mixtures. Its leaves <strong>and</strong> flowers originate from<br />
creeping stems called stolons which grow very close to the<br />
ground giving them protection from even hard grazing.<br />
These stolons play a vitally important part in both clover<br />
production <strong>and</strong> persistence.<br />
The ideal grass <strong>and</strong> White Clover sward is one where the clover<br />
content is sufficiently large to optimise both its nutritional <strong>and</strong> nitrogen<br />
fixing abilities but which at the same time allows a high yield from the<br />
companion grasses. Typically clover should average at around 30%<br />
ground cover throughout the year but it may vary seasonally from as<br />
little as 5% in the spring to as much as 60% in mid <strong>and</strong> late summer.<br />
Vigorous stolon growth is essential for good clover production <strong>and</strong> persistence<br />
The following table shows the typical quality characteristics of White Clover compared to Perennial Ryegrass<br />
White Clover<br />
Perennial Ryegrass<br />
Digestibility (D-value) 75 – 85 65 – 75<br />
Crude Protein (%) 25 – 28 16 – 18<br />
Dry Matter intake by sheep (kg DM / day) 1.9 1.4<br />
Calcium content (%) 1.6 0.6<br />
Phosphorous content (%) 0.18 0.16<br />
Copper (parts per million) 10.0 6.5<br />
Selenium (parts per 100 million) 0.6 0.2<br />
The three most important factors in achieving the optimum clover content in a sward are as follows:<br />
Good Establishment<br />
Whether White Clover is being sown as part of a new reseed or<br />
overseeded into an existing pasture, the key to unlocking its full benefits<br />
begins with successful establishment.The optimum soil pH is 5.8 – 6.5<br />
<strong>and</strong> clover has a relatively high dem<strong>and</strong> for phosphate <strong>and</strong> potash.<br />
Sowing rates should be around 1.0 – 1.5 kgs/acre (7% - 10% of the<br />
mixture by weight) <strong>and</strong> it should be sown shallowly into a firm, fine<br />
seedbed. Mixtures containing White Clover can be sown throughout<br />
the year but summer reseeds should be completed in time to allow<br />
stolons to develop before the onset of winter.<br />
Selection of the Correct Companion <strong>Grass</strong>es<br />
White Clover is essentially a poor competitor with grass <strong>and</strong> as the<br />
stolons are very dependent on light for their growth <strong>and</strong> development,<br />
tall open grasses are much more suitable as companion grasses than<br />
denser varieties. Thus the Tetraploid Perennials with their tall open<br />
growth habit <strong>and</strong> high yields are the ideal companion grasses to allow<br />
White Clover to thrive. In addition the high sugar content of Tetraploid<br />
grasses provides the ideal balance to the forage analysis of clover.<br />
Matching Clover Types <strong>and</strong> Varieties to Sward Use<br />
White Clovers are classified into three groups according to their leaf<br />
size, <strong>and</strong> to ensure long term clover survival, it is essential to match leaf<br />
size with the intended sward use.<br />
Small Leaved<br />
Small leaved White Clover varieties have a prostrate growth habit <strong>and</strong><br />
are slow to establish but very persistent.They are ideal for close sheep<br />
grazing <strong>and</strong> will tolerate the poorer climatic <strong>and</strong> fertility conditions<br />
typical of upl<strong>and</strong> areas.<br />
Medium Leaved<br />
Medium leaved varieties have a taller<br />
growth habit <strong>and</strong> are best suited to<br />
dual purpose management <strong>and</strong><br />
mixed or cattle grazing. They are<br />
extensively used in dual purpose <strong>and</strong><br />
long term leys. Performance in terms<br />
of yield <strong>and</strong> persistency varies widely<br />
between varieties.<br />
Large Leaved<br />
Large leaved varieties exhibit a tall erect growth habit <strong>and</strong> as a result are<br />
generally less suited to grazing <strong>and</strong> more suited to cutting. Their<br />
aggressive growth helps them to compete successfully with grass in high<br />
input situations <strong>and</strong> they are ideal for medium term cutting mixtures.<br />
There are many different White Clover varieties available within each<br />
leaf size group <strong>and</strong> their performance varies enormously in terms of<br />
yield, seasonality <strong>and</strong> persistency under different management regimes.<br />
It is important to choose a high yielding variety for the obvious benefit<br />
of increased forage production but also because the highest yielding<br />
varieties have the ability to fix the greatest amount of nitrogen. Early<br />
spring growth is also important as slow growth means lower yields <strong>and</strong><br />
less nitrogen fixation in the early part of the season. Lastly good<br />
persistency under different management regimes is essential as the<br />
contribution from clover is dramatically reduced if the clover content is<br />
not maintained at the optimum level.<br />
All the clover types used in HF mixtures are matched to sward use <strong>and</strong><br />
the individual varieties are selected on the basis of these important<br />
criteria.<br />
7
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
R E D C L O V E R<br />
Red Clover is one of the highest yielding forage species<br />
available <strong>and</strong> in recent years it has undergone a massive<br />
resurgence in popularity largely due to better varieties,<br />
improved ensiling techniques <strong>and</strong> equipment, increased<br />
dem<strong>and</strong> for greater protein self-sufficiency <strong>and</strong> reduced<br />
dependence on purchased nitrogen fertiliser.<br />
Red Clover is a short-lived perennial plant with a normal lifespan of two<br />
to four years. It has a tufted, upright growth habit from the crown of the<br />
plant which lies at ground level <strong>and</strong> it has a deep tap root. Consequently,<br />
as it does not have the creeping growth habit of White Clover, Red<br />
Clover is unable to spread <strong>and</strong> fill open areas in the sward. Its upright<br />
growth habit from the central crown restricts its use for grazing <strong>and</strong> it is<br />
essentially a crop for silage production which can be cut 3 to 4 times a<br />
year over its life expectancy of 3 full production years.<br />
Red Clover can be grown on its own or in a mixture with suitable<br />
companion grasses.The advantage of using Red Clover in a mixture with<br />
grass rather than on its own, is that the companion grasses provide<br />
protection from damage <strong>and</strong> poaching <strong>and</strong> if high sugar grasses are used,<br />
the nutritional balance <strong>and</strong> ensiling process is much improved.The ideal<br />
companion grasses for Red Clover are the modern Tetraploid Hybrid<br />
Ryegrasses which have a similar lifespan <strong>and</strong> are aggressive enough to<br />
compete in a sward containing a high percentage of Red Clover.<br />
Red Clover Silage Facts<br />
Digestibility 60 – 70%<br />
Dry Matter Yield<br />
10 – 15 t DM/ha (4 – 6 t DM/acre)<br />
Dry Matter Content 25 – 30%<br />
Energy (ME)<br />
10.0 – 11.5 MJ/kg DM<br />
Crude Protein 15 – 20%<br />
Although Red Clover is primarily a cutting species <strong>and</strong> lacks persistency<br />
under grazing, aftermaths can be grazed in the autumn by beef cattle or<br />
fattening lambs, however due to the high oestrogen content of some<br />
varieties, grazing with breeding animals should be avoided.<br />
Red Clover should be sown at 6 – 7 kgs /acre on its own or at 3.5 – 4<br />
kgs/acre when sown with Hybrid Ryegrass (25% of the mixture by<br />
weight).<br />
‘I have been using HF mixtures for as long as I<br />
can remember <strong>and</strong> have never had any reason<br />
to change. They always establish well <strong>and</strong><br />
produce a great sward with plenty bulk for<br />
cutting or grazing. With current fertiliser<br />
prices I intend to increase my clover levels <strong>and</strong><br />
I know HF will be happy to make up a mix to<br />
suit’<br />
James French, Pitgair Farm, King Edward,Turriff,<br />
Aberdeenshire (Seed supplied by UAP Ltd)<br />
Red Clover silage is high in protein <strong>and</strong> can significantly reduce the total cost<br />
of protein in animal diets<br />
8
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
A D V A N C E D G R A S S E S T M<br />
Throughout its long history HF has been renowned for innovation in grass seed technology from the introduction of<br />
Tetraploids in the early 1970’s right through to HF’s most recent advances in over-seeding <strong>and</strong> the development of the<br />
revolutionary iSeed ® .<br />
Following several years of extensive trial work in conjunction with its parent company DLF Trifolium, HF Seeds is once again leading the way<br />
with the introduction of a new range of Advanced <strong>Grass</strong>es TM which has been developed by crossing traditional Italian Ryegrasses with both<br />
Meadow Fescue <strong>and</strong> Tall Fescue. Although the idea of crossing fescues (Festuca) <strong>and</strong> ryegrass (Lolium) is not new, the crossing of improved<br />
modern varieties has produced a species (Festulolium) which combines the best characteristics of ryegrass <strong>and</strong> fescue <strong>and</strong> which has unique<br />
properties not found in any other species.<br />
Three new Advanced <strong>Grass</strong>es TM are included in the 2012 HF mixture range<br />
PERUN<br />
PERUN is a variety of Advanced Italian<br />
Ryegrass but with much better<br />
persistence, stress tolerance <strong>and</strong> disease<br />
resistance than conventional varieties of<br />
Italian. It is very high yielding with a high<br />
sugar content <strong>and</strong> excellent early spring<br />
growth making it an ideal component in<br />
short to medium term cutting mixtures. It is<br />
particularly suitable as a companion grass for<br />
red clover.<br />
ITALIAN RYEGRASS ITALIAN RYEGRASS TALL FESCUE<br />
PERSEUS<br />
The variety PERSEUS has resulted from a<br />
cross between Italian Ryegrass <strong>and</strong> Meadow<br />
Fescue <strong>and</strong> has all the desirable characters<br />
of Italian Ryegrass (very high yield, excellent<br />
early spring growth <strong>and</strong> fast regrowth after<br />
cutting) but with improved persistency <strong>and</strong><br />
stress tolerance.<br />
HYKOR<br />
Tall Fescue is extremely drought tolerant <strong>and</strong><br />
consequently is used in hot dry countries as<br />
a forage species. In the UK the Advanced Tall<br />
Fescue TM variety HYKOR with its improved<br />
tolerance of general stress <strong>and</strong> very dry<br />
conditions offers a unique solution for<br />
drought conditions <strong>and</strong> could be considered<br />
as an alternative to Cocksfoot offering<br />
significantly better yields <strong>and</strong> higher quality.<br />
A summary of performance data of the three varieties compared to their parent species is shown below<br />
Yield % Sugar % Protein ME D-Value<br />
t DM/ha Content Content MJ/kg DM<br />
HYKOR Advanced<br />
TM<br />
Tall Fescue<br />
17.63 10.4 22.5 11.4 71.4<br />
Tall Fescue 16.37 12.5 19.8 11.4 71.6<br />
PERSEUS Advanced<br />
Italian Ryegrass TM 22.68 12.2 21.6 11.3 71.1<br />
PERUN Advanced<br />
Italian Ryegrass TM 19.24 12.2 22.4 11.4 71.6<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate<br />
Perennial Ryegrass<br />
17.37 12.1 24.8 11.4 71.9<br />
Data from Didbrook Fields, DLF Trifolium’s UK trial centre<br />
The Advanced <strong>Grass</strong>es TM are very high yielding <strong>and</strong> are ideal companion grasses for clover<br />
9
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
T R I P L E C R O W N<br />
Right from the very beginning of the HF br<strong>and</strong> in the 1960’s, HF Seeds recognised the importance of using the very<br />
best varieties in terms of yield, forage quality <strong>and</strong> feed value <strong>and</strong> that a variety’s overall performance depended on a<br />
combination of many different characteristics. This total quality philosophy has kept HF Seeds at the forefront of<br />
variety evaluation techniques <strong>and</strong> has led to the introduction of many new quality assessment methods over the years.<br />
The aim of HF Seeds is to ensure that livestock farmers get the very best varieties of grass which are available at the time <strong>and</strong> that varieties<br />
are selected <strong>and</strong> mixtures are designed to achieve the following objectives<br />
■<br />
■<br />
■<br />
To maximise meat <strong>and</strong> milk production by ensuring the feed from grass forms an even more nutritious <strong>and</strong> digestible<br />
part of a ruminant’s diet<br />
To enhance the field performance of a sward in terms of disease resistance, persistency <strong>and</strong> grazing properties<br />
To increase sward yield <strong>and</strong> dry matter production per hectare<br />
The use of the very latest technology in the analysis <strong>and</strong> measurement of the individual factors influencing these essential variety<br />
characteristics allowed HF Seeds to introduce a new quality index in 2011 called TRIPLE CROWN. TRIPLE CROWN is a highly sophisticated<br />
total quality assessment system measuring the feed, field <strong>and</strong> yield parameters of individual grass varieties.<br />
The individual characteristics measured within each of the three parameters are<br />
FEED PERFORMANCE<br />
Varieties are assessed for their performance<br />
in each of the most important feeding<br />
parameters<br />
■<br />
■<br />
■<br />
■<br />
■<br />
Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF)<br />
Digestible Organic Matter<br />
Crude Protein<br />
Water Soluble Carbohydrate<br />
Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF)<br />
FIELD PERFORMANCE<br />
Varieties are assessed for their performance<br />
in each of the most important agronomic<br />
parameters<br />
■<br />
■<br />
■<br />
■<br />
Disease Resistance<br />
Winter Hardiness<br />
Sward Density<br />
Stems in Regrowth<br />
YIELD PERFORMANCE<br />
Varieties are assessed for their performance<br />
in each of the most important production<br />
parameters<br />
■<br />
■<br />
Total Dry Matter Yield<br />
Seasonal Dry Matter Yield<br />
One of the key feed performance indicators used in TRIPLE CROWN is Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF). NDF is the slowly digestible part<br />
of carbohydrates (sugars) in plants <strong>and</strong> recent pioneering research work in rumen health <strong>and</strong> performance has shown that the overall NDF<br />
content <strong>and</strong> its digestibility is of much more importance than quickly digested sugars or Water Soluble Carbohydrate.<br />
High NDF Content<br />
• Is important for rumen health <strong>and</strong> performance<br />
• Improves digestion <strong>and</strong> utilisation of nutrients<br />
• Stimulates rumen function, stabilises pH <strong>and</strong> has a positive effect<br />
on the digestion process<br />
High NDF Digestibility<br />
• Increases the amount of forage metabolised by the rumen<br />
micro-organisms<br />
• Adds around 1 /4 litre of milk per cow per day for each 1%<br />
increase in digestibility<br />
Once a variety’s performance in each of the feed, field <strong>and</strong> yield<br />
criteria has been assessed only those varieties with exceptional<br />
performance are awarded TRIPLE CROWN status. By using the<br />
TRIPLE CROWN system HF Seeds has been able to go beyond the<br />
quality assessments used to produce UK Recommended Lists <strong>and</strong><br />
has been able to identify the ‘best of the best’ <strong>and</strong> to include the<br />
following exceptional varieties in the 2012 HF mixture range.<br />
CANCAN<br />
PASTOUR<br />
ROMARK<br />
MAURICE<br />
POLIM<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
Tetraploid Late<br />
Perennial Ryegrass<br />
Tetraploid Late<br />
Perennial Ryegrass<br />
10
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
H F V A R I E T I E S<br />
All the varieties used in HF mixtures have been<br />
selected on the basis of their performance in trials<br />
throughout the UK. In particular HF Seeds is a<br />
major participant in the schemes to finance the<br />
production of the various UK Recommended Lists<br />
of <strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> Clover varieties. This participation<br />
ensures that HF mixtures benefit from detailed<br />
up-to-date information on the latest varieties.<br />
PERENNIAL RYEGRASS<br />
Perennial Ryegrass is the most widely sown<br />
species in the UK. It forms the basis of most<br />
mixtures because of its combination of useful<br />
characteristics. Perennial Ryegrasses are<br />
grouped together according to their maturity<br />
or heading date.<br />
Early Maturing Varieties<br />
Early Perennial Ryegrass will start to grow up<br />
to two weeks earlier in the spring than later<br />
varieties. They are particularly useful for early<br />
growth for sheep grazing or in specialist silage<br />
mixtures being cut in early to mid May.<br />
GENESIS New for 2012<br />
A br<strong>and</strong> new variety in its first year of commercial<br />
availability, Genesis is exceptionally high yielding<br />
under both cutting <strong>and</strong> grazing with very good early<br />
spring growth. Genesis also has very good late<br />
season growth for autumn grazing.<br />
Intermediate Maturing Varieties<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass varieties will<br />
head on average 7 to 10 days later than Early<br />
Perennials. They are high yielding <strong>and</strong> with<br />
their later heading offer greater flexibility of<br />
use making them well suited to a wide range<br />
of grassl<strong>and</strong> enterprises.<br />
BREE<br />
Used extensively in HF mixtures, Bree is high yielding<br />
<strong>and</strong> particularly suited to grazing management. It has<br />
excellent mid <strong>and</strong> late season growth <strong>and</strong><br />
exceptionally good mid-season D-value.<br />
SOLOMON<br />
An outst<strong>and</strong>ing new variety first introduced by HF<br />
Seeds in 2011, Solomon is recommended through<br />
the UK <strong>and</strong> is very high yielding under both cutting<br />
<strong>and</strong> grazing. Solomon also has exceptionally good<br />
spring <strong>and</strong> autumn growth, excellent sward<br />
density <strong>and</strong> very good forage quality. An excellent<br />
variety in all respects <strong>and</strong> a very valuable new<br />
addition to the HF range.<br />
PREMIUM<br />
(only available as organic)<br />
Premiun is a high yielding variety under both<br />
cutting <strong>and</strong> grazing with very good mid-season<br />
forage quality. Very good ground cover <strong>and</strong><br />
excellent disease resistance.<br />
CALIBRA (T)<br />
(also available as organic)<br />
Calibra is a high sugar variety <strong>and</strong> performs equally<br />
well under both cutting <strong>and</strong> grazing producing<br />
some of the highest yields in its class. Calibra also<br />
has excellent spring growth, very good forage<br />
quality <strong>and</strong> good general disease resistance. An<br />
excellent variety in all the important characters.<br />
MAGICIAN (T)<br />
(also available as organic)<br />
Magician produces very high yields under both<br />
cutting <strong>and</strong> grazing.With exceptionally good early<br />
spring growth Magician produces very high grazing<br />
yields right though from spring to late summer<br />
<strong>and</strong> is high yielding for both first <strong>and</strong> second cut<br />
silage. An excellent dual purpose variety which<br />
makes a valuable contribution to HF mixture<br />
performance.<br />
GODALI 1 (T)<br />
A new variety particularly suited to grazing, Godali<br />
1 has high grazing yields with very good spring <strong>and</strong><br />
autumn growth, good disease resistance <strong>and</strong><br />
excellent winter hardiness.<br />
Late Maturing Varieties<br />
On average Late Perennial Ryegrass varieties<br />
head 10 - 14 days later than Intermediate<br />
Perennials. They are characterised by their<br />
more prostrate growth habit <strong>and</strong> provide very<br />
good density in the sward. They are high<br />
yielding with good persistence <strong>and</strong> will last for<br />
many years.<br />
FOXTROT<br />
(also available as organic)<br />
An excellent variety with very high yields of high<br />
sugar forage under both cutting <strong>and</strong> particularly<br />
under grazing. Foxtrot also has very good seasonal<br />
growth distribution producing high mid-season<br />
yields with very good D-value.<br />
PASTOUR<br />
(also available as organic)<br />
Recommended for use throughout the UK,<br />
Pastour has very high yields under both<br />
managements. It has good spring growth <strong>and</strong> is<br />
particularly high yielding in mid <strong>and</strong> late summer.<br />
Very good resistance to Crown Rust.<br />
ROMARK<br />
(also available as organic)<br />
Romark is particularly suited to grazing where it<br />
produces very high yields.Very good ground cover<br />
<strong>and</strong> excellent mid-season forage quality <strong>and</strong><br />
digestibility. Romark is also very resistant to Crown<br />
Rust.<br />
TYRCONNELL<br />
Tyrconnell is recommended throughout the UK<br />
<strong>and</strong> is a superb grazing variety with good forage<br />
quality, excellent sward density <strong>and</strong> very high mid<br />
<strong>and</strong> late season yields<br />
CANCAN<br />
Cancan is a late heading diploid perennial ryegrass<br />
with good conservation yields <strong>and</strong> very high yields<br />
under grazing. It has excellent sward density <strong>and</strong><br />
very good forage quality making it a very useful<br />
variety in all types of mixture but particularly<br />
those with a bias towards grazing.<br />
KINTYRE (T) New for 2012<br />
A br<strong>and</strong> new variety in its first year of commercial<br />
availability, Kintyre shows outst<strong>and</strong>ing performance<br />
under both cutting <strong>and</strong> grazing with consistently<br />
high yields throughout the growing season <strong>and</strong><br />
very good forage quality at both first <strong>and</strong> second<br />
cut.<br />
TIVOLI (T)<br />
(also available as organic)<br />
Tivoli is high yielding under both cutting <strong>and</strong><br />
grazing. It produces good yields of high D-value<br />
forage over 2 cuts <strong>and</strong> maintains grazing quality<br />
throughout the year.<br />
GLENCAR (T)<br />
Glencar is recommended for use throughout the<br />
UK <strong>and</strong> is the highest yielding Late Perennial<br />
Ryegrass under conservation on all three<br />
Recommended Lists. It has exceptionally good<br />
early spring growth producing massive first cut<br />
yields at 67D.<br />
POLIM (T)<br />
(also available as organic)<br />
A relatively new variety, Polim is very high yielding<br />
under grazing with very good early spring growth.<br />
It also shows high yields under conservation with<br />
a very high yield at first cut at 67D. Exceptionally<br />
good resistance to Crown Rust.<br />
MAURICE (T)<br />
(also available as organic)<br />
A very late heading Tetraploid Perennial with good<br />
ground cover especially suited to long term<br />
mixtures. Good yields under both cutting <strong>and</strong><br />
grazing which improve over the first three years.<br />
ITALIAN RYEGRASS<br />
Italian Ryegrass is relatively short lived <strong>and</strong> is<br />
therefore only used in one to three year leys.<br />
It has a long growing season <strong>and</strong> produces<br />
heavy crops of hay or silage. Italian has very<br />
good early spring growth <strong>and</strong> combined with<br />
its relatively late heading date, it will<br />
produce a leafy silage cut after early<br />
grazing.<br />
ALAMO<br />
Alamo is one of the highest yielding Italians on UK<br />
Recommended Lists <strong>and</strong> has good forage quality<br />
relative to other Italian Ryegrass varieties.<br />
GEMINI (T) New for 2012<br />
An excellent tetraploid variety with very high<br />
yields, good seasonal growth distribution <strong>and</strong> high<br />
D-values at both main silage cuts. Good mildew<br />
resistance.<br />
11
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
H F V A R I E T I E S<br />
HYBRID RYEGRASS<br />
Hybrid Ryegrasses are bred from a cross<br />
between Italian <strong>and</strong> Perennial Ryegrass<br />
parents. The objective is to combine the<br />
production of Italian Ryegrass with the<br />
persistency <strong>and</strong> forage quality of Perennial<br />
Ryegrass <strong>and</strong> recent breeding advances have<br />
produced new varieties with these<br />
characteristics making them an ideal<br />
constituent in leys of up to five years duration.<br />
TETRAGRAZE (T) New for 2012<br />
A new high yielding tetraploid variety, Tetragraze<br />
has good seasonal growth <strong>and</strong> excellent disease<br />
resistance with the highest resistance ratings on<br />
the Engl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Wales Recommended List for the<br />
three main diseases affecting grass.<br />
SOLID (T)<br />
(also available as organic)<br />
Solid is a true Perennial type Hybrid producing<br />
high yields with exceptionally good mid-season<br />
digestibility <strong>and</strong> forage quality. Its Perennial<br />
characteristics ensure outst<strong>and</strong>ing persistence <strong>and</strong><br />
sward density. Solid also has excellent general<br />
disease resistance with excellent resistance to<br />
Crown Rust.<br />
STORM (T)<br />
Storm produces very high yields under<br />
conservation <strong>and</strong> high yields under grazing. It has<br />
very good early spring growth <strong>and</strong> good all round<br />
disease resistance. Storm is specially recommended<br />
for situations where yield is the top priority.<br />
FESTULOLIUM<br />
The Festuloliums or Advanced <strong>Grass</strong>es result from<br />
a cross between Fescues <strong>and</strong> Italian Ryegrass <strong>and</strong><br />
offer all the benefits of Ryegrass combined with<br />
the stress tolerance of Fescues.<br />
HYKOR<br />
An Advanced Tall Fescue TM , Hykor is extremely<br />
drought tolerant <strong>and</strong> although its potential for use<br />
in the UK is limited it offers a unique solution for<br />
drought conditions <strong>and</strong> could be considered as an<br />
alternative to Cocksfoot offering significantly<br />
better yields <strong>and</strong> higher quality.<br />
PERSEUS New for 2012<br />
An Advanced Italian Ryegrass resulting from a<br />
cross between Italian Ryegrass <strong>and</strong> Meadow<br />
Fescue, Perseus has all the desirable characters of<br />
Italian Ryegrass namely very high yield, excellent<br />
early spring growth <strong>and</strong> fast regrowth after cutting<br />
but with improved persistency <strong>and</strong> stress<br />
tolerance.<br />
PERUN New for 2012<br />
Perun is a variety of Advanced Italian Ryegrass<br />
but with much better persistence <strong>and</strong> combines<br />
high yields with good quality <strong>and</strong> high sugar levels.<br />
It has exceptional early spring growth <strong>and</strong> good<br />
disease resistance <strong>and</strong> with its unique set of<br />
characteristics it is an ideal companion grass for<br />
Red Clover.<br />
TIMOTHY<br />
Timothy is an under-rated species as it brings<br />
many desirable features to a grass mixture. It<br />
has excellent early spring growth <strong>and</strong> is late<br />
heading producing a large bulk of forage at<br />
first cut. It is very palatable, extremely winter<br />
hardy <strong>and</strong> thrives under cool wet conditions.<br />
Timothy is generally better suited to cutting,<br />
however its early spring growth can be very<br />
useful for early bite.<br />
DOLINA<br />
(also available as organic)<br />
Recommended by all three testing authorities,<br />
Dolina is one of the highest yielding Timothies on<br />
UK Recommended Lists. It performs particularly<br />
well under grazing <strong>and</strong> has excellent early spring<br />
growth <strong>and</strong> very good yield distribution<br />
throughout the growing season.<br />
PROMESSE<br />
An excellent Timothy variety with high yields,<br />
good sward density <strong>and</strong> very good summer <strong>and</strong><br />
autumn growth.<br />
COCKSFOOT<br />
Cocksfoot is very persistent <strong>and</strong> deep-rooting<br />
<strong>and</strong> is therefore suited to light gravelly soils<br />
where mid-summer drought may reduce<br />
yields. It is extremely winter hardy with good<br />
early spring growth <strong>and</strong> it also yields well in<br />
late summer <strong>and</strong> autumn. Cocksfoot needs to<br />
be managed tightly in mid-season as it can<br />
become stemmy <strong>and</strong> unpalatable.<br />
SPARTA<br />
A later heading Cocksfoot, Sparta has good<br />
ground cover <strong>and</strong> produces high yields under<br />
grazing. It has good early spring growth <strong>and</strong> has<br />
the highest mid-season digestibility of all the<br />
Cocksfoot varieties.<br />
WHITE CLOVER<br />
White Clover varieties are classified by leaf size.<br />
The smaller leaved varieties have a prostrate<br />
creeping growth habit <strong>and</strong> persist well under<br />
grazing whereas the larger leaved varieties are<br />
more erect <strong>and</strong> better suited to cutting.<br />
ALICE<br />
A large leaved high yielding variety well suited to<br />
cutting with consistent seasonality of growth. Also<br />
achieves a high clover content <strong>and</strong> persists well<br />
under grazing despite its large leaf size.<br />
RIESLING<br />
A high yielding large leaved variety with good<br />
persistence <strong>and</strong> good ground cover for a large<br />
leaved variety.<br />
CHIEFTAIN<br />
On the borderline between large <strong>and</strong> medium<br />
leaf size, Chieftain is recommended throughout<br />
the UK <strong>and</strong> produces very high yields with<br />
excellent late season growth with good ground<br />
clover for its leaf size.<br />
AVOCA<br />
Avoca is an outst<strong>and</strong>ing medium leaved variety<br />
recommended by all three testing authorities. It is<br />
extremely high yielding with excellent seasonal<br />
yield distribution <strong>and</strong> particularly good early<br />
spring growth compared to many other clover<br />
varieties. It is also very persistent under both<br />
cutting <strong>and</strong> grazing.<br />
RONNY<br />
Ronny is a new small leaved clover variety<br />
producing high yields of clover with good early<br />
spring <strong>and</strong> excellent mid-season growth. Very<br />
persistent under hard grazing.<br />
RIVENDEL<br />
A small leaved variety with good yields <strong>and</strong><br />
excellent persistence under hard grazing.<br />
RED CLOVER<br />
Red Clover is an aggressive <strong>and</strong> very high<br />
yielding but relatively short-lived species with<br />
a maximum life expectancy of around 3<br />
years. It is primarily used in short term<br />
conservation mixtures. Resistance to the<br />
Sclerotinia <strong>and</strong> Stem Eelworm both of which<br />
are very damaging to the persistency<br />
of Red Clover <strong>and</strong> are important factors to<br />
consider in the evaluation of varieties.<br />
RAJAH<br />
(only available as organic)<br />
An intermediate to late flowering variety, Rajah is<br />
a Diploid variety with high yields with good<br />
persistency <strong>and</strong> general disease resistance. Rajah<br />
also shows good resistance to both Sclerotinia<br />
<strong>and</strong> Stem Eelworm.<br />
AMOS<br />
A very high yielding Tetraploid variety with<br />
intermediate earliness. Amos has good general<br />
disease resistance relative to other varieties but<br />
has much better persistency <strong>and</strong> maintains high<br />
yields over a longer period.<br />
CORVUS<br />
High annual yields with good ground cover <strong>and</strong><br />
persistency over three harvest years.<br />
12
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Grass</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
M I X T U R E S E L E C T O R<br />
HF mixtures are designed <strong>and</strong> formulated to meet specific sward uses. Significant differences between mixtures are<br />
not always obvious but even small differences can change the way in which the final sward behaves. Selection of the<br />
wrong mixture will inevitably mean that the sward will not perform up to expectations simply because it is the wrong<br />
mix for the job.<br />
The HF mixture selector is designed to help answer many of the common questions in mixture selection, however it is not possible to cater<br />
for every situation <strong>and</strong> if in doubt contact HF Seeds for further advice.<br />
Type of Reseed<br />
Organic<br />
Conventional<br />
Conventional<br />
High Clover<br />
Overseeding<br />
New Reseed<br />
<strong>Grass</strong><br />
Rejuvenation<br />
New Reseed<br />
HF Organics<br />
Pages 26-27<br />
HF Organic<br />
Rejuvenator<br />
Page 27<br />
How long will<br />
the mix be down?<br />
HF<br />
High Clover<br />
Page 24-25<br />
HF<br />
<strong>Grass</strong>Max<br />
Page 21-23<br />
One to<br />
Two Years<br />
Two to<br />
Four Years<br />
Four to<br />
Eight Years<br />
As long<br />
as possible<br />
HF Bonus<br />
Page 14<br />
HF Surecrop<br />
Page 14<br />
How will it<br />
be used?<br />
Height above<br />
Sea Level?<br />
Mainly Cutting<br />
Cattle Grazing<br />
Cutting &<br />
Grazing<br />
Hay<br />
Up to<br />
1,000 feet<br />
Over<br />
1,000 feet<br />
HF<br />
Super Graze<br />
Page 17<br />
HF<br />
Scotshay<br />
Page 19<br />
HF PD<br />
Page 17<br />
HF<br />
High Hill<br />
Page 18<br />
First Cut<br />
in May<br />
First Cut<br />
in June<br />
Early Bite<br />
for Sheep<br />
Required<br />
No<br />
Early Bite<br />
Required<br />
HF<br />
Super Silage<br />
Page 16<br />
HF<br />
Cutsward<br />
Page 16<br />
HF<br />
Prospect<br />
Page 15<br />
HF 11<br />
Page 15<br />
For specialist mixtures such as<br />
Reliant, Horse Paddock <strong>and</strong> Dry L<strong>and</strong> see pages 18 - 20<br />
13
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
T H E M I X T U R E S<br />
ONE TO TWO YEAR MIXTURE<br />
HF<br />
B●NUS<br />
A mixture designed for intensive use <strong>and</strong> maximum yield over two<br />
full production years. Suitable for intensive cutting <strong>and</strong>/or grazing<br />
<strong>and</strong> the st<strong>and</strong>ard mix can be undersown or direct seeded. A Red<br />
Clover inclusion option is available if required but this mix is not<br />
suitable for undersowing.<br />
ALAMO<br />
Italian Ryegrass<br />
GEMINI<br />
Tetraploid Italian Ryegrass<br />
PERUN<br />
Advanced Italian Ryegrass TM<br />
SOLID<br />
Tetraploid Hybrid Ryegrass<br />
TETRAGRAZE<br />
Tetraploid Hybrid Ryegrass<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
13 - 14 KG/ACRE (32 - 35 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Optimum cutting date – first week in June<br />
❚ Massive yield potential from the combination of very<br />
high yielding Italian <strong>and</strong> Hybrid Ryegrasses<br />
❚ Includes the new Advanced Italian Ryegrass variety<br />
Perun combining exceptionally high yields with good<br />
forage quality <strong>and</strong> excellent stress tolerance<br />
❚ Specially formulated with the correct proportions of the<br />
highest yielding varieties for maximum yield <strong>and</strong><br />
persistency over two full production years<br />
❚ Only contains grasses capable of establishment <strong>and</strong><br />
survival in a very competitive <strong>and</strong> productive sward<br />
❚ High Tetraploid content ensures grazing palatability <strong>and</strong><br />
high sugar levels for rapid silage fermentation<br />
❚ Exceptionally good early spring growth from all<br />
components<br />
❚ Suitable for early bite followed by first cut silage as the<br />
relatively late heading dates <strong>and</strong> good D-values allow<br />
delayed cutting to produce high silage yields at 67D<br />
❚ Varieties specially selected for forage quality,<br />
palatability <strong>and</strong> mid-season digestibility<br />
❚ Option to add Red Clover where the mix is intended<br />
primarily for cutting<br />
OVERSEED WITH<br />
THREE YEAR MIXTURE<br />
HF<br />
A high performance three year mixture including Hybrid <strong>and</strong><br />
Perennial Ryegrasses <strong>and</strong> White Clover. HF Surecrop is suitable for<br />
intensive cutting <strong>and</strong>/or grazing <strong>and</strong> can be either undersown or<br />
direct seeded. A Red Clover inclusion option which is unsuitable for<br />
undersowing is available if required. For optimum performance HF<br />
Surecrop is best grazed in its first year.<br />
TETRAGRAZE<br />
Tetraploid Hybrid Ryegrass<br />
SOLID<br />
Tetraploid Hybrid Ryegrass<br />
BAHIAL<br />
Tetraploid Hybrid Ryegrass<br />
PERUN<br />
Advanced Italian Ryegrass TM<br />
MAGICIAN<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
HF INTENSIVE CLOVER BLEND<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
13 - 14 KG/ACRE (32 - 35 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Optimum cutting date – first week in June<br />
❚ Suitable for both cutting or grazing <strong>and</strong> specially<br />
formulated for exceptionally high yields over three full<br />
production years<br />
❚ Includes the new Advanced Italian Ryegrass variety,<br />
Perun, combining high yields with good forage quality<br />
<strong>and</strong> excellent stress tolerance<br />
❚ Hybrid content combines the production potential of<br />
Italian Ryegrass with the persistency <strong>and</strong> forage quality<br />
of Perennial<br />
❚ Very good early spring growth for high yields at first cut<br />
❚ Only contains grasses capable of establishment <strong>and</strong><br />
survival in a very competitive <strong>and</strong> productive sward<br />
❚ High Tetraploid content ensures grazing palatability <strong>and</strong><br />
high sugar levels for rapid silage fermentation<br />
❚ Unique blend of highly productive White Clover varieties<br />
designed to maximise production, herbage quality <strong>and</strong><br />
livestock performance <strong>and</strong> to ensure clover persistence<br />
under intensive management<br />
❚ Option to add or to change to Red Clover where the mix<br />
is intended primarily for cutting<br />
OVERSEED WITH<br />
‘Our contracting<br />
business makes a lot<br />
of silage across 1500<br />
acres <strong>and</strong> we know<br />
how important big<br />
cuts of quality silage<br />
are to our customers<br />
<strong>and</strong> ourselves. We<br />
started using HF<br />
mixtures again 3 years ago after being<br />
disappointed with other mixtures <strong>and</strong> are<br />
delighted at the superb yields <strong>and</strong> quality we<br />
are getting. This year’s grass was established<br />
under a crop of spring barley <strong>and</strong> we have<br />
been able to make a cut of lovely silage 3<br />
weeks after the barley was combined’<br />
Mike Allardyce <strong>and</strong> his son Mike, Catterloch,<br />
Banchory, Aberdeenshire (Seed supplied by<br />
Scotgrain Agriculture Ltd)<br />
Jim Thompson at 14 Kilmahamogue Road, Ballycastle,<br />
Co Antrim cutting an HF mixture containing Westerwolds<br />
‘I have used HF 11<br />
for a long time as it is<br />
hardy, lasts a long<br />
time <strong>and</strong> cuts <strong>and</strong><br />
grazes really well but<br />
I have been having<br />
problems with grass<br />
choking out the<br />
barley in undersows.<br />
This year I decided to try a direct reseed<br />
with Westerwolds <strong>and</strong> it was very successful.<br />
Sown in mid-April <strong>and</strong> cut in mid-July it<br />
produced over 13 bales per acre <strong>and</strong> left a<br />
great field of grass underneath. I will<br />
certainly do it again’<br />
George Paterson, Upper Obney Farm, Bankfoot,<br />
Perthshire (Seed supplied by Frontier Agriculture Ltd)<br />
14
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
T H E M I X T U R E S<br />
‘I can’t see past HF<br />
11, it consistently<br />
produces the bulk <strong>and</strong><br />
quality that we are<br />
looking for. This year<br />
all the direct reseeds<br />
included Westerwolds<br />
<strong>and</strong> the bulk they<br />
produced in a such a<br />
short period of time was outst<strong>and</strong>ing’<br />
Ian Wilson, Fordie Farm,Torphins, Aberdeenshire<br />
(Seed supplied by UAP Ltd)<br />
(Seed supplied by Wm A Palmer)<br />
‘My family have been<br />
HF Seeds users for<br />
many years. I thought<br />
I would try another<br />
mixture, but it was<br />
inferior to the usual<br />
high st<strong>and</strong>ards that<br />
I’m used to achieving<br />
with HF. I’m now back<br />
using HF mixtures again as they consistently<br />
give me very high yields of quality grass <strong>and</strong><br />
silage to feed to my pedigree Simmental<br />
cattle.’<br />
Robert Macgregor, Kirkton of Mailer, Bridge<br />
of Earn, Perthshire (Seed supplied by Carrs<br />
Billington Agriculture Ltd)<br />
DUAL PURPOSE MIXTURES<br />
HF<br />
Scotl<strong>and</strong>’s best selling dual purpose mixture,<br />
tried <strong>and</strong> tested across the country <strong>and</strong><br />
renowned for its yield <strong>and</strong> performance<br />
under different management regimes. HF 11<br />
is a flexible, rotational mixture suitable for<br />
both cutting <strong>and</strong> grazing <strong>and</strong> will last from<br />
five to eight years.<br />
BREE<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
SOLOMON<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
CALIBRA<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
GODALI 1<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
ROMARK<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
TYRCONNELL<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
PASTOUR<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
KINTYRE<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
DOLINA<br />
Timothy<br />
PROMESSE<br />
Timothy<br />
HF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLEND<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Optimum cutting date - end of first week in June<br />
❚ Specially formulated for a high NDF content <strong>and</strong> top quality forage<br />
with high proportions of the TRIPLE CROWN varieties Romark <strong>and</strong><br />
Pastour<br />
❚ Contains the outst<strong>and</strong>ing new variety, Kintyre, in its first year of<br />
commercial availability, which produces very high yields of high D-<br />
value forage under both cutting <strong>and</strong> grazing<br />
❚ Includes Solomon for its exceptional first cut yields <strong>and</strong> late season<br />
growth <strong>and</strong> Tyrconnell for its very high grazing yields <strong>and</strong> superb<br />
sward density<br />
❚ Very good spring growth but with later heading ensuring high<br />
yields of quality forage at first cut<br />
❚ Exceptional sward density from Solomon, Tyrconnell <strong>and</strong> Romark,<br />
three of the densest varieties on UK recommended lists<br />
❚ High clover content to ensure a good clover level in the final sward<br />
❚ Contains HF’s unique Dual Purpose Clover Blend which is based on<br />
the most productive varieties <strong>and</strong> designed to achieve the<br />
maximum clover content <strong>and</strong> persistency under both cutting <strong>and</strong><br />
grazing<br />
OVERSEED WITH<br />
HF<br />
A dual purpose rotational mixture, similar to<br />
HF 11 in many ways, but containing Early<br />
Perennial Ryegrass to give early spring<br />
growth for early bite for ewes <strong>and</strong> lambs. In<br />
a cutting situation HF Prospect is earlier<br />
heading than HF 11 but with its better early<br />
season growth it is the ideal mix on beef <strong>and</strong><br />
sheep farms where early bite is required<br />
before first cut silage.<br />
GENESIS<br />
Early Perennial Ryegrass<br />
BREE<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
SOLOMON<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
GODALI 1<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
ROMARK<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
TYRCONNELL<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
PASTOUR<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
KINTYRE<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
DOLINA<br />
Timothy<br />
PROMESSE<br />
Timothy<br />
HF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLEND<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Optimum cutting date - last week in May<br />
❚ Specially formulated for a high NDF content <strong>and</strong> top quality<br />
forage with high proportions of the TRIPLE CROWN varieties<br />
Romark <strong>and</strong> Pastour<br />
❚ Contains the outst<strong>and</strong>ing new variety, Kintyre, in its first year<br />
of commercial availability, which produces very high yields of<br />
high D-value forage under both cutting <strong>and</strong> grazing<br />
❚ Includes Solomon for its exceptional first cut yields <strong>and</strong> late<br />
season growth <strong>and</strong> Tyrconnell for its very high grazing yields<br />
<strong>and</strong> superb sward density<br />
❚ Specially formulated for exceptional early spring growth for<br />
early bite for ewes <strong>and</strong> lambs<br />
❚ Exceptional sward density from Solomon, Tyrconnell <strong>and</strong><br />
Romark, three of the densest varieties available today<br />
❚ Contains a high level of HF’s unique Dual Purpose Clover<br />
Blend designed to achieve maximum clover content <strong>and</strong><br />
production in award which is likely to be grazed in the early<br />
spring a late summer in addition to being cut for silage<br />
OVERSEED WITH<br />
15
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
T H E M I X T U R E S<br />
INTENSIVE CUTTING MIXTURES<br />
HF<br />
HF<br />
A specialist high yielding silage mixture of medium term duration<br />
with delayed heading for late areas or where first cut is taken in<br />
early June.<br />
SOLOMON<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
CALIBRA<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
MAGICIAN<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
FOXTROT<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
PASTOUR<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
KINTYRE<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
GLENCAR<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
DOLINA<br />
Timothy<br />
HF CUTTING CLOVER BLEND<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Optimum cutting date - end of first week in June<br />
❚ Specially formulated for high sugar forage<br />
❚ Contains the TRIPLE CROWN variety Pastour included<br />
for its forage quality <strong>and</strong> high conservation yield<br />
❚ Includes the outst<strong>and</strong>ing new variety, Kintyre, in its first<br />
year of commercial availability, which has the highest<br />
conservation yield on the 2012 SAC Recommended List<br />
<strong>and</strong> excellent forage quality<br />
❚ Contains later heading varieties like Glencar, Foxtrot<br />
<strong>and</strong> Pastour which have the highest conservation yields<br />
on the SAC Recommended List <strong>and</strong> which have<br />
been specially selected to maximise silage yields at<br />
later cutting dates<br />
❚ Superb forage quality <strong>and</strong> D-value<br />
❚ Good spring growth with later heading ensures high<br />
yields of quality forage at first cut<br />
❚ Not just a first cut mixture with varieties chosen for<br />
rapid regrowth <strong>and</strong> high second cut yields<br />
❚ The relatively high Timothy content makes the mixture<br />
an ideal choice for conservation on colder sites <strong>and</strong> in<br />
later areas<br />
❚ Excellent winter hardiness<br />
❚ Clover content based entirely on HF’s unique Cutting<br />
Clover blend to ensure good clover production <strong>and</strong><br />
survival under intensive silage management<br />
OVERSEED WITH<br />
A medium term silage mixture specifically designed for three cut<br />
systems. The mixture recipe <strong>and</strong> variety split ensures the very good<br />
early spring growth which is necessary to produce high yields at<br />
early first cut dates.<br />
SOLID<br />
Tetraploid Hybrid Ryegrass<br />
SOLOMON<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
MAGICIAN<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
FOXTROT<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
PASTOUR<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
KINTYRE<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
GLENCAR<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
HF CUTTING CLOVER BLEND<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
13 - 14 KG/ACRE (32 - 35 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Optimum cutting date - last week in May<br />
❚ Formulated with varieties specially chosen to provide<br />
maximum bulk of quality silage at earlier cutting dates<br />
❚ Contains the TRIPLE CROWN variety Pastour included<br />
for its forage quality <strong>and</strong> high conservation yield<br />
❚ Includes the outst<strong>and</strong>ing new variety, Kintyre, in its first<br />
year of commercial availability, which has the highest<br />
conservation yield on the 2012 SAC Recommended List <strong>and</strong><br />
excellent forage quality<br />
❚ Specially formulated for high sugar forage<br />
❚ High sugar yield per acre ensures maximum feeding<br />
value, excellent palatability <strong>and</strong> rapid silage<br />
fermentation<br />
❚ Based on many of the highest yielding Perennial<br />
Ryegrasses under conservation on the 2012 SAC<br />
Recommended List<br />
❚ Based on varieties which have shown good persistence<br />
under intensive cutting<br />
❚ Good mid-season growth <strong>and</strong> digestibility for second<br />
<strong>and</strong> subsequent cuts<br />
❚ Varieties selected for their forage quality <strong>and</strong> D-value<br />
at first cut<br />
❚ Clover content based entirely on HF’s unique Cutting<br />
Clover blend to ensure good clover production <strong>and</strong><br />
survival under intensive silage management<br />
OVERSEED WITH<br />
‘I'm a big fan of HF<br />
Super Silage. In<br />
dairying it is important<br />
to have plenty of good<br />
quality high D- value<br />
silage. Super Silage is a<br />
tremendous yielder <strong>and</strong><br />
with its high sugar<br />
levels <strong>and</strong> excellent<br />
forage quality it consistently produces the<br />
type of silage we are looking for’<br />
Mark McIntyre, 197 Carnalbanagh Road,<br />
Broughshane, Co. Antrim (Seed supplied by Logan<br />
McMaster Engineering)<br />
16
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
T H E M I X T U R E S<br />
‘We are on a wet site<br />
on the isl<strong>and</strong> of Arran<br />
<strong>and</strong> with our very high<br />
rainfall we need grass<br />
mixtures that can<br />
withst<strong>and</strong> a lot of<br />
poaching. I have tried<br />
other grass seed<br />
mixtures but I always<br />
end up coming back to HF <strong>and</strong> usually HF PD.<br />
It always produces a very dense, persistent<br />
sward <strong>and</strong> a good bulky cut of silage. Lambs do<br />
really well on the aftermaths into the back-end<br />
<strong>and</strong> the ewes have a tough hardy sward to see<br />
them through the winter’<br />
John McDonald,Auchenhew Farm, Isle of Arran<br />
(Seed supplied by Ralph Bova Farm Supplies)<br />
‘I have used HF PD<br />
for a long time <strong>and</strong> am<br />
very happy with how<br />
it performs. It always<br />
does very well<br />
producing a good<br />
dense sward <strong>and</strong> plenty<br />
grass for both cutting<br />
<strong>and</strong> grazing <strong>and</strong> seems<br />
to be an ideal mixture for beef <strong>and</strong> sheep in<br />
this area’’<br />
Stewart McIntosh, Outer Huntly Farm,Ashkirk, Selkirk,<br />
Scottish Borders (Seed supplied by Clark & Weir Ltd)<br />
INTENSIVE GRAZING MIXTURE<br />
HF<br />
Specially designed for intensive cattle<br />
grazing. Based on short growing, high<br />
tillering <strong>and</strong> long lived grasses <strong>and</strong><br />
producing a very dense, highly productive<br />
sward of great persistence. Suitable for<br />
medium to long term use.<br />
BREE<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
SOLOMON<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
TYRCONNELL<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
CANCAN<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
ROMARK<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
PASTOUR<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
KINTYRE<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
GLENCAR<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
HF GRAZING CLOVER BLEND<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Specially formulated for a high NDF content <strong>and</strong> top<br />
quality forage with high proportions of the TRIPLE<br />
CROWN varieties Cancan, Romark <strong>and</strong> Pastour<br />
❚ High sugar yields ensure excellent palatability <strong>and</strong><br />
improved animal performance<br />
❚ Contains exceptional grazing varieties like Bree,<br />
Solomon <strong>and</strong> Tyrconnell chosen for their yield <strong>and</strong><br />
performance under grazing management<br />
❚ Includes the outst<strong>and</strong>ing new variety, Kintyre, in its first<br />
year of commercial availability, which has one of the<br />
highest grazing yields on the 2012 SAC Recommended<br />
List <strong>and</strong> excellent forage quality<br />
❚ Extreme sward density able to withst<strong>and</strong> heavy grazing<br />
<strong>and</strong> poaching in high rainfall areas<br />
❚ Based on a unique blend of Perennial Ryegrass varieties<br />
designed to provide predictable grazing yield <strong>and</strong><br />
quality throughout the entire season<br />
❚ Formulated to have grass at the right stage for grazing<br />
at cattle turnout<br />
❚ Even grass growth throughout the season allows ease of<br />
grazing management<br />
❚ Contains the best possible White Clover varieties for<br />
production <strong>and</strong> persistence under intensive cattle<br />
grazing<br />
OVERSEED WITH<br />
PERMANENT MIXTURE<br />
HF<br />
PD<br />
A versatile permanent mixture with extreme<br />
sward density consisting of a blend of<br />
grasses <strong>and</strong> clovers that will produce a well<br />
balanced sward giving even growth of<br />
quality herbage for many years.<br />
GENESIS<br />
Early Perennial Ryegrass<br />
SOLOMON<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
CALIBRA<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
PASTOUR<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
ROMARK<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
MAURICE<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
DOLINA<br />
Timothy<br />
PROMESSE<br />
Timothy<br />
HERALD<br />
Creeping Red Fescue<br />
HF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLEND<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
14 - 16 KG/ACRE (35 - 40 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Specially formulated for a high NDF content <strong>and</strong> top<br />
quality forage with high proportions of the TRIPLE<br />
CROWN varieties Pastour, Romark <strong>and</strong> Maurice<br />
❚ Broad spread of varieties provides a versatile mixture<br />
suitable for grazing <strong>and</strong>/or cutting<br />
❚ Superb early spring growth from Genesis, Solomon <strong>and</strong><br />
the Timothy varieties to ensure early bite for ewes <strong>and</strong><br />
lambs but also high yields of quality fodder at first cut<br />
❚ Very persistent <strong>and</strong> winter hardy varieties for longevity<br />
of the sward<br />
❚ Extreme sward density from a high proportion of Late<br />
Perennial Ryegrass <strong>and</strong> also from a low inclusion of<br />
Creeping Red Fescue<br />
❚ Excellent mid <strong>and</strong> late season growth maintains summer<br />
production <strong>and</strong> extends the grazing season<br />
❚ High inclusion of HF’s unique Dual Purpose Clover blend<br />
designed to maximise the clover content for production,<br />
palatability <strong>and</strong> livestock performance<br />
❚ Clover blend contains the best possible White Clover<br />
varieties for production <strong>and</strong> persistency in a permanent<br />
mixture<br />
OVERSEED WITH<br />
17
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
T H E M I X T U R E S<br />
PERMANENT MIXTURE<br />
HF<br />
SPECIALIST MIXTURES<br />
HF<br />
A long term traditional mixture containing<br />
Cocksfoot designed for more extensive use<br />
<strong>and</strong> to improve production on l<strong>and</strong> which is<br />
prone to drought.<br />
GENESIS<br />
Early Perennial Ryegrass<br />
SOLOMON<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
CALIBRA<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
FOXTROT<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
ROMARK<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
CANCAN<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
PROMESSE<br />
Timothy<br />
DOLINA<br />
Timothy<br />
SPARTA<br />
Cocksfoot<br />
HERALD<br />
Creeping Red Fescue<br />
HF GRAZING CLOVER BLEND<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
14 - 16 KG/ACRE (35 - 40 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Contains Cocksfoot for early spring growth <strong>and</strong> drought<br />
tolerance<br />
❚ Excellent early bite for ewes <strong>and</strong> lambs<br />
❚ Contains the TRIPLE CROWN varieties Romark <strong>and</strong><br />
Cancan included for their grazing performance, forage<br />
quality <strong>and</strong> sward density<br />
❚ Blend of grasses formulated to provide consistent<br />
production from early spring to late autumn<br />
❚ Excellent sward density for Solomon, Foxtrot, Romark<br />
<strong>and</strong> Cancan all of which receive a ‘A’ for sward density<br />
on the 2012 SAC Recommended List<br />
❚ Will perform equally well under cutting or grazing<br />
❚ Creeping Red Fescue with its creeping growth habit<br />
binds the sward together <strong>and</strong> aids recovery after<br />
poaching or over-grazing<br />
❚ Contains HF’s highly productive Grazing Clover blend to<br />
maximise production, herbage quality <strong>and</strong> livestock<br />
performance<br />
OVERSEED WITH<br />
A long term hill mixture specially designed<br />
for sheep grazing <strong>and</strong> to suit the harsher<br />
conditions of upl<strong>and</strong> pastures. Ideal for<br />
reseeding hills or reclaiming marginal l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Contains grasses suited to the poorer soils<br />
<strong>and</strong> shorter growing season typical of hill<br />
ground.<br />
BREE<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
SOLOMON<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
ROMARK<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
FOXTROT<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
MAURICE<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
PROMESSE<br />
Timothy<br />
DOLINA<br />
Timothy<br />
HERALD<br />
Creeping Red Fescue<br />
HF GRAZING CLOVER BLEND<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
14 - 16 KG/ACRE (35 - 40 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Based on later heading varieties to ensure good<br />
growth in later areas before the production of seed<br />
heads<br />
❚ Contains the TRIPLE CROWN varieties Romark <strong>and</strong><br />
Maurice included for their forage quality, grazing<br />
performance <strong>and</strong> persistency<br />
❚ Early bite provided by a high Timothy content <strong>and</strong> a<br />
high proportion of grazing tolerant Perennial Ryegrass<br />
varieties<br />
❚ Very good winter hardiness for longevity under harsher<br />
upl<strong>and</strong> conditions<br />
❚ Varieties selected for sward density to resist poaching<br />
❚ A high proportion of persistent Late Perennials ensures<br />
good production over many years<br />
❚ The unique combination of grazing Perennial<br />
Ryegrasses produces short dense growth ideal for<br />
grazing<br />
❚ Will also provide a cut of hay or silage if required<br />
❚ Creeping Red Fescue with its creeping growth habit<br />
binds the sward together <strong>and</strong> aids recovery after<br />
poaching or over-grazing<br />
❚ All ingredients selected for cold <strong>and</strong> snow tolerance<br />
❚ High content of HF’s unique Grazing Clover blend<br />
specially designed for production <strong>and</strong> persistency in<br />
an upl<strong>and</strong> situation<br />
OVERSEED WITH<br />
‘The system we run<br />
here at Doune Farms<br />
is based on outwintering<br />
both the<br />
cattle <strong>and</strong> sheep, so<br />
we must have tough,<br />
winter hardy <strong>and</strong><br />
dense swards that can<br />
produce grass for as<br />
long a season as possible <strong>and</strong> st<strong>and</strong> up to the<br />
stock numbers we are carrying. Lime,<br />
phosphate <strong>and</strong> potash are used when<br />
necessary, but we apply no nitrogen fertiliser<br />
<strong>and</strong> have extra white clover added to our HF<br />
Reliant which supplies all our nitrogen<br />
requirements’<br />
Martin Bridges, Moray Estates Farms Manager,<br />
Doune Farms, Milton of Cambus, Doune,<br />
Perthshire (Seed supplied by Scotgrain<br />
Agriculture Ltd)<br />
18
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
T H E M I X T U R E S<br />
SPECIALIST MIXTURES<br />
HF<br />
A modern mixture for traditional hay making, specially designed<br />
with varieties to produce a large bulk of the type of forage typically<br />
required for hay.<br />
GENESIS<br />
Early Perennial Ryegrass<br />
SOLOMON<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
BREE<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
FOXTROT<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
PASTOUR<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
COSMOLIT<br />
Meadow Fescue<br />
PROMESSE<br />
Timothy<br />
DOLINA<br />
Timothy<br />
HF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLEND<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
13 - 14 KG/ACRE (32 - 35 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Specially designed to produce top yields of easily<br />
made hay<br />
❚ Contains high proportions of Solomon <strong>and</strong> Pastour, two<br />
of the highest yielding Perennial Ryegrasses under<br />
cutting on the 2012 SAC Recommended List<br />
❚ Tetraploid grasses excluded to improve dry matter <strong>and</strong><br />
ease of hay-making<br />
❚ High Timothy content ideal for hay mixtures<br />
❚ Varieties selected on the basis of their growth pattern<br />
<strong>and</strong> maturity to provide the right sward characteristics<br />
for quality hay production<br />
❚ Very good sward density despite a high Timothy<br />
content<br />
❚ Contains leafy albeit relatively stemmy varieties <strong>and</strong> no<br />
Tetraploids for ease of hay-making<br />
❚ Good winter hardiness <strong>and</strong> persistency ensures<br />
consistent bulk over many years<br />
HF<br />
HORSE<br />
Paddock<br />
A custom built mix using species <strong>and</strong> varieties specially selected<br />
to produce a very dense <strong>and</strong> hard wearing sward suitable for<br />
horses <strong>and</strong> ponies. Designed to provide palatable grazing<br />
throughout the growing season but also suitable for hay<br />
production.<br />
SOLOMON<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
TYRCONNELL<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
ROMARK<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
PROMESSE<br />
Timothy<br />
HERALD<br />
Creeping Red Fescue<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
15 KG/ACRE (37 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Based on the densest varieties for an exceptionally dense<br />
damage resistant sward with all three Perennial<br />
Ryegrasses getting an ‘A’ for density on the 2012 SAC<br />
Recommended List<br />
❚ Contains the TRIPLE CROWN variety Romark included<br />
for its forage quality, grazing performance <strong>and</strong> sward<br />
density<br />
❚ High Timothy content ideal for horses <strong>and</strong> ponies<br />
❚ Formulated with varieties which will provide attractive<br />
but low sugar forage to help minimise the risk of<br />
laminitis<br />
❚ Designed to produce palatable grazing throughout the<br />
entire season<br />
❚ Creeping Red Fescue with its creeping growth habit<br />
binds the sward together <strong>and</strong> quickly repairs sward<br />
damage caused by hooves<br />
❚ Offers the option of horse hay production if required<br />
19
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
T H E M I X T U R E S<br />
SPECIALIST MIXTURES<br />
HF<br />
DryLAND<br />
A specialist mixture for very dry conditions using deep rooted grasses<br />
with excellent resistance to drought. Formulated using species not<br />
commonly found in UK agricultural mixtures, HF Dry L<strong>and</strong> is<br />
designed to produce fodder in extremely dry situations where<br />
conventional mixtures are likely to fail.<br />
KORA<br />
Tall Fescue<br />
HYKOR<br />
Advanced Tall Fescue TM<br />
LOFA<br />
Advanced Hybrid Ryegrass TM<br />
SPARTA<br />
Cocksfoot<br />
MAURICE<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
15 KG/ACRE (37 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ A unique solution to fodder production in very dry<br />
conditions<br />
❚ Contains species specially selected for their drought <strong>and</strong><br />
stress tolerance in particular Hykor Advanced Tall<br />
Fescue TM <strong>and</strong> Lofa Advanced Hybrid Ryegrass TM<br />
❚ Also includes Tall Fescue a species used for forage<br />
production in hot dry countries<br />
❚ High sugar varieties with good forage quality used to<br />
balance the poorer quality of the Tall Fescue <strong>and</strong><br />
Cocksfoot<br />
❚ Suitable for cutting or grazing<br />
❚ Contains the TRIPLE CROWN variety Maurice included for<br />
its drought tolerance, sward density <strong>and</strong> persistency<br />
❚ Excellent disease resistance particularly to Crown Rust<br />
which can be a major problem in hot, dry conditions <strong>and</strong><br />
which can seriously affect both yield <strong>and</strong> palatability<br />
LANDSCAPING<br />
HF<br />
Multi Purpose<br />
LANDSCAPER<br />
A mixture specially designed for all situations where a relatively hard<br />
wearing, low maintenance grass sward with an attractive<br />
appearance is required. This mix is ideal for river banks, roadside<br />
verges, orchards, caravan sites, headl<strong>and</strong>s round fruit fields, paths<br />
etc <strong>and</strong> any other situations where low maintenance cover is<br />
required.<br />
ROMARK<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
HERALD<br />
Creeping Red Fescue<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
25 KG/ACRE (62 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Suitable for all low maintenance situations where an<br />
attractive appearance is required<br />
❚ Although the sowing rate is higher than st<strong>and</strong>ard<br />
agricultural mixtures it is considerably less than the<br />
rate required by a true amenity mix to achieve the<br />
same effect<br />
❚ Produces a hard wearing <strong>and</strong> attractive sward with<br />
a good dark green colour<br />
❚ Designed for situations where an attractive<br />
appearance is required but where the circumstances<br />
do not justify the expense of a true amenity mix<br />
❚ Specially formulated with a high proportion of<br />
Creeping Red Fescue for extreme sward density<br />
<strong>and</strong> wear tolerance<br />
SHEEP FEED MIXTURES<br />
HF<br />
CC<br />
A highly productive catch cropping mix including white turnips<br />
designed to produce autumn grazing for sheep <strong>and</strong> fattening<br />
lambs.<br />
ALAMO<br />
Italian Ryegrass<br />
HOBSON<br />
Forage Rape<br />
GREEN GLOBE<br />
White Turnip<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
9 KG/ACRE (22 KG/HECTARE)<br />
HF<br />
CD<br />
A highly productive catch cropping mix similar to HF CC but without<br />
white turnips.<br />
ALAMO<br />
Italian Ryegrass<br />
HOBSON<br />
Forage Rape<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
9 KG/ACRE (22 KG/HECTARE)<br />
HF CC <strong>and</strong> CD are balanced mixtures<br />
designed to produce an Italian Ryegrass<br />
sward with a brassica cover crop thereby<br />
providing both autumn grazing from the<br />
combination of species <strong>and</strong> winter <strong>and</strong> early<br />
spring grazing from the Italian Ryegrass.<br />
Inevitably this compromise will not produce<br />
the short term bulk of a single brassica but<br />
will provide a lower level of keep for a<br />
longer period of time. In the management of<br />
these mixtures it should be remembered<br />
that both rape <strong>and</strong> turnips are aggressive<br />
species <strong>and</strong> if allowed to grow too tall they<br />
can smother the Italian Ryegrass. These<br />
mixtures should therefore be grazed early<br />
to allow the Italian to thrive.<br />
20
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
O V E R S E E D I N G<br />
Every grassl<strong>and</strong> farmer is well aware of the vigour <strong>and</strong> high level of production that can be achieved from a new reseed<br />
<strong>and</strong> also that inevitably through time, the sown grasses begin to disappear <strong>and</strong> the sward thins out <strong>and</strong> production<br />
suffers.The decline of sown species is influenced by many different factors but on average by the time grass reaches 7<br />
or 8 years old, only around 60% of the sown species remain <strong>and</strong> 40% of the sward is either bare ground or occupied by<br />
weed grasses. This deterioration not only affects yield but also has a significant effect on palatability, forage quality,<br />
spring growth <strong>and</strong> the overall response to fertiliser inputs.When these are added together, the effect on both animal<br />
performance <strong>and</strong> the overall financial return is substantial <strong>and</strong> a sward with 40 – 50% bare ground or weed grass<br />
content can mean a loss of up to £300 per acre per year in feed value.<br />
Recognising the need to maintain a high proportion of sown species in older grass <strong>and</strong> that a full reseed is not always practical, HF Seeds<br />
has developed the <strong>Grass</strong>Max system of overseeding which presents a real opportunity to restore production in tired or damaged swards<br />
to newly sown levels without the expense or disruption of a full reseed.The <strong>Grass</strong>Max system of overseeding can also be used to introduce<br />
or increase clover levels in existing swards.<br />
The key to successful overseeding lies in ensuring that the newly sown plants are capable of competing with the existing grass <strong>and</strong> that the<br />
germinating seedlings have sufficient vigour to establish successfully in what can be a very competitive environment. Increasing the<br />
competitiveness of the establishing plants can be achieved in three ways each of which has a cumulative effect in ensuring success.<br />
Minimise Competition from the Existing Sward<br />
When the existing sward is growing strongly there is obviously more<br />
competition for the establishing seedlings. Consequently the timing<br />
of the actual overseeding operation <strong>and</strong> the subsequent fertiliser<br />
treatment are important factors to consider.The objective should be<br />
to find a window during the season when the existing sward is short<br />
<strong>and</strong> is not growing strongly. Ideal conditions are provided after a hard<br />
graze or immediately after the last silage cut of the season. No<br />
fertiliser should be applied for at least 15 days after the overseeding<br />
operation.<br />
Use a Mixture Designed for Overseeding<br />
Large seeded grasses are more competitive in their establishment<br />
<strong>and</strong> all the HF <strong>Grass</strong>Max mixtures are comprised of Tetraploid<br />
Hybrid <strong>and</strong> Perennial Ryegrasses specially selected for their<br />
establishment vigour. The use of these large seeded, aggressively<br />
establishing grasses significantly increases their ability to compete<br />
with the existing sward.<br />
Use Mixtures Treated with iSeed ®<br />
Although conventional fertiliser application<br />
will increase the establishment vigour of the<br />
new seedlings, its growth promotion effect on<br />
the existing sward is greater <strong>and</strong> competition<br />
is increased to a level which often<br />
overwhelms the establishing plants. For 2012,<br />
all HF <strong>Grass</strong>Max mixtures are available with<br />
the unique <strong>and</strong> revolutionary iSeed ® treatment where every<br />
individual seed is coated with both nitrogen <strong>and</strong> phosphate. This<br />
unique targeted fertiliser concept feeds the sown seeds <strong>and</strong> not the<br />
surrounding sward <strong>and</strong> dramatically improves establishment vigour at<br />
the most crucial stage in the overseeding process. Extensive trials<br />
have shown that the uptake of iSeed ® fertiliser is four times more<br />
effective than conventional applications <strong>and</strong> have demonstrated<br />
establishment gains of up to 50% <strong>and</strong> substantial gains to both root<br />
<strong>and</strong> shoot development.<br />
The benefit of iSeed ® 30 days<br />
after sowing is clear to see<br />
UNTREATED<br />
iSeed ® TREATED<br />
21
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
O V E R S E E D I N G<br />
OVERSEEDING MIXTURES<br />
HF<br />
HF<br />
A mixture specially designed for overseeding fields which will be<br />
mainly cut for silage.<br />
SOLID<br />
Tetraploid Hybrid Ryegrass<br />
STORM<br />
Tetraploid Hybrid Ryegrass<br />
MAGICIAN<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
HF CUTTING CLOVER BLEND<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
10 KG/ACRE (25 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ 100% Tetraploid grasses which are ideal for overseeding<br />
as they have the largest seeds <strong>and</strong> are aggressive<br />
establishers<br />
❚ <strong>Grass</strong>es based entirely on Hybrid <strong>and</strong> Perennial<br />
Ryegrasses with the highest conservation yields on<br />
UK recommended lists<br />
❚ Very good forage quality from Solid in particular<br />
❚ Varieties chosen for good spring growth to ensure high<br />
yields at first cut<br />
❚ Contains a high proportion of HF’s unique Cutting<br />
Clover blend to ensure good clover production <strong>and</strong><br />
survival under intensive silage management<br />
❚ No Clover option available on request<br />
‘We finish a big<br />
number of beef cattle<br />
off both grazed grass<br />
<strong>and</strong> out of the shed in<br />
the winter months.<br />
Quality grass <strong>and</strong><br />
plenty of it is really<br />
important for both<br />
grazing <strong>and</strong> cutting<br />
<strong>and</strong> our HF mixtures never let us down. In<br />
the grazing fields they are easily managed<br />
<strong>and</strong> carry a lot of stock <strong>and</strong> we never need<br />
to worry about silage yields <strong>and</strong> filling the<br />
pit. We have also done a bit of over-seeding<br />
with <strong>Grass</strong>Max Graze <strong>and</strong> that seems to<br />
work really well’<br />
Edward Chalmers,Thriepl<strong>and</strong> Farm, Portsoy,<br />
Banffshire (Seed supplied by UAP Ltd)<br />
WITH RED CLOVER<br />
A specialist overseeding mixture containing a high level of Red<br />
Clover designed to introduce both new grass <strong>and</strong> Red Clover into<br />
silage swards. This mix can also be used to prolong the life of<br />
existing Red Clover swards provided Eelworm is not a problem<br />
SOLID<br />
Tetraploid Hybrid Ryegrass<br />
STORM<br />
Tetraploid Hybrid Ryegrass<br />
HF RED CLOVER BLEND<br />
Red Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
10 KG/ACRE (25 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ All ingredients have large seeds <strong>and</strong> are capable of<br />
establishing in an existing sward<br />
❚ <strong>Grass</strong> component is 100% Tetraploid Hybrid Ryegrass<br />
which is sufficiently aggressive to compete <strong>and</strong> survive<br />
in a Red Clover sward<br />
❚ 30% Red Clover content to ensure a good plant<br />
population in the overseeded sward<br />
❚ Very good forage quality from Solid in particular<br />
❚ The high sugar content the Tetraploid Hybrid Ryegrasses<br />
is the perfect match to balance the relatively low sugar<br />
levels in red clover<br />
Overseeding HF <strong>Grass</strong>Max Graze with iSeed in Sutherl<strong>and</strong><br />
Guidelines for Successful Overseeding<br />
Field Preparation<br />
• Remove all surplus grass growth by cutting or<br />
hard grazing<br />
• Scarify the area in opposite directions using a<br />
wire tine grass scarifying harrow<br />
Sowing<br />
• Sow at the same time as scarifying with up to<br />
10 kg/acre (25 kg/hectare) of the appropriate<br />
mixture<br />
• Where iSeed ® treatment is used, as the<br />
fertiliser coating increases the weight of the<br />
seed, it is necessary to increase the treated<br />
seed sowing rate to ensure the number of<br />
actual seeds remains at the target level. The<br />
unique formulation of iSeed ® means that the<br />
weight of treated seed is effectively double<br />
that of untreated seed. To ensure that the<br />
number of seeds sown per unit area remains at<br />
the target level it is therefore necessary to<br />
double the sowing rate taking the st<strong>and</strong>ard<br />
iSeed ® sowing rate to 20 kgs/acre (50 kgs/ha)<br />
• Roll immediately after sowing to consolidate<br />
the ground, conserve moisture <strong>and</strong> ensure<br />
good seed to soil contact<br />
BEFORE<br />
A typical sward before overseeding<br />
22
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
O V E R S E E D I N G<br />
OVERSEEDING MIXTURES<br />
HF<br />
HF<br />
A mixture specially designed for overseeding fields which will be both<br />
cut <strong>and</strong> grazed.<br />
A mixture specially designed for overseeding fields which will be<br />
predominantly grazed.<br />
(Seed supplied by W & A Geddes Ltd)<br />
Timing<br />
• With untreated seed, to ensure that<br />
competition from the existing sward is<br />
minimised, the optimum overseeding window<br />
is immediately after the last silage cut of the<br />
season or after a hard graze in the spring or<br />
autumn<br />
• Although the benefit of minimising<br />
competition from the existing sward also<br />
applies to iSeed ® , the increased<br />
competitiveness of iSeed ® reduces the<br />
dependence on timing <strong>and</strong> may offer the<br />
opportunity of a much wider sowing window<br />
Fertiliser<br />
• When clover is included wait until at least 30<br />
days after sowing before applying any nitrogen<br />
fertiliser to minimise competition from the<br />
existing sward. If clover is not included this<br />
period can be reduced to 15 days<br />
SOLID<br />
Tetraploid Hybrid Ryegrass<br />
CALIBRA<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
POLIM<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
GLENCAR<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
HF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLEND<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
10 KG/ACRE (25 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Specially formulated with high sugar varieties to<br />
improve the sugar content of existing swards<br />
❚ Contains a high proportion of the TRIPLE CROWN variety<br />
Polim included for its excellent all round performance<br />
<strong>and</strong> high NDF content<br />
❚ 100% Tetraploid grasses which are ideal for overseeding<br />
as they have the largest seeds <strong>and</strong> are aggressive<br />
establishers<br />
❚ Based on Hybrid <strong>and</strong> Perennial Ryegrass varieties with<br />
high yields under both cutting <strong>and</strong> grazing<br />
❚ Exceptionally good Crown Rust resistance from Polim<br />
which receives a very high resistance rating in NIAB<br />
trials<br />
❚ Contains a high proportion of HF’s unique Dual Purpose<br />
Clover Blend which is based on the most productive<br />
varieties <strong>and</strong> designed to achieve the maximum clover<br />
content <strong>and</strong> persistency under both cutting <strong>and</strong> grazing<br />
❚ No Clover option available on request<br />
MAGICIAN<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
CALIBRA<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
GLENCAR<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
POLIM<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
HF GRAZING CLOVER BLEND<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
10 KG/ACRE (25 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Specially formulated with high sugar varieties to<br />
improve the sugar content of existing swards<br />
❚ Contains a high proportion of the TRIPLE CROWN<br />
variety Polim included for its excellent all round<br />
performance <strong>and</strong> high NDF content<br />
❚ High sugar yields ensure excellent palatability <strong>and</strong><br />
improved animal performance<br />
❚ 100% Tetraploid grasses which are ideal for overseeding<br />
as they have large seeds <strong>and</strong> are aggressive establishers<br />
❚ Based entirely on Perennial Ryegrass varieties with the<br />
highest grazing yields on UK Recommended Lists<br />
❚ Very good Crown Rust resistance<br />
❚ Contains a high proportion of HF Grazing Clover blend<br />
containing varieties specially selected for their<br />
production <strong>and</strong> persistence under grazing<br />
❚ No Clover option available on request<br />
Livestock Re-introduction<br />
• After cutting wait until aftermaths have fully<br />
recovered<br />
• After grazing leave stock on for 10 days then<br />
remove <strong>and</strong> allow sward to recover<br />
AFTER<br />
Oveseeding can dramatically<br />
improve sward performance<br />
All HF <strong>Grass</strong>Max mixtures<br />
are available with<br />
‘Having used HF<br />
<strong>Grass</strong>Max Graze<br />
before, I tried it with<br />
iSeed ® in autumn<br />
2010. I was surprised<br />
at the growth rate of<br />
the new seeds <strong>and</strong><br />
also how quickly it<br />
recovered after the<br />
first grazing. The field held up very well<br />
throughout the winter with no poaching. I<br />
am impressed with the results achieved with<br />
over-seeding <strong>Grass</strong>Max Graze with iSeed ®`<br />
<strong>and</strong> will certainly be doing it again in future<br />
years.’<br />
Goronwy Roberts,Ty Bol Edern, Pwllheli,<br />
Gwynedd (Seed supplied by D J Edwards)<br />
23
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
H I G H C L O V E R M I X T U R E S<br />
In recent years interest in clover has<br />
increased dramatically partly due to<br />
volatile fertiliser prices but also due to<br />
an increasing awareness of the huge<br />
benefits that clover can bring.<br />
Whilst many of the benefits of clover can be<br />
achieved by simply increasing the clover level<br />
in st<strong>and</strong>ard mixtures, the key to unlocking the<br />
full benefits that clover can bring lies in the<br />
mixture design <strong>and</strong> the production of a sward<br />
that will produce a high yield <strong>and</strong> allow clover<br />
to thrive at the same time.<br />
For many years HF Seeds has pioneered the<br />
development of mixtures for the organic<br />
farmer <strong>and</strong> the experience gained can now be<br />
transferred to the conventional farmer who is<br />
interested in unlocking the full package of<br />
benefits that clover can bring.<br />
The key elements of mixture design<br />
to create a productive high clover<br />
sward are<br />
• Variety selection to ensure the<br />
production of an open but high yielding<br />
sward that allows clover to thrive<br />
• The correct proportion of clover in the<br />
mix to ensure that the right balance of<br />
grass <strong>and</strong> clover in the final sward is<br />
achieved<br />
HF<br />
HIGH CLOVER<br />
SHORT TERM<br />
A highly productive two to three year cutting mixture containing<br />
high yielding Hybrid Ryegrasses <strong>and</strong> Red Clover.<br />
STORM<br />
Tetraploid Hybrid Ryegrass<br />
SOLID<br />
Tetraploid Hybrid Ryegrass<br />
PERUN<br />
Advanced Italian Ryegrass TM<br />
HF RED CLOVER BLEND<br />
Red Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
12 - 14 KG/ACRE (30 - 34 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Optimum cutting date – first week in June<br />
❚ Contains only Hybrid Ryegrass for its yield potential <strong>and</strong><br />
its ability to compete with Red Clover in a cutting sward<br />
❚ Improved for 2012 with the introduction of Perun<br />
Advanced Italian Ryegrass which is an ideal<br />
companion grass for Red Clover bringing huge benefits in<br />
terms of establishment, yield <strong>and</strong> stress tolerance<br />
❚ The high sugar content of Tetraploid grasses<br />
compliments the lower sugar of Red Clover <strong>and</strong> ensures<br />
good fermentation in the clamp<br />
❚ Contains 25% Red Clover content established as the<br />
optimum level in extensive HF trials<br />
❚ Capable of at least three silage cuts <strong>and</strong> aftermath<br />
grazing<br />
❚ Rapid regrowth for second <strong>and</strong> subsequent cuts<br />
❚ Designed to last for three full production years after the<br />
year of sowing<br />
The new HF High Clover range has been<br />
developed to meet three distinct farm uses<br />
namely short term intensive cutting, dual<br />
purpose use <strong>and</strong> grazing, with recipes<br />
designed to allow clover to thrive but at the<br />
same time maintain high yields of quality<br />
forage at reduced fertiliser rates.<br />
24
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
H I G H C L O V E R M I X T U R E S<br />
HF<br />
HIGH CLOVER<br />
DUAL PURPOSE<br />
A medium term high sugar mixture<br />
designed for dual purpose use where fields<br />
are both cut <strong>and</strong> grazed.<br />
SOLOMON<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
CALIBRA<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
TYRCONNELL<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
PASTOUR<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
ROMARK<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
GLENCAR<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
KINTYRE<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
DOLINA<br />
Timothy<br />
AMOS<br />
Red Clover<br />
HF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLEND<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
13 - 15 KG/ACRE (30 - 34 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Optimum cutting date – first week in June<br />
❚ Improved for 2012 by the inclusion of the outst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
new variety, Kintyre, in its first year of commercial<br />
availability, which has the highest yields under both<br />
cutting <strong>and</strong> grazing on the 2012 SAC Recommended List<br />
combined with excellent forage quality. The open growth<br />
habit of Kintyre also makes it an ideal companion grass<br />
for white clover<br />
❚ Specially formulated for high sugar forage<br />
❚ Contains the TRIPLE CROWN varieties Romark <strong>and</strong><br />
Pastour included for their high yields <strong>and</strong> excellent<br />
forage quality<br />
❚ High sugar yield per acre ensures maximum feeding<br />
value, excellent palatability <strong>and</strong> rapid silage<br />
fermentation<br />
❚ Formulated with high yielding but open varieties to<br />
ensure the correct balance between grass <strong>and</strong> clover is<br />
achieved<br />
❚ Small Red Clover inclusion for high clover yields <strong>and</strong><br />
nitrogen fixation in the early stages of establishment<br />
❚ High white clover content of HF’s unique Dual Purpose<br />
Clover Blend to ensure the optimum clover content in<br />
the final sward<br />
❚ Clover blend based on the most productive clover<br />
varieties with high yields under both cutting <strong>and</strong><br />
grazing management<br />
HF<br />
HIGH CLOVER<br />
GRAZE<br />
A medium to long term grazing mixture<br />
using persistent grazing varieties of both<br />
grass <strong>and</strong> clover <strong>and</strong> specially formulated<br />
to ensure the maximum contribution from<br />
clover.<br />
SOLOMON<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
TYRCONNELL<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
ROMARK<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
PASTOUR<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
CANCAN<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
KINTYRE<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
MAURICE<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
HF GRAZING CLOVER BLEND<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Specially formulated for high sugar <strong>and</strong> top quality<br />
forage with high proportions of the TRIPLE CROWN<br />
varieties Romark, Pastour, Cancan <strong>and</strong> Maurice<br />
included for their outst<strong>and</strong>ing grazing performance<br />
❚ Improved for 2012 by the inclusion of the outst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
new variety, Kintyre, in its first year of commercial<br />
availability, which has very high grazing yields on UK<br />
Recommended Lists combined with excellent forage<br />
quality. The open growth habit of Kintyre also makes it<br />
an ideal companion grass for white clover<br />
❚ Specially formulated with the top grazing varieties on<br />
UK Recommended Lists which will also allow clover to<br />
thrive<br />
❚ High sugar yield per acre to ensure the maximum<br />
feeding value <strong>and</strong> excellent grazing palatability<br />
❚ Contains Tyrconnell a superb new grazing variety<br />
recommended throughout the UK<br />
❚ Formulated with later varieties to have grass at the<br />
right stage for grazing at turnout<br />
❚ Contains very persistent varieties of both grass <strong>and</strong><br />
clover capable of withst<strong>and</strong>ing heavy grazing pressure<br />
❚ High White Clover content of varieties specially<br />
selected for their yield <strong>and</strong> persistency under grazing<br />
management<br />
25
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
O R G A N I C S<br />
HF 65%<br />
ORGANIC<br />
SHORT TERM<br />
A highly productive two to three year mixture based primarily on<br />
high yielding Hybrid Ryegrasses <strong>and</strong> containing a high proportion<br />
of Red Clover designed for two cuts per year followed by aftermath<br />
grazing.<br />
PERUN<br />
Advanced Italian Ryegrass TM<br />
SOLID<br />
Tetraploid Hybrid Ryegrass<br />
MAGICIAN<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Ryegrass<br />
CALIBRA<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
HF RED CLOVER BLEND<br />
Red Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
12 - 14 KG/ACRE (30 - 34 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Contains 65% organically produced seed to meet<br />
2012 organic certification regulations<br />
❚ Optimum cutting date - first week in June<br />
❚ Specially formulated for high sugar forage<br />
❚ Includes the new Advanced Italian Ryegrass variety,<br />
Perun, which is an ideal companion grass with Red<br />
Clover combining exceptionally high yields with good<br />
forage quality <strong>and</strong> excellent stress tolerance<br />
❚ Contains a high proportion of Hybrid Ryegrass varieties<br />
for their yield potential over two to three years<br />
❚ Very good spring growth <strong>and</strong> late heading ensures high<br />
yields of quality forage at first cut<br />
❚ Companion grasses chosen for their open growth habit<br />
allowing clover to thrive<br />
❚ Organic content from three different varieties<br />
❚ 25% Red Clover content established as the optimum level<br />
in extensive HF trials<br />
❚ Strong vigorous regrowth for second cut <strong>and</strong> aftermath<br />
grazing<br />
❚ Excellent disease resistance<br />
‘I have used HF<br />
organic mixtures with<br />
red clover for many<br />
years <strong>and</strong> I am always<br />
delighted with the<br />
results. They cut or<br />
graze equally well<br />
producing plenty bulk<br />
of good quality grass<br />
<strong>and</strong> I am currently averaging around 22<br />
litres of milk from forage. The mixtures also<br />
seem to be very persistent <strong>and</strong> last longer<br />
than expected <strong>and</strong> as an organic farmer I<br />
really like HF’s weed free st<strong>and</strong>ards’<br />
Ryan Smyth, Gortconney Farm, Ballycastle,<br />
Co Antrim (Seed supplied by Wm A Palmer)<br />
HF 65%<br />
ORGANIC<br />
DUAL PURPOSE<br />
A high sugar mixture specially designed for<br />
a dual purpose medium term cutting <strong>and</strong>/or<br />
grazing ley for organic management.<br />
PREMIUM<br />
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
CALIBRA<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
PASTOUR<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
FOXTROT<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
GLENCAR<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
POLIM<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
DOLINA<br />
Timothy<br />
PROMESSE<br />
Timothy<br />
AMOS<br />
Red Clover<br />
HF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLEND<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Contains 65% organically produced seed to meet<br />
2012 organic certification regulations<br />
❚ Optimum cutting date - first week in June<br />
❚ Contains the TRIPLE CROWN varieties Pastour <strong>and</strong> Polim<br />
included for their yields under both cutting <strong>and</strong> grazing<br />
<strong>and</strong> their high NDF content<br />
❚ High sugar yield per acre ensures maximum feeding<br />
value, excellent palatability <strong>and</strong> rapid silage<br />
fermentation<br />
❚ Formulated with Tetraploid <strong>and</strong> Diploid Perennials <strong>and</strong><br />
Timothy to ensure the correct balance between grass <strong>and</strong><br />
clover<br />
❚ Excellent Crown Rust Resistance from Foxtrot, Pastour<br />
<strong>and</strong> Polim all of which receive very high Crown Rust<br />
resistance ratings on 2012 UK Recommended Lists<br />
❚ Red Clover inclusion for high clover yields <strong>and</strong> nitrogen<br />
fixation in the early stages of establishment<br />
❚ High White Clover content of HF’s unique Dual Purpose<br />
Clover blend to ensure the optimum clover content in the<br />
final sward<br />
❚ Clover varieties selected for both yield <strong>and</strong> early spring<br />
growth to ensure early season nitrogen fixation <strong>and</strong><br />
grass growth<br />
Largely due to an over-supply of organically<br />
produced seed in recent years, the area of<br />
organic seed harvested in 2010 <strong>and</strong> 2011<br />
dropped significantly tightening the overall<br />
supply position <strong>and</strong> creating shortages of the<br />
best varieties. Given the supply position going<br />
forward into 2012 it is likely that some organic<br />
mixtures being offered to organic farmers<br />
may contain varieties which are not<br />
recommended in the UK simply to achieve<br />
the required 65% organic content.<br />
HF organic mixtures have been formulated<br />
following practical experience on farm over<br />
many years <strong>and</strong> are specially designed to meet<br />
the challenges of organic farming <strong>and</strong> despite<br />
supply pressures HF Seeds will continue to<br />
use the very best grass <strong>and</strong> clover varieties for<br />
organic systems to ensure that crucial<br />
performance factors such as yield, forage<br />
quality <strong>and</strong> disease resistance are maintained.<br />
26
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
O R G A N I C S<br />
For 2012 all 65% organic mixtures have been<br />
designed on the basis of their technical<br />
performance under organic conditions to<br />
meet the following key criteria:<br />
• The optimum clover content of varieties<br />
best suited for organic production<br />
• Companion grasses which allow clover to<br />
thrive but at the same time maintain total<br />
forage yields<br />
• The achievement of high sugar yields <strong>and</strong><br />
maximum feeding value from the inclusion<br />
of high sugar varieties<br />
• The production of top quality high D-<br />
value <strong>and</strong> palatable forage<br />
• Seasonal growth patterns suited to<br />
organic management, particularly good<br />
early spring growth with late heading<br />
• Appropriate disease resistance, in<br />
particular against Crown Rust which can<br />
be a major problem in organically<br />
managed swards affecting production,<br />
palatability <strong>and</strong> forage quality<br />
HF 65%<br />
ORGANIC<br />
•GRAZE•<br />
A medium to long term grazing mixture<br />
produced from persistent grazing varieties<br />
of both grass <strong>and</strong> clover <strong>and</strong> specially<br />
formulated to ensure good clover<br />
development <strong>and</strong> survival under organic<br />
grazing management.<br />
CALIBRA<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
TYRCONNELL<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
CANCAN<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
PASTOUR<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
ROMARK<br />
Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
POLIM<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
MAURICE<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
HF GRAZING CLOVER BLEND<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37 KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Contains 65% organically produced seed to meet 2012<br />
organic certification regulations<br />
❚ Specially formulated for high sugar <strong>and</strong> top quality<br />
forage with high proportions of the TRIPLE CROWN<br />
varieties Romark, Pastour, Cancan, Polim <strong>and</strong> Maurice<br />
included for their outst<strong>and</strong>ing grazing performance<br />
❚ High sugar yield per acre ensures maximum feeding<br />
value <strong>and</strong> excellent grazing palatability<br />
❚ Based on late heading Pasture Perennial Ryegrass<br />
varieties which are ideal for grazing<br />
❚ Contains Tyrconnell a superb new grazing variety<br />
recommended throughout the UK<br />
❚ Excellent Crown Rust Resistance<br />
❚ Formulated with Diploid <strong>and</strong> Tetraploid varieties to<br />
ensure the correct balance between grass <strong>and</strong> clover in a<br />
grazing situation<br />
❚ Very persistent varieties capable of withst<strong>and</strong>ing heavy<br />
grazing pressure<br />
❚ Clover varieties chosen for maximum spring growth to<br />
ensure early Nitrogen fixation <strong>and</strong> grass growth<br />
❚ High content of HF’s unique Grazing Clover Blend<br />
containing varieties specially selected for their yield <strong>and</strong><br />
persistency under grazing management<br />
HF 65%<br />
ORGANIC<br />
____________<br />
REJUVENATOR<br />
Specially formulated to meet dem<strong>and</strong> for a mixture to rejuvenate<br />
grass <strong>and</strong> establish clover in pastures intended for organic<br />
production. This practice is no substitute for a full reseed but with<br />
the right mix <strong>and</strong> attention to detail, it can increase clover levels<br />
<strong>and</strong> breathe new life into tired swards. The key to success lies in<br />
the correct sward preparation before over-sowing <strong>and</strong> selecting a<br />
mixture containing varieties with the best possible establishment<br />
vigour.<br />
CALIBRA<br />
Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass<br />
GLENCAR<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
POLIM<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
TIVOLI<br />
Tetraploid Late Perennial Ryegrass<br />
RAJAH<br />
Red Clover<br />
HF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLEND<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
10 - 12 KG/ACRE (25 - 30KG/HECTARE)<br />
❚ Contains 65% organically produced seed to meet 2012<br />
organic certification regulations<br />
❚ Contains a high proportion of the TRIPLE CROWN<br />
variety Polim included for its excellent all round<br />
performance <strong>and</strong> high NDF content<br />
❚ Specially formulated with high sugar varieties to<br />
improve the sugar content of existing swards<br />
❚ The most effective way to introduce both new grass <strong>and</strong><br />
high sugar into existing pastures<br />
❚ <strong>Grass</strong>es based entirely on Tetraploids which have the<br />
largest seeds <strong>and</strong> greatest establishment vigour<br />
❚ Spread of varieties for early, mid <strong>and</strong> late season growth<br />
❚ Varieties chosen for their excellent Crown Rust resistance<br />
❚ Small inclusion of Red Clover for rapid clover<br />
establishment<br />
❚ Clover varieties chosen for maximum spring growth to<br />
ensure early spring nitrogen fixation <strong>and</strong> grass growth<br />
❚ Contains a high proportion of persistent <strong>and</strong> flexible<br />
White Clover varieties<br />
27
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
E N V I R O N M E N T A L M I X T U R E S<br />
Environmental <strong>and</strong> Stewardship mixtures now feature on most farms partly due to the availability of funding through<br />
the Scottish Government’s umbrella Scottish Rural Development Programme (SDRP) but also due to a greater<br />
awareness of the environment <strong>and</strong> an increasing desire of farmers to enhance the l<strong>and</strong>scape <strong>and</strong> improve the<br />
biodiversity on their farms.<br />
The main emphasis of the SDRP is on<br />
• Improving business viability <strong>and</strong> competitiveness<br />
• Enhanced l<strong>and</strong>scape <strong>and</strong> biodiversity<br />
• Improved water quality<br />
• Mitigating climate change<br />
• Supporting thriving rural communities<br />
Rural Development Contracts form the delivery mechanism for SDRP funding but there are also various other grants covering Crofting,<br />
Food Processing <strong>and</strong> Co-operation <strong>and</strong> Skill Development in addition to the LEADER Initiative <strong>and</strong> support for Less Favoured Areas.There<br />
are two tiers within Rural Development Contracts, firstly the non-competitive L<strong>and</strong> Manager Options which is open to farmers <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong><br />
managers who are registered with IACS <strong>and</strong> who have a business reference number <strong>and</strong> secondly, the competitive Rural Priorities scheme.<br />
The l<strong>and</strong> management options within both schemes are many <strong>and</strong> varied from the provision of broad based habitats for wide spectrum of<br />
wild life to much more specific habitats for targeted species such as the Corn Bunting <strong>and</strong> the Great Yellow Bumblebee. In the development<br />
of the HF Environmental Range of mixtures, HF Seeds has drawn on many years of experience but has also worked closely with government<br />
bodies <strong>and</strong> specific organisations such as RSPB <strong>and</strong> the Bumblebee Conservation Trust to produce mixtures that offer farmers <strong>and</strong><br />
conservationists more than just the minimum basic requirements laid down by the various schemes.<br />
WILD BIRD COVER<br />
Many farml<strong>and</strong> birds need seeds to survive, however over recent decades, seed rich winter habitats have decreased on farml<strong>and</strong> causing<br />
some bird populations to decline. Some of the species at risk such as Buntings,Tree Sparrows <strong>and</strong> Grey Partridges need annually sown grain<br />
rich mixes including barley, oats or triticale but other components like mustard <strong>and</strong> rape are also very useful. Other birds like finches need<br />
small oil rich seeds such as brassicas <strong>and</strong> oilseed rape.<br />
Wild Bird Cover, also known as Unharvested <strong>Crops</strong>, provides a valuable source of seed to feed wild birds over the winter months <strong>and</strong> can<br />
provide shelter from predators at a time when there is limited cover elsewhere. In addition the inclusion of nectar producing species <strong>and</strong><br />
pollen-bearing flowers provides an excellent food source for bees <strong>and</strong> other insects. One <strong>and</strong> two year mixtures are available with the two<br />
year mix providing an excellent chick foraging habitat in its second year of growth.<br />
HF Mixture Ref : HF NWBS 1<br />
Annual Wild<br />
Bird Cover<br />
This mixture is designed to meet the annual unharvested crops<br />
option <strong>and</strong> will provide both cover <strong>and</strong> a food source for wild birds<br />
over a one year period.<br />
Spring Triticale<br />
Spring Barley<br />
Linseed<br />
Quinoa<br />
Spring Oilseed Rape<br />
Mustard<br />
Phacelia<br />
<strong>Fodder</strong> Radish<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
16 KG/ACRE (40 KG/HECTARE)<br />
Corn Bunting need cereal rich mixtures<br />
Photo courtesy of RSPB<br />
HF Mixture Ref : HF NWBS 2<br />
Two Year Wild<br />
Bird Cover<br />
This mixture is designed to meet the unharvested crops option <strong>and</strong><br />
will provide a continuing <strong>and</strong> varied source of food for seed eating<br />
birds over a two year period.<br />
Spring Triticale<br />
Spring Barley<br />
Kale<br />
Quinoa<br />
Red Clover<br />
Yellow Blossom Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
16 KG/ACRE (40 KG/HECTARE)<br />
28
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
E N V I R O N M E N T A L M I X T U R E S<br />
GRASS MARGINS<br />
<strong>Grass</strong> margins along the edge of fields provide cover for birds such as grey partridge <strong>and</strong> yellow hammer, an insect rich summer foraging habitat for<br />
many farml<strong>and</strong> birds <strong>and</strong> a suitable nesting habitat for bumblebees <strong>and</strong> other insects.They also provide useful buffer strips protecting watercourses<br />
<strong>and</strong> other natural habitats form soil erosion, fertiliser run-off <strong>and</strong> spray drift.<br />
Four HF <strong>Grass</strong> Margin mixtures are available with different ingredients each delivering the three main objectives of a safe<br />
nesting site, summer food <strong>and</strong> winter food <strong>and</strong> shelter. Please order by the mixture reference code.<br />
HF<br />
Mixture ref : HF BGM 1 RC<br />
<strong>Grass</strong> Margin<br />
With Cocksfoot<br />
This mixture contains cocksfoot <strong>and</strong> Red Clover <strong>and</strong> is suitable for<br />
all the grass margin options but will form a very tussocky sward.<br />
Hard Fescue<br />
Creeping Red Fescue<br />
Timothy<br />
Tall Fescue<br />
Cocksfoot<br />
Red Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
8 KG/ACRE (20 KG/HECTARE)<br />
This mixture is available without the Red Clover as BGM 1<br />
HF<br />
Mixture Ref : HF BGM 2 RC<br />
<strong>Grass</strong> Margin<br />
No Cocksfoot<br />
This mixture is suitable for all grass margin options <strong>and</strong> will<br />
provide a more open sward with fewer tussocks.<br />
Hard Fescue<br />
Creeping Red Fescue<br />
Timothy<br />
Sheep’s Fescue<br />
Chewings Fescue<br />
Red Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
8 KG/ACRE (20 KG/HECTARE)<br />
This mixture is available without the Red Clover as BGM 2<br />
HF Mixture Ref : HF BGM 3<br />
<strong>Grass</strong> Margin<br />
With Cocksfoot &<br />
White Clover<br />
This mixture is suitable for all grass margin options but will<br />
produce a tall tussocky sward. Red Clover is replaced as the nectar<br />
producing species by White Clover <strong>and</strong> Bird’s Foot Trefoil.<br />
Hard Fescue<br />
Creeping Red Fescue<br />
Timothy<br />
Cocksfoot<br />
Tall Fescue<br />
Bird’s Foot Trefoil<br />
White Clover<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
8 KG/ACRE (20 KG/HECTARE)<br />
HF Mixture Ref : HF BGM 4<br />
<strong>Grass</strong> Margin<br />
With Wild Flowers<br />
This mix is suitable for all grass margin options but includes<br />
wild flowers.<br />
Chewings Fescue<br />
Crested Dogstail<br />
Smooth Stalked Meadow <strong>Grass</strong><br />
Hard Fescue<br />
Creeping Red Fescue<br />
Meadow Fescue<br />
Tall Oat <strong>Grass</strong><br />
Meadow Foxtail<br />
Common Bent<br />
Black Knapweed<br />
Red Clover<br />
Bird’s Foot Trefoil<br />
Oxeye Daisy<br />
Yarrow<br />
Sainfoin<br />
Black Medick<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
8 KG/ACRE (20 KG/HECTARE)<br />
Corn Bunting is now a rare <strong>and</strong> localised species <strong>and</strong> is of<br />
high conservation concern<br />
Photo courtesy of Hywel Maggs, RSPB<br />
29
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
E N V I R O N M E N T A L M I X T U R E S<br />
WILD FLOWER HABITATS<br />
Dedicated wild flower habitats provide an extremely rich source of nectar <strong>and</strong> pollen for insects which in turn benefits both insect <strong>and</strong> bird<br />
populations. Careful construction of mixtures with the right species can ensure continuity of flowering <strong>and</strong> consequently the provision of an<br />
appropriate food source throughout the season.<br />
HF<br />
SpeciesRich<br />
Mixtures for this option should comprise 80-85% non-aggressive<br />
grasses <strong>and</strong> 15-20% native wild flowers. To allow flexibility the grass<br />
<strong>and</strong> wild flower mixtures are detailed separately <strong>and</strong> can be combined<br />
together in any proportion to suit different needs <strong>and</strong> requirements.<br />
GRASS COMPONENT (80-85%)<br />
Sheep’s Fescue<br />
Red Fescue<br />
Meadow Fescue<br />
Smooth Stalked Meadow <strong>Grass</strong><br />
Hard Fescue<br />
Common Bent<br />
WILD FLOWER COMPONENT (15-20%)<br />
Ribwort Plantain<br />
Meadow Buttercup<br />
Black Knapweed<br />
Common Sorrel<br />
Oxeye Daisy<br />
Self Heal<br />
Red Campion<br />
White Campion<br />
Yarrow<br />
Yellow Rattle<br />
Black Medick<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE OF COMBINED<br />
GRASS AND WILD FLOWER MIXTURE<br />
8 KG/ACRE (20 KG/HECTARE)<br />
The great yellow bumblebee is now a Scottish speciality<br />
in the UK. HF Bumblebee provides essential nectar <strong>and</strong><br />
pollen for this <strong>and</strong> other rare species well <strong>and</strong> also for<br />
commoner species important for crop pollination<br />
Photo courtesy of Bob Dawson, Bumblebee Conservation Trust<br />
HF<br />
Bumblebee<br />
Bumblebees are an endearing <strong>and</strong> familiar sight in the summer<br />
months but unfortunately many of our native species are thought to<br />
be in decline largely due to the loss of suitable habitats. HF Seeds<br />
has developed the following mix in conjunction with the Bumblebee<br />
Conservation Trust to provide a flower-rich habitat suitable for both<br />
bumblebees <strong>and</strong> a wide diversity of other wildlife.<br />
Meadow Fescue<br />
Creeping Red Fescue<br />
Cocksfoot<br />
Timothy<br />
Tall Fescue<br />
Smooth Stalked Meadow <strong>Grass</strong><br />
Red Clover<br />
Alsike<br />
Birdsfoot Trefoil<br />
Black Medick<br />
Phacelia<br />
Crimson Clover<br />
Sainfoin<br />
RECOMMENDED SOWING RATE<br />
8 KG/ACRE (20 KG/HECTARE)<br />
As this mixture includes non-native species it will flower over a<br />
three to five year period <strong>and</strong> for best results it should be cut or<br />
grazed in the autumn after flowering has finished<br />
In addition to the above broad based agricultural wild flower mixtures a range of thirteen specialist mixtures each<br />
designed for different situations is available on request.<br />
• Wild flower mixtures do best on low fertility sites. Broadleaved <strong>and</strong> grass weeds <strong>and</strong> also<br />
the sown companion grasses in the mixture can be highly competitive on fertile soils <strong>and</strong><br />
can adversely affect the wild flower establishment <strong>and</strong> subsequent growth. DO NOT USE<br />
FERTILISER when establishing wild flowers <strong>and</strong> ensure that competitive weed <strong>and</strong> grass<br />
growth is contained by frequent cutting.<br />
• WEEDS SHOULD BE ERADICATED BEFORE SOWING. Annual weeds can be killed by cultivation<br />
or by a non-residual contact herbicide. Perennial weeds such as couch, docks, thistles <strong>and</strong><br />
nettles should be eradicated with a non-residual translocated herbicide such as Roundup.<br />
• An alternative method of weed control, particularly where there is likely to be a heavy<br />
weed seed burden in the soil, is to use the STALE SEED-BED TECHNIQUE. This involves<br />
cultivating to stimulate weed germination, allowing the area to green up <strong>and</strong> then to kill<br />
the newly germinated weed seedlings by further cultivation or by spraying with a nonresidual<br />
contact herbicide. This process can be repeated as often as required to reduce the<br />
soil weed seed burden.<br />
• The final cultivation should leave a fine, weed free seed-bed which should be consolidated<br />
by rolling. If possible sowing should take place in warm <strong>and</strong> moist conditions with the best<br />
results being obtained in March to May or in August <strong>and</strong> September.<br />
CULTURAL INFORMATION FOR WILD FLOWER MIXTURES<br />
• Ideally the mixture should be remixed before sowing as seeds of varying shapes, sizes <strong>and</strong><br />
textures may have separated during transit. It should be sown evenly at the recommended<br />
rate. An inert carrier such as s<strong>and</strong> can make the seed easier to distribute.<br />
• Rake the seed lightly <strong>and</strong> firm the soil by treading or preferably rolling, to ensure that<br />
the seed comes into contact with moisture in the soil <strong>and</strong> to prevent the seed-bed from<br />
drying out.<br />
• When the seed comes into contact with moisture in the soil it will germinate <strong>and</strong> from<br />
this point it is important to prevent the area from drought as very dry conditions may<br />
cause the young newly germinated seedlings to die.<br />
• During the first year after sowing, the establishing sward should be cut every 6 to 8 weeks<br />
or as necessary, to prevent the grass overtaking the slower growing wild flowers. WHERE<br />
POSSIBLE ALL CUTTINGS SHOULD BE REMOVED. The first cut should take place in March or<br />
April following an autumn sowing or in May or June following a spring sowing. The last<br />
cut should be in late September or early October.<br />
• In subsequent years the area should be cut in the early spring <strong>and</strong> then cut again in October<br />
after all the wild flower seeds have been shed. IF POSSIBLE CUTTINGS SHOULD BE REMOVED.<br />
30
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
R O O T A N D F O D D E R C R O P S<br />
SOWING RATES, RELATIVE YIELD AND ENERGY LEVELS OF FODDER CROPS<br />
Crop Sowing Rate Sowing Utilisation Fresh Yield Dry Matter DM Yield DM Energy Energy Yield<br />
per acre period period tonnes/acre content % tonnes/acre content MJ/kg per acre ‘000MJ<br />
<strong>Fodder</strong> Beet 50,000 seeds March - April Harvested 25 - 35 17 4.2 - 6.0 12.5 52 - 75<br />
<strong>and</strong> clamped<br />
October onwards<br />
Swedes Graded seed May October - March 28 - 35 11 3.0 - 3.8 12.9 35 - 49<br />
Approx 250 gms<br />
see varieties<br />
Turnips Graded seed May - June October - January 24 - 30 9 2.2 - 2.7 11.2 25 - 30<br />
Approx 250 gms<br />
Kale 3 kg broadcast May - June October - February 20 - 30 14 2.8 - 4.2 11.0 31 - 46<br />
2 kg drilled<br />
Forage Rape 4 - 5 kg broadcast June - August Sept - December 12 - 15 12 1.5 - 1.8 10.5 16 - 19<br />
3 - 4 kg drilled<br />
Stubble Turnips 3 kg broadcast May - August 12 weeks after 15 - 18 9.5 1.5 - 1.8 11.6 17 - 21<br />
2 kg drilled sowing<br />
FODDER BEET<br />
<strong>Fodder</strong> Beet is grown as a main root crop, which requires similar husb<strong>and</strong>ry to sugar beet. It can produce substantial yields of high quality<br />
fodder <strong>and</strong> is an excellent supplement to grass silage. The roots are very palatable to stock <strong>and</strong> have superb feed quality. Specialist<br />
harvesting equipment is required to lift the roots <strong>and</strong> storage is required unless they are strip grazed in situ.<br />
Medium dry matter varieties tend to have a higher percentage of root above ground <strong>and</strong> can be lifted with a top lifter <strong>and</strong> therefore<br />
have a relatively low dirt tare. These highly palatable roots can be fed whole to stock. High dry matter varieties tend to sit further in the<br />
ground <strong>and</strong> require a sugar beet harvester to lift them. Due to the higher dirt tare <strong>and</strong> hardness of the root, these varieties may need<br />
to be chopped <strong>and</strong> washed before feeding. After wilting, the tops may be fed to stock <strong>and</strong> can contribute a further yield of 3-4 tonnes<br />
of protein-rich dry matter per hectare.<br />
Variety Alpes Magnum Kyros Troya<br />
Clean dry matter yield 107 107 99 103<br />
(100=15.2t/ha)<br />
As field fresh yield 105 96 100 100<br />
(100=100.4t/ha)<br />
Dry matter content (%) 17.3 19.3 16.8 17.5<br />
Establishment 6.9 7.4 7 6.9<br />
(9=good 1=poor)<br />
Bolting (%) 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.6<br />
Top size 7.1 6.5 7.2 6.0<br />
(9=large 1=small)<br />
% of Root in ground 67 78 67 62<br />
Cleanliness 7 6.4 6.7 6.6<br />
(9=best 1=worst)<br />
Rust 6 4 4 6<br />
(9=best 1=worst)<br />
Ramularia n/a 7 4 5<br />
(9=best 1=worst)<br />
Root Colour Yellow White Yellow Yellow<br />
<strong>Fodder</strong> Beet Yield <strong>and</strong> Feed Quality<br />
Average dry matter yield 13 - 15 tonnes/ha<br />
Average fresh yields<br />
80 - 100 tonnes/ha<br />
Dry matter 12 - 19%<br />
Crude protein 12 - 13%<br />
Digestibility value<br />
78D<br />
Metabolisable energy<br />
12.5 - 13.5MJ/kg DM<br />
ALPES<br />
MAGNUM<br />
KYROS<br />
TROYA<br />
Alpes has exceptional all round<br />
characteristics <strong>and</strong> is one of the<br />
highest yielding <strong>and</strong> cleanest<br />
fodder beets available. It benefits<br />
from a large top size <strong>and</strong> has 33%<br />
of its yellow root above the<br />
ground allowing for easy lifting.<br />
Good resistance to bolting.<br />
Magnum has a consistent root<br />
size <strong>and</strong> reliable dry matter yields<br />
from white roots. It is very<br />
palatable with a high proportion<br />
of its roots in the ground <strong>and</strong> due<br />
to its high dry matter content it is<br />
more frost resistant than other<br />
varieties.<br />
Kyros is a very consistent, high<br />
yielding variety producing a clean,<br />
very palatable <strong>and</strong> digestible<br />
yellow root.<br />
Troya produces high yield of<br />
medium dry matter. It has very<br />
good establishment <strong>and</strong> bolting<br />
resistance <strong>and</strong> has a high<br />
proportion of its yellow root in<br />
the ground.<br />
31
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
R O O T A N D F O D D E R C R O P S<br />
SWEDES<br />
Swedes grow on a wide range of soil types <strong>and</strong> can be grazed in situ or lifted for stockfeed or as a cash crop. Whatever the intended<br />
use, the dry matter content is one of the most important characters to consider. Low dry matter types are softer <strong>and</strong> are more suitable<br />
for early use whereas the high dry matter types are more winter hardy <strong>and</strong> therefore better suited to later utilisation. For cash cropping<br />
fresh yield, shape <strong>and</strong> colour are important considerations with purple skinned, globe shaped roots generally considered the most<br />
marketable type.<br />
AIRLIE<br />
For early to intermediate use Airlie produces high fresh yields of<br />
uniform globe shaped roots with purple skin <strong>and</strong> creamy white flesh.<br />
Good general disease resistance.<br />
RUTA OTOFTE<br />
A very popular purple skinned variety with cream coloured flesh<br />
suitable for both fodder <strong>and</strong> culinary use. A medium dry matter<br />
variety with good winter hardiness <strong>and</strong> Mildew resistance.<br />
MARIAN<br />
A good culinary use variety with an attractive purple globe <strong>and</strong><br />
cream coloured flesh. With its medium dry matter content Marian<br />
is suitable for intermediate use but has slightly lower yield potential<br />
than other varieties.<br />
LOMOND<br />
GOWRIE<br />
A new high yielding variety bred by SCRI, Gowrie produces very<br />
uniform roots with purple skin <strong>and</strong> yellow flesh making it ideal for<br />
the culinary market. Good Club Root <strong>and</strong> Powdery Mildew<br />
resistance.<br />
KENMORE<br />
A bronze skinned, white fleshed variety with very high fresh yields<br />
best suited as stock feed. Kenmore is early maturing <strong>and</strong> with its<br />
medium dry matter content <strong>and</strong> very good winter hardiness, it<br />
allows for a very wide window of utilisation.<br />
INVITATION<br />
A high yielding purple/bronze skinned variety with a high dry matter<br />
content <strong>and</strong> very good winter hardiness making it suitable for late<br />
use. Invitation has excellent resistance to both Club Root <strong>and</strong><br />
Mildew <strong>and</strong> it also produces large leaves for extra grazing potential.<br />
A new <strong>and</strong> extremely high yielding variety bred by SCRI, Lomond<br />
has purple skin <strong>and</strong> yellow flesh <strong>and</strong> has good Club Root <strong>and</strong><br />
Powdery Mildew resistance. Lomond is slightly less uniform than<br />
Gowrie <strong>and</strong> consequently is the better stock feed variety.<br />
KALE<br />
Kale is the highest yielding of all the leafy forage brassicas <strong>and</strong> has excellent feeding value <strong>and</strong> a high crude protein content. It can<br />
provide a long <strong>and</strong> flexible period of utilisation <strong>and</strong> can be grazed in situ, cut <strong>and</strong> carted to housed livestock or ensiled as big bale<br />
kaleage. There are however big differences in terms of winter hardiness (traditional marrowstem varieties tend to have poorer winter<br />
hardiness) <strong>and</strong> varieties should be chosen to suit the utilisation period. For maximum yields kale requires good fertility <strong>and</strong> a pH of at<br />
least 6.0.<br />
CALEDONIAN<br />
Caledonian is a very high yielding marrowstem type with good<br />
winter hardiness <strong>and</strong> excellent club root resistance. Its high yield <strong>and</strong><br />
good lodging resistance makes it ideal for utilisation by dairy or beef<br />
cattle from September to February <strong>and</strong> it can be strip or zero<br />
grazed.<br />
THOUSAND HEAD<br />
Thous<strong>and</strong> Head is a slender stemmed variety with leafy foliage <strong>and</strong><br />
very high D-value <strong>and</strong> dry matter content. It has excellent winter<br />
hardiness <strong>and</strong> is therefore ideal for use after Christmas.<br />
MARIS KESTREL<br />
A short, leafy, hybrid variety that is high in digestible dry matter<br />
particularly in the stem. Maris Kestrel has good frost resistance,<br />
excellent leaf retention <strong>and</strong> is not susceptible to lodging.<br />
GRÜNER ANGELITER<br />
Gruner Angeliter is a marrowstem type producing very high fresh<br />
yields. With its high yield, good winter hardiness <strong>and</strong> excellent<br />
feeding quality, Grüner Angeliter is well suited for stock feed use,<br />
but with its tall growth <strong>and</strong> high leaf canopy it is also ideal for<br />
game cover.<br />
32
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
R O O T A N D F O D D E R C R O P S<br />
FORAGE RAPE<br />
Rape is fast growing <strong>and</strong> will tolerate poorer fertility conditions than Kale. When sown as a catch crop between June <strong>and</strong> August it will<br />
provide valuable autumn <strong>and</strong> winter grazing. It has a wide sowing window <strong>and</strong> utilisation period <strong>and</strong> produces a digestible <strong>and</strong> high<br />
energy crop, ideal for finishing lambs.<br />
HOBSON<br />
A very leafy <strong>and</strong> high yielding variety with good digestibility. Hobson<br />
has excellent resistance to mildew which can often seriously reduce<br />
yield <strong>and</strong> affect palatability.<br />
SPARTA<br />
Sparta is a high yielding late flowering rape with the huge advantage<br />
of having Club Root tolerance enabling it to be sown where Club<br />
Root is a potential problem. Sparta’s late flowering habit allows for<br />
sowing flexibility offering an extension to the feeding period. As with<br />
other forage rapes Sparta matures ten to twelve weeks after sowing.<br />
EMERALD<br />
A rapidly establishing medium to tall palatable variety with above<br />
average dry matter yields <strong>and</strong> good general disease resistance.<br />
ZOOM BRASSICA MIXTURE<br />
A blend of Winfred Hybrid Brassica <strong>and</strong> Forage Rape, Zoom is a<br />
very vigorous <strong>and</strong> quick growing mixture which is ideal for replacing<br />
failed crops or for patching earlier sown crops which are struggling.<br />
High seedling vigour ensures a reliable establishment of a high leaf<br />
to stem ratio crop with good disease <strong>and</strong> bolting resistance.<br />
STUBBLE TURNIPS<br />
Stubble Turnips provide palatable <strong>and</strong> digestible fodder for grazing 10 – 12 weeks after sowing. They can be sown at any time with the<br />
required utilisation period determining the sowing date. Stubble Turnips are less winter hardy than other brassicas <strong>and</strong> should be used<br />
before Christmas. Varieties differ in their leaf to root ratio with leafy types providing better anchorage <strong>and</strong> winter hardiness than bulb<br />
types which produce larger but relatively low dry matter roots<br />
TYFON<br />
A fast growing leafy type with some regrowth potential but it can<br />
be susceptible to bolting when sown too early.Tyfon has small bulbs<br />
<strong>and</strong> produces approximately 80% of its yield from leaf. Good root<br />
anchorage <strong>and</strong> reasonable frost tolerance.<br />
RONDO<br />
A high yielding leafy type but with a higher proportion of root <strong>and</strong><br />
larger bulbs than Tyfon. Rondo has good disease resistance, excellent<br />
root anchorage <strong>and</strong> above average winter hardiness for a stubble<br />
turnip.<br />
VOLLENDA<br />
A highly digestible, late tetraploid variety noted for its speed of<br />
growth, overall yield <strong>and</strong> resistance to bolting. Vollenda is a bulbing<br />
type with a leaf to bulb ratio in the region 30 : 70.<br />
BARKANT<br />
Producing slightly smaller roots than Vollenda, Barkant is a bulbing<br />
variety producing very high yields of digestible dry matter.<br />
Reasonably winter hardy for a stubble turnip.<br />
SAMSON<br />
Samson is a high yielding, bulbing variety with a high proportion of<br />
its total yield produced by large, purple topped, palatable roots<br />
which grow well out of the ground for better utilisation.<br />
Please note that with all Brassica crops, stock should be introduced gradually over a two week period <strong>and</strong> an area of<br />
grassl<strong>and</strong> should be available for animals to return to. Water <strong>and</strong> hay or straw should also be freely available.<br />
33
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
G A M E C R O P S<br />
The single most important factor in selecting a game crop is the location in which it is to be sown. Almost by<br />
definition, game crops are usually required in less fertile, exposed <strong>and</strong> often shady areas which are unsuitable for<br />
many of the more exotic game crop species.<br />
Other factors which need to be considered are the purpose of the crop (cover only, cover <strong>and</strong> food, brood rearing etc), the time of sowing<br />
<strong>and</strong> the intended duration of the crop, the climatic conditions it will be subjected to <strong>and</strong> lastly, whether the area to be sown is included in<br />
any government schemes as the scheme regulations may have an impact on crop choice.<br />
Crop Optimum Sowing Rate (kgs/acre) Comments<br />
Sowing Period Drilled Broadcast<br />
Kale May / June 1.5 2.0 Requires good fertility <strong>and</strong> high pH<br />
Forage Rape July / September 2.5 3.5 More tolerant of poorer fertility than kale<br />
Texsel Greens May - July 2.5 - Not suitable for northern climates<br />
Jonty August / September 1.5 2.5 Fast growing but not winter hardy<br />
Quinoa May / June 2.0 - Requires minimum pH of 6.0<br />
Quinoa + Kale May /June 2.5 - Requires good fertility <strong>and</strong> high pH<br />
Winter Triticale Before end February 75 - Only suitable for early sowing in more northern climates where<br />
seed will vernalise<br />
Spring Triticale March / April 75 - Use in milder climates or for later sowing to ensure seed<br />
production<br />
Holdfast Canary <strong>Grass</strong> April / May 2.5 - Very slow establishment<br />
Reed Canary <strong>Grass</strong> April / May 2.5 - Suited to more northern climates<br />
Triple Maize Blend April 45,000 seeds per acre Not suited for Scotl<strong>and</strong> or over 350 metres above sea level<br />
White Millet April / May 10 - Most suited to warm southern climates<br />
Millgame Millet Mix<br />
(White + Red Millet)<br />
April / May 10 - General purpose throughout Engl<strong>and</strong> & Wales<br />
Ambush Millet Mix<br />
(White + Reed Millet)<br />
April / May 5 - Good winter hardiness <strong>and</strong> better suited to northern areas<br />
Buckwheat May 20 50 Requires warm <strong>and</strong> sunny growing conditions<br />
Giant Sorghum April / May 12 - Useful cover <strong>and</strong> shelter crop in warm, dry areas<br />
Dwarf Sorghum April / May 8 - Used as shelter crop<br />
Yellow Blossom Clover April to July 4 - Useful on its own or in mixtures for 2 years or more<br />
Mustard August / September 3 5 Not winter hardy, for late sowing or emergency use<br />
Stubble Turnips August / September 2 3 Not winter hardy, for late sowing or emergency use<br />
<strong>Fodder</strong> Radish August / September 3 - Not winter hardy, for late sowing or emergency use<br />
KALE<br />
Kale can provide excellent cover but is very sensitive to adverse<br />
conditions.The variety Thous<strong>and</strong> Head is ideal as it has outst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
winter hardiness <strong>and</strong> allows game to move freely under the leaf<br />
canopy. Caledonian will provide some Club Root resistance but<br />
continuous brassicas should be avoided where possible. Sowing rates<br />
should be reduced to avoid thick crops which restrict game<br />
movement <strong>and</strong> drilling in rows allowing easy access for game <strong>and</strong> the<br />
opportunity to control birds on a shoot day may be preferable.<br />
FORAGE RAPE<br />
Forage Rape is a versatile, easy to grow cover crop <strong>and</strong> is a good<br />
alternative where Kale has been unsuccessful or for sowing later in<br />
the season. Although it still needs a reasonable pH, it will grow on<br />
more acidic soils than Kale <strong>and</strong> with its rapid growth, it is better<br />
equipped to withst<strong>and</strong> rabbit <strong>and</strong> pigeon damage.<br />
QUINOA<br />
Quinoa is an excellent break crop from brassicas <strong>and</strong> can provide<br />
both good cover <strong>and</strong> a very palatable <strong>and</strong> nutritious food source as<br />
it is a prolific seed producer capable of shedding over 1 tonne of<br />
seed per acre during the shooting season. For successful<br />
establishment Quinoa requires a minimum pH in the range 6.0 to<br />
6.5. An excellent combination of both cover <strong>and</strong> game food can be<br />
achieved by sowing alternate strips of Quinoa <strong>and</strong> Kale or by<br />
combining them together in a single mixture.<br />
SORGHUM<br />
Available in dwarf <strong>and</strong> giant forms growing to 2 <strong>and</strong> 3 metres tall<br />
respectively, both types of Sorghum are used to provide a warm<br />
holding area for birds adjacent to food crops like maize. Giant<br />
Sorghum is particularly useful in dry areas as it is very deep rooting.<br />
34
<strong>Grass</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> <strong>Crops</strong><br />
G A M E C R O P S<br />
TRITICALE<br />
BUCKWHEAT<br />
Cereals are a valuable food source in game mixtures but Triticale is<br />
particularly useful as it will tolerate poorer fertility <strong>and</strong> can survive<br />
where other cereals will not. Although no game crop will survive a<br />
heavy rabbit burden, Triticale can be useful where rabbits are a<br />
problem as once established it can often outpace rabbit damage.<br />
Triticale is available in both winter <strong>and</strong> spring forms. Winter varieties<br />
need to vernalise after sowing or they will not produce seed heads<br />
<strong>and</strong> consequently are more suitable for northern climates <strong>and</strong> should<br />
be sown by the end of February. For later sowing dates only spring<br />
varieties should be considered. Like Quinoa, the role of Triticale is<br />
best as a food crop in a strip adjacent to a cover crop like kale or<br />
rape but the difference in sowing dates <strong>and</strong> fertility tolerance may<br />
make this impractical. In this case Triticale on its own can provide<br />
good cover for most of the shooting season.<br />
CANARY GRASS<br />
Holdfast Canary <strong>Grass</strong> (Phalaris Aquatica) <strong>and</strong> its native version<br />
Reed Canary <strong>Grass</strong> (Phalaris Arundinacia) are strong growing hardy<br />
perennials with vigorous creeping rhizomes. The native Reed Canary<br />
<strong>Grass</strong> is better suited to harsher climates. Both are deep rooting <strong>and</strong><br />
capable of withst<strong>and</strong>ing a wide range of conditions <strong>and</strong> once<br />
established can provide long term game cover for up to 10 years.<br />
Both types of Canary <strong>Grass</strong> are slow in establishment particularly in<br />
cold conditions <strong>and</strong> can suffer badly in their first year from<br />
competition from weeds <strong>and</strong> weed grasses. As a result both types<br />
should be sown in 30 to 36 inch rows allowing inter-row weed<br />
control. Once established topping will encourage vigorous tillering.<br />
MAIZE<br />
Maize is an excellent cover <strong>and</strong> food crop with a good canopy <strong>and</strong><br />
open area underneath. It is also ideal for rotating with brassicas to<br />
reduce the build up of Club Root <strong>and</strong> it will thrive throughout most<br />
of Engl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Wales albeit it should not be sown over 350 metres<br />
above sea level. Game Maize is supplied as a blend of three varieties<br />
to provide good st<strong>and</strong>ing power, low cob carriage allowing easy<br />
access by birds <strong>and</strong> a spread of maturity, ensuring cob availability<br />
throughout the season. Additional appeal can be added by sowing<br />
an adjacent crop of Millet counteracting draughtiness later in the<br />
season <strong>and</strong> also providing an additional food source<br />
YELLOW BLOSSOM CLOVER<br />
Yellow Blossom Clover is a self-generating legume that will last up to<br />
three years <strong>and</strong> as such can be sown on its own or included as a<br />
very useful component in Wild Bird Cover mixtures which are<br />
intended for two years duration. It has excellent early vigour with<br />
good seed production <strong>and</strong> can reach heights of up to 6 feet with stiff<br />
woody stems which allow easy bird movement below its dense<br />
canopy.<br />
Buckwheat is a thick, bushy, seed producing plant often sown in<br />
conjunction with other crops to provide both food <strong>and</strong> cover. It is<br />
particularly appealing to deer, pheasants, partridges <strong>and</strong> bees <strong>and</strong><br />
other insects <strong>and</strong> grows best in warm, sunny, south facing conditions.<br />
It should not be sown until all risk of frost has passed. Maturity is<br />
reached in around three months <strong>and</strong> seed will be shed over a period<br />
of several weeks with the remaining stubble capable of holding birds<br />
until well into January.<br />
MILLET<br />
Millet has long been recognised as a valuable game food crop <strong>and</strong> is<br />
available in three different forms:White, Red <strong>and</strong> Strong Reed Millet.<br />
Each has different characteristics in terms of maturity, growth habit,<br />
winter hardiness <strong>and</strong> seed production. White Millet is the most<br />
prolific seed producer but has relatively poor winter hardiness<br />
whereas Reed Millet has poor seed production but is very winter<br />
hardy with Red Millet falling somewhere between the two. To<br />
exploit the benefits of the different types, game millet is supplied in<br />
three different forms: White Millet on its own for seed production<br />
in warm southern climates, a Red <strong>and</strong> White Millet Blend for general<br />
purpose use <strong>and</strong> a White <strong>and</strong> Reed Millet blend for seed production<br />
<strong>and</strong> good winter hardiness in colder areas.<br />
CATCH CROPS FOR LATE SOWING<br />
Late sowings of game crops severely restrict crop choice <strong>and</strong> are<br />
only suitable for cover as there is insufficient time for seed<br />
production before the onset of winter. Fast growing crops such as<br />
Mustard, Stubble Turnips <strong>and</strong> <strong>Fodder</strong> Radish can be sown as late as<br />
September <strong>and</strong> will provide cover within 8 weeks. These crops<br />
however are generally not winter hardy <strong>and</strong> should not be relied on<br />
to provide cover beyond Christmas.The suitability of each of these<br />
crops varies for different situations <strong>and</strong> advice should be sought on<br />
the most appropriate choice.<br />
GAME COVER MIXTURES<br />
Whilst the above species have been considered individually, it is<br />
possible to mix different combinations together to provide both<br />
cover <strong>and</strong> an attractive food source in one game crop. As with the<br />
single species the choice of mixture components will depend<br />
entirely on location, climate <strong>and</strong> soil fertility <strong>and</strong> where there is any<br />
doubt, a mixture which is tolerant of a wide range of growing<br />
conditions should be selected.<br />
35
DISTRIBUTORS OF HF SEEDS IN SCOTLAND AND NORTHERN ENGLAND<br />
W & A Geddes Ltd<br />
7 River Street, Wick, Caithness, KW1 5EB Tel : 01955 602207<br />
Victoria Road, Brora, Sutherl<strong>and</strong>, KW9 6LN Tel : 01408 621220<br />
Scotgrain Agriculture Ltd<br />
Alex<strong>and</strong>er Fleming House, 8 Southfield, Elgin, Morayshire, IV30 6GR Tel : 01343 543281<br />
Unit 3, Markethill Industrial Estate,Turriff, Aberdeenshire, AB53 4QY Tel : 01888 568448<br />
Elliot Industrial Estate, Arbroath, Angus, DD11 2NJ Tel : 01241 435421<br />
Agrii (formerly UAP <strong>and</strong> Masstock)<br />
Prospect Building, Montgarrie, Alford, Aberdeenshire, AB33 8BA Tel : 01975 563200<br />
Openfield<br />
Whiterashes, Newmachar, Aberdeenshire, AB21 0QL Tel : 01651 882244<br />
Frontier Agriculture Ltd<br />
Kingseat, Newmachar, Aberdeenshire, AB51 0UE Tel : 01651 862408<br />
Jura Suite, King James Vl Business Centre, Riverview Business Park, Tel : 01738 500570<br />
Friarton Road, Perth, Perthshire, PH2 8DY<br />
Windmill Way West, Ramparts Park, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberl<strong>and</strong>,TD15 1TB Tel : 01289 330303<br />
Carrs Billington Agriculture Ltd<br />
Stirling Agricultural Centre, Hill of Drip, Stirling, Stirlingshire, FK9 4RN Tel : 01786 474826<br />
Stirling Road, Milnathort, Kinross, Kinross-shire, KY13 9UZ Tel : 01577 862381<br />
Haweswater Road, Penrith Industrial Estate, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 9EH Tel : 01768 862160<br />
Lakel<strong>and</strong> Agricultural Centre, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0QQ Tel : 01900 824105<br />
R H Miller (Agricultural) Ltd<br />
Fordel, Lauder Road, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 2PH Tel : 0131 660 3921<br />
Tweedview, South Park Estate, Peebles, Peebles-shire, EH45 9ED Tel : 01721 720711<br />
4 – 8 Commercial Road, Hawick, Roxburghshire,TD9 7AQ Tel : 01450 370050<br />
Clark & Weir Ltd<br />
Glengonnar, Coulter, Biggar, Lanarkshire, ML12 6PZ Tel : 01899 220096<br />
Donald McGillvary Farm Supplies<br />
Woodcroft, Polinard, Comrie, Perthshire, PH6 2HJ Tel : 07880 502272<br />
Ralph Bova Farm Supplies<br />
69 Lochlea Drive, Ayr, Ayrshire, KA7 3DS Tel : 07770 810672<br />
Nutriscot Ltd<br />
PO Box 26358, Ayr, Ayrshire, KA7 9BR Tel : 0560 345 7927<br />
Solway Agriculture Ltd<br />
Glasgow Road, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire, DG11 2SE Tel : 01576 204124<br />
South West Seeds Ltd<br />
Kilfaddoch, Closeburn,Thornhill, Dumfriesshire, DG3 5HW Tel : 01848 33141<br />
Reg Thornthwaite Agricultural Supplies<br />
Fern Bank Cottage, Fern Bank Lane, Low Seaton, Workington, Cumbria, CA14 1LW Tel : 07713 711213<br />
Marketed by:<br />
Imperial Dock<br />
Thorn Farm<br />
Leith Docks<br />
Inkberrow<br />
Edinburgh<br />
Worcestershire<br />
EH6 7DR<br />
WR7 4LJ<br />
Tel: 0131 555 4044 Tel: 01386 791101<br />
Fax: 0131 555 4035 Fax: 01386 792216 www.<strong>dlf</strong>.co.uk<br />
CONTACT HF SEEDS ON 0131 555 4044 FOR ALL YOUR FORAGE SOLUTIONS<br />
DLF Trifolium Ltd V.A.T. Registration No 650 3086 60 Registered in Engl<strong>and</strong> & Wales Company Registration No. 2971802<br />
Registered Office Thorn Farm Inkberrow Worcestershire WR7 4LJ