Grass and Fodder Crops Grass and Fodder Crops ... - dlf-trifolium

Grass and Fodder CropsI N T R O D U C T I O NAlthough HF Seeds can trace its roots backfor over a century, the actual HF brand wasfirst introduced to Scottish farmers in the1960’s. Originally launched as ‘Hi-Farming’and abbreviated over the years, HF hasearned its rightful place as one of the UK’sleading seed brands and is synonymous withthe highest seed quality, the very bestvarieties and unrivalled performance interms of productive and palatable grass swards.This strong position and technical approach transfersdirectly to HF Seeds and throughout its long historythe HF brand has always been at the forefront ofdevelopments in grass seed technology. Whether it isthe introduction of a new and improved variety, thedevelopment of a new mixture to meet a specificneed or simply widening the availability of organicgrass seed, HF’s reputation for turning innovation intosound agricultural practice is second to none.The HF total quality philosophy goes much further than just varietiesand mixture trials however, and extends as far as the farm gate andthe end user. All HF products are backed by a country-widenetwork of in-house seed specialists and experienced distributorswho are capable of offering technical help and advice on all aspectsof mixture selection and establishment.HF mixtures transformed grass yields when first introduced in the late 1960’s and arestill amongst the highest yielding grass mixtures available today.Now part of DLF Trifolium, one of the world’s largest grass seedcompanies, HF Seeds has access to greater technical and commercialresources than ever before. Based in Denmark, where the coastalclimate is particularly well suited to producing grass seed, DLFTrifolium has over 100 years experience in plant breeding and seedproduction and currently has Europe’s largest research anddevelopment programme to breed new and improved grass andclover varieties. This commitment to producing new geneticmaterial to meet the challenges of modern agriculture has resultedin DLF Trifolium having significantly more grass and clover varietieson UK Recommended Lists than any of its competitors.Modern trialling techniques and hi-tech machinery ensure that both yield and foragequality are maintained in HF mixtures.Contents3 Mixture Design4 Seed Quality5 Spring v Summer Reseed6-8 The Clover Story9 Advanced Grasses TM10 Triple Crown11-12 HF Varieties14-20 The Mixtures21-23 Overseeding24-25 High Clover Mixtures26-27 Organics28-30 Environmental Mixtures31-33 Root and Fodder Crops34-35 Game Crops13 Mixture Selector2

Grass and Fodder CropsM I X T U R E D E S I G NGood grass mixture design begins with the assessment ofindividual variety characteristics and then uses thisinformation to combine the mixture components indifferent proportions to produce the best possiblemixture for the intended purpose of the final sward.The characteristics required in a sward and the emphasis placedupon them, depend entirely on the use to which the sward will beput. For example the early bite required for an early lambing flockwill be a positive disadvantage for dairy turnout in late April and theopen sward the organic farmer needs for clover survival will not suitintensive grazing on wet, heavy land. Many of the different swardcharacteristics included in HF design are listed below■■■■■■■■■■■■Total annual and seasonal yieldMaturity and heading dateSward purpose and management regimeThe need for early spring growthOverall sugar yieldForage quality and digestibilityAnimal intake factors including sward structureand palatabilityClover contentDisease resistanceSward densityPersistencyWinter hardinessAlthough many of the above criteria are included to meet specificfarm enterprises or circumstances and are not applicable in everycase, there is little doubt that with escalating input prices creating theneed for even greater self-sufficiency, total yield will be of paramountimportance on almost every farm. Maximising grass yields always hasbeen and continues to be, a mainstay of HF mixture design andindependent assessment of the annual yields of HF varieties hasshown that yield benefits of around 5% are perfectly achievable byusing the best varieties. Simple arithmetic using 2012 prices canconvert this yield benefit into a clear and substantial financial gain ofat least £7 per acre per year for each 1% of additional yield.Thus the5% yield benefit shown by HF varieties over other lower yieldingvarieties, translates into a financial gain of around £35 per acre peryear or £175 over the life of a five year ley.Although yield is of crucial importance the achievement of topquality and palatable forage also makes a huge difference to animalperformance. Consequently HF mixture design must also take intoaccount the many factors which ultimately affect forage qualityranging from D-value and growth habit right through to sugarcontent and disease resistance.The benefit of high D-value forage is clearly recognised by mostfarmers and independent trials have shown that on average, eachadditional unit of D-value produces an extra 1.5% more milk, 5%extra LWG in beef cattle and up to 10% extra LWG in sheep. Infinancial terms these benefits translate into each additional unit ofD-value being worth £9 per acre per year in terms of theadditional meat or milk produced. HF’s emphasis on quality andthe use of the highest D-value varieties ensures excellent digestibilityof the forage in the final sward and improved animal performance asa result.Many other factors must be included in the assessment of overallforage quality and results of pioneering trial work on rumen healthand performance have shown that the huge emphasis placed onsugar content in recent years and in particular on Water SolubleCarbohydrate (WSC), may not provide the full picture.Clearly, a high sugar content is important as it influences foragepalatability and consequently animal intake. It also allows rapidfermentation in the silage pit thereby enhancing the quality andfeeding value of the conserved crop.The latest trial work, however,has shown that it is the form in which the sugar occurs in the foragethat is important and that slowly digestible carbohydrates are muchmore valuable to rumen health and function than quickly digestedWater Soluble Carbohydrates. Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF) isthe slowly digestible part of carbohydrates in plants and there isclear evidence that a high NDF content in forage stimulates therumen function, stabilises pH and has a beneficial effect on thedigestion process.Armed with this new nutritionalinformation on feed performance andhow it affects the rumen, coupled withdetailed knowledge about the yields andthe other important agronomiccharacters of individual grass varieties, HFSeeds was able to introduce a brand newquality index system in 2011 calledTRIPLE CROWN and a further year’sdata has consolidated the value of thisunique and advanced assessment system. The TRIPLE CROWNquality assessment technique is explained in more detail on page 10but it indicates top variety scores in all the important characterswhich influence animal performance.‘With extensive grass based livestockenterprises of dairy, beef and sheep, GlenappEstate maximises production from home grownforage thus reducing the requirement forpurchased feed. Consequently we ask a lot ofour grass throughout the grazing season. Withthe assistance of HF Seeds we specificallydeveloped a high clover mix to maximise yieldsand maintain grass quality whilst extending thegrazing season at both ends of the year. The mixture establishes well,increases the number grazing days and consistently produces a lot oftop quality grass under intensive grazing management. To date, we aredelighted with the results.’Charlie Russell, Manager and 2011 Farmer’s Weekly Farmer of the Year,Glenapp Estate, Ballantrae, Ayrshire (Seed supplied by Nutriscot Ltd)3

Grass and Fodder CropsS E E D Q U A L I T YThere are two certification standards for all species ofagricultural seed within the UK.The lowest level is EU certification which is statutory throughoutthe whole of the European Union and which guarantees minimumquality standards for germination and purity below which seedcannot be sold.The second standard, which is unique to the UK, isHVS or Higher Voluntary Standard:‘Higher’ because it is higher thanEU and ‘Voluntary’ as it is not compulsory and is entirely at thediscretion of the seed merchant. The level at which a grass seedmixture is certified can only be ascertained by the information onthe official label. If the label does not show the HVS emblem itmeans that the seed is only certified to the EU Minimum standard.Unfortunately for the farmer as most of the grass seed sold in theUK is produced in Europe to the EU Minimum standard, the higherquality standards of HVS are difficult to find. Even in a normal yearwhere the seed supply is good, an estimated 70% of grass mixturesare supplied at EU Minimum standard with only 30% at the HigherQuality Standard.Be sure to look for the HVS symbol on the official labelGermination is one of the main criteria on which the UK seed certification schemes are based but the minimum levels required aresurprisingly low. The HF minimum germination standard for Perennial Ryegrass and Timothy is 10% higher than both EU and HVS andas shown in the table below, the actual germination achieved across all HF mixtures in 2011 resulted in around 14% more live seedin every bag producing better establishment and denser, more productive swards.SPECIES EU HVS HF HF BENEFITMINIMUM MINIMUM MINIMUM ACTUAL 2011 OF HFGERMINATION GERMINATION GERMINATION GERMINATIONSTANDARD STANDARD STANDARDItalian Ryegrass 75% 75% 90% 93.7% 18.7%Perennial Ryegrass 80% 80% 90% 94.1% 14.1%Timothy 80% 80% 90% 93.2% 13.2%14% more live seed in every bag is equivalent to a saving of almost £12 per acre at 2012 pricesIn addition to low germination standards, UK grass seed certification also allows the presence of relatively high levels of serious grassweeds including both docks and couch grass.Thus grass mixtures certified at EU and even HVS, can introduce literally thousands of newweed seeds every time a field is reseeded. Recognising these potentially damaging levels of weed contamination, HF Seeds imposes itsown freedom from weed standards which are unequalled elsewhere.EU HVS HFDocks 1,250 1,250 0Couch 30,000 2,500 250Blackgrass 25,000 2,500 250The above table shows the potential number of serious weed seeds which can be sown per acre at different levels of certification andclearly demonstrates that HF quality standards offer huge advantages even over HVS, but when compared to the EU minimum standard,which accounts for over 70% of UK grass mixture sales, the benefit of HF quality becomes even greater.4

Grass and Fodder CropsS P R I N G v S U M M E R R E S E E DAlthough the majority of grass in arable and mixedfarming areas is still sown in the spring often undercereals, in true grassland areas there is an increasingtrend towards replacing grass in the traditional summerreseed months of August and September.The practice of summer reseeding is popular as it allows one orperhaps two cuts of silage to be taken before the field is ploughedand then effectively lost to production while the new grass isestablishing. There can also be a significant benefit in terms of theweed burden and control in summer as opposed to a spring reseed.However whilst there is no doubting the potential benefits of asummer reseed, these benefits are completely cancelled out ifcircumstances or weather conditions prevent the reseed takingplace and a poor field of grass is carried forward into the followingyear. Typically when a summer reseed is missed, as farmers arereluctant or perhaps unable to miss out on the following spring’sproduction, the new reseed is postponed until the followingsummer and the whole cycle is repeated. The problem with thissequence of events is that the intended reseed has been delayed for12 months, production has continued to fall in the interim and asubstantial financial penalty has been incurred. Worse still, if for anyreason the summer reseed is missed for a second year, the rapiddownward spiral of lost yield and reduced quality continues, puttingincreased pressure on forage acres in the following spring andmaking it even more difficult to get off the treadmill of delayingreseeding until the summer months.Whilst difficult summer weather can mean completely missedreseeds, it can also mean a late reseed as farmers are tempted toreplace grass in late September and even into October. Latereseeds, particularly those with a high clover content, are at high riskfrom the early onset of winter and whilst they can be successful inprolonged mild autumns, there is a much increased risk of failure andthe investment in new grass and the expected improvement inproduction can easily be lost.The clear message is that prompt, effective reseeding is vital tomaintain production but with changing weather patterns, successfulsummer reseeds can no longer be guaranteed. Spring reseeds onthe other hand are guaranteed, as invariably there is a weatherwindow when these can be achieved and if the loss of springproduction argument can be countered, reseeding in the springmonths becomes an attractive option.Spring reseeding with a full mix containing Westerwolds Ryegrassovercomes almost every argument against spring sowing and indeedis likely to produce more bulk and feed value per acre in the year ofsowing compared to delaying until the autumn■■■■It ensures production in the year of sowing – a poorfield cut twice and reseeded in the summer willproduce an estimated 10 – 12 tonnes of fresh grassper acre whereas a spring reseed with Westerwoldswill produce 20 – 25 tonnes per acreThe total feed value produced per acre isdramatically increased through the increased yieldbut also by the replacement of old grass with newhigh quality material much earlier in the yearWesterwolds will help compete against the greaterweed burden in the spring and offers the option ofweed control through cutting or grazingSpring sowing means that the full mix has longer toestablish before its first winter and consequently islikely to produce a better, thicker sward for the longtermWesterwolds Ryegrass is a short lived species designed to die outin the year of sowing following an initial flush of growth. It is includedin a full mix at 20% by weight taking the total sowing rate to 17 –18 kgs/acre and it should always be sown before the end of June toensure it dies in the year of sowing.The autumn management of asward containing Westerwolds should always include hard grazing toensure it is eradicated as survival into the second year may damagethe final sward.Cutting HF 11 with Westerwolds at Roger and Sam Steel, Dubbs Farm, Eaglesfield,Cockermouth, Cumbria (Seed supplied by Carrs Billington Agriculture Ltd)‘We sowed HF11 with Westerwolds inApril and in less than 12 weeks we had anunbelievable crop of grass. We cut it for silageand then grazed it hard right up to the backend. Using Westerwolds is a great way ofgetting production in the same year froma spring sow out’Tom Cox, Belmont, Delvin, Co Westmeath(Seed supplied by D & P Murphy)5

Grass and Fodder Crops T H E C L O V E R S T O R YClover, and particularly white clover, has always been an important component in UK grass mixtures and in the wakeof recent fertiliser prices and a growing appreciation of the benefits that both red and white clover can bring, there isno doubt that clover and increasing clover levels in grass swards will be a priority on livestock farms in 2012.Although there are many clover species available including Alsike, Crimson and Yellow Blossom Clover, these tend to have niche uses andthe two species in greatest use on UK farms are White Clover (Trifolium repens) and Red Clover (Trifolium pratense).Although both speciesshare the same name, each has very different characteristics, uses and production potential. Despite these differences however, they bothoffer similar benefits to the farmer by providing high quality, protein rich forage and a means of reducing or even completely eliminating theneed for nitrogen fertiliser through a process unique to most legumes called nitrogen fixation.K E Y B E N E F I T S O F C L O V E RNitrogen FixationBoth Red and White Clover form a mutually beneficial relationshipwith a naturally occurring soil bacterium called Rhizobium whichcolonises the roots of the clover plant in small growths or nodules.The Rhizobium bacteria in these nodules have the ability to take inor ‘fix’ nitrogen from the air and to convert it into a form which canthen be utilised for plant growth.As a rough guide, although the amount of nitrogen fixed is directlyproportional to the level of clover in the sward, a good clover andgrass sward has the ability to produce the equivalent of up to 160units N/acre/year (200 kgs N/ha/year).Increased IntakeClover is very palatable and animals will eat more of a grass andclover sward than they will of a grass only sward.Better Livestock PerformanceThe combination of clover’s higher feed value and increased intakeensures substantial improvements in animal performance whencompared to grass only swards.Forage QualityAlthough the immediate attraction of clover to most farmers lies inits nitrogen fixing ability, the inclusion of clover in a sward alsosubstantially improves forage quality and consequently animalperformance.The digestibility of clover is considerably higher than grass and its D-value declines at a much slower rate than Ryegrass as the seasonprogresses. In addition the crude protein level in clover isapproximately 50% higher than grass of equivalent digestibility andclovers generally have significantly higher contents of many of themajor and minor minerals.6

Grass and Fodder CropsW H I T E C L O V E RWhite Clover is less productive then Red but it is muchmore persistent and is therefore used in medium to longterm mixtures. Its leaves and flowers originate fromcreeping stems called stolons which grow very close to theground giving them protection from even hard grazing.These stolons play a vitally important part in both cloverproduction and persistence.The ideal grass and White Clover sward is one where the clovercontent is sufficiently large to optimise both its nutritional and nitrogenfixing abilities but which at the same time allows a high yield from thecompanion grasses. Typically clover should average at around 30%ground cover throughout the year but it may vary seasonally from aslittle as 5% in the spring to as much as 60% in mid and late summer.Vigorous stolon growth is essential for good clover production and persistenceThe following table shows the typical quality characteristics of White Clover compared to Perennial RyegrassWhite CloverPerennial RyegrassDigestibility (D-value) 75 – 85 65 – 75Crude Protein (%) 25 – 28 16 – 18Dry Matter intake by sheep (kg DM / day) 1.9 1.4Calcium content (%) 1.6 0.6Phosphorous content (%) 0.18 0.16Copper (parts per million) 10.0 6.5Selenium (parts per 100 million) 0.6 0.2The three most important factors in achieving the optimum clover content in a sward are as follows:Good EstablishmentWhether White Clover is being sown as part of a new reseed oroverseeded into an existing pasture, the key to unlocking its full benefitsbegins with successful establishment.The optimum soil pH is 5.8 – 6.5and clover has a relatively high demand for phosphate and potash.Sowing rates should be around 1.0 – 1.5 kgs/acre (7% - 10% of themixture by weight) and it should be sown shallowly into a firm, fineseedbed. Mixtures containing White Clover can be sown throughoutthe year but summer reseeds should be completed in time to allowstolons to develop before the onset of winter.Selection of the Correct Companion GrassesWhite Clover is essentially a poor competitor with grass and as thestolons are very dependent on light for their growth and development,tall open grasses are much more suitable as companion grasses thandenser varieties. Thus the Tetraploid Perennials with their tall opengrowth habit and high yields are the ideal companion grasses to allowWhite Clover to thrive. In addition the high sugar content of Tetraploidgrasses provides the ideal balance to the forage analysis of clover.Matching Clover Types and Varieties to Sward UseWhite Clovers are classified into three groups according to their leafsize, and to ensure long term clover survival, it is essential to match leafsize with the intended sward use.Small LeavedSmall leaved White Clover varieties have a prostrate growth habit andare slow to establish but very persistent.They are ideal for close sheepgrazing and will tolerate the poorer climatic and fertility conditionstypical of upland areas.Medium LeavedMedium leaved varieties have a tallergrowth habit and are best suited todual purpose management andmixed or cattle grazing. They areextensively used in dual purpose andlong term leys. Performance in termsof yield and persistency varies widelybetween varieties.Large LeavedLarge leaved varieties exhibit a tall erect growth habit and as a result aregenerally less suited to grazing and more suited to cutting. Theiraggressive growth helps them to compete successfully with grass in highinput situations and they are ideal for medium term cutting mixtures.There are many different White Clover varieties available within eachleaf size group and their performance varies enormously in terms ofyield, seasonality and persistency under different management regimes.It is important to choose a high yielding variety for the obvious benefitof increased forage production but also because the highest yieldingvarieties have the ability to fix the greatest amount of nitrogen. Earlyspring growth is also important as slow growth means lower yields andless nitrogen fixation in the early part of the season. Lastly goodpersistency under different management regimes is essential as thecontribution from clover is dramatically reduced if the clover content isnot maintained at the optimum level.All the clover types used in HF mixtures are matched to sward use andthe individual varieties are selected on the basis of these importantcriteria.7

Grass and Fodder CropsR E D C L O V E RRed Clover is one of the highest yielding forage speciesavailable and in recent years it has undergone a massiveresurgence in popularity largely due to better varieties,improved ensiling techniques and equipment, increaseddemand for greater protein self-sufficiency and reduceddependence on purchased nitrogen fertiliser.Red Clover is a short-lived perennial plant with a normal lifespan of twoto four years. It has a tufted, upright growth habit from the crown of theplant which lies at ground level and it has a deep tap root. Consequently,as it does not have the creeping growth habit of White Clover, RedClover is unable to spread and fill open areas in the sward. Its uprightgrowth habit from the central crown restricts its use for grazing and it isessentially a crop for silage production which can be cut 3 to 4 times ayear over its life expectancy of 3 full production years.Red Clover can be grown on its own or in a mixture with suitablecompanion grasses.The advantage of using Red Clover in a mixture withgrass rather than on its own, is that the companion grasses provideprotection from damage and poaching and if high sugar grasses are used,the nutritional balance and ensiling process is much improved.The idealcompanion grasses for Red Clover are the modern Tetraploid HybridRyegrasses which have a similar lifespan and are aggressive enough tocompete in a sward containing a high percentage of Red Clover.Red Clover Silage FactsDigestibility 60 – 70%Dry Matter Yield10 – 15 t DM/ha (4 – 6 t DM/acre)Dry Matter Content 25 – 30%Energy (ME)10.0 – 11.5 MJ/kg DMCrude Protein 15 – 20%Although Red Clover is primarily a cutting species and lacks persistencyunder grazing, aftermaths can be grazed in the autumn by beef cattle orfattening lambs, however due to the high oestrogen content of somevarieties, grazing with breeding animals should be avoided.Red Clover should be sown at 6 – 7 kgs /acre on its own or at 3.5 – 4kgs/acre when sown with Hybrid Ryegrass (25% of the mixture byweight).‘I have been using HF mixtures for as long as Ican remember and have never had any reasonto change. They always establish well andproduce a great sward with plenty bulk forcutting or grazing. With current fertiliserprices I intend to increase my clover levels andI know HF will be happy to make up a mix tosuit’James French, Pitgair Farm, King Edward,Turriff,Aberdeenshire (Seed supplied by UAP Ltd)Red Clover silage is high in protein and can significantly reduce the total costof protein in animal diets8

Grass and Fodder CropsA D V A N C E D G R A S S E S T MThroughout its long history HF has been renowned for innovation in grass seed technology from the introduction ofTetraploids in the early 1970’s right through to HF’s most recent advances in over-seeding and the development of therevolutionary iSeed ® .Following several years of extensive trial work in conjunction with its parent company DLF Trifolium, HF Seeds is once again leading the waywith the introduction of a new range of Advanced Grasses TM which has been developed by crossing traditional Italian Ryegrasses with bothMeadow Fescue and Tall Fescue. Although the idea of crossing fescues (Festuca) and ryegrass (Lolium) is not new, the crossing of improvedmodern varieties has produced a species (Festulolium) which combines the best characteristics of ryegrass and fescue and which has uniqueproperties not found in any other species.Three new Advanced Grasses TM are included in the 2012 HF mixture rangePERUNPERUN is a variety of Advanced ItalianRyegrass but with much betterpersistence, stress tolerance and diseaseresistance than conventional varieties ofItalian. It is very high yielding with a highsugar content and excellent early springgrowth making it an ideal component inshort to medium term cutting mixtures. It isparticularly suitable as a companion grass forred clover.ITALIAN RYEGRASS ITALIAN RYEGRASS TALL FESCUEPERSEUSThe variety PERSEUS has resulted from across between Italian Ryegrass and MeadowFescue and has all the desirable charactersof Italian Ryegrass (very high yield, excellentearly spring growth and fast regrowth aftercutting) but with improved persistency andstress tolerance.HYKORTall Fescue is extremely drought tolerant andconsequently is used in hot dry countries asa forage species. In the UK the Advanced TallFescue TM variety HYKOR with its improvedtolerance of general stress and very dryconditions offers a unique solution fordrought conditions and could be consideredas an alternative to Cocksfoot offeringsignificantly better yields and higher quality.A summary of performance data of the three varieties compared to their parent species is shown belowYield % Sugar % Protein ME D-Valuet DM/ha Content Content MJ/kg DMHYKOR AdvancedTMTall Fescue17.63 10.4 22.5 11.4 71.4Tall Fescue 16.37 12.5 19.8 11.4 71.6PERSEUS AdvancedItalian Ryegrass TM 22.68 12.2 21.6 11.3 71.1PERUN AdvancedItalian Ryegrass TM 19.24 12.2 22.4 11.4 71.6Tetraploid IntermediatePerennial Ryegrass17.37 12.1 24.8 11.4 71.9Data from Didbrook Fields, DLF Trifolium’s UK trial centreThe Advanced Grasses TM are very high yielding and are ideal companion grasses for clover9

Grass and Fodder CropsT R I P L E C R O W NRight from the very beginning of the HF brand in the 1960’s, HF Seeds recognised the importance of using the verybest varieties in terms of yield, forage quality and feed value and that a variety’s overall performance depended on acombination of many different characteristics. This total quality philosophy has kept HF Seeds at the forefront ofvariety evaluation techniques and has led to the introduction of many new quality assessment methods over the years.The aim of HF Seeds is to ensure that livestock farmers get the very best varieties of grass which are available at the time and that varietiesare selected and mixtures are designed to achieve the following objectives■■■To maximise meat and milk production by ensuring the feed from grass forms an even more nutritious and digestiblepart of a ruminant’s dietTo enhance the field performance of a sward in terms of disease resistance, persistency and grazing propertiesTo increase sward yield and dry matter production per hectareThe use of the very latest technology in the analysis and measurement of the individual factors influencing these essential varietycharacteristics allowed HF Seeds to introduce a new quality index in 2011 called TRIPLE CROWN. TRIPLE CROWN is a highly sophisticatedtotal quality assessment system measuring the feed, field and yield parameters of individual grass varieties.The individual characteristics measured within each of the three parameters areFEED PERFORMANCEVarieties are assessed for their performancein each of the most important feedingparameters■■■■■Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF)Digestible Organic MatterCrude ProteinWater Soluble CarbohydrateAcid Detergent Fibre (ADF)FIELD PERFORMANCEVarieties are assessed for their performancein each of the most important agronomicparameters■■■■Disease ResistanceWinter HardinessSward DensityStems in RegrowthYIELD PERFORMANCEVarieties are assessed for their performancein each of the most important productionparameters■■Total Dry Matter YieldSeasonal Dry Matter YieldOne of the key feed performance indicators used in TRIPLE CROWN is Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF). NDF is the slowly digestible partof carbohydrates (sugars) in plants and recent pioneering research work in rumen health and performance has shown that the overall NDFcontent and its digestibility is of much more importance than quickly digested sugars or Water Soluble Carbohydrate.High NDF Content• Is important for rumen health and performance• Improves digestion and utilisation of nutrients• Stimulates rumen function, stabilises pH and has a positive effecton the digestion processHigh NDF Digestibility• Increases the amount of forage metabolised by the rumenmicro-organisms• Adds around 1 /4 litre of milk per cow per day for each 1%increase in digestibilityOnce a variety’s performance in each of the feed, field and yieldcriteria has been assessed only those varieties with exceptionalperformance are awarded TRIPLE CROWN status. By using theTRIPLE CROWN system HF Seeds has been able to go beyond thequality assessments used to produce UK Recommended Lists andhas been able to identify the ‘best of the best’ and to include thefollowing exceptional varieties in the 2012 HF mixture range.CANCANPASTOURROMARKMAURICEPOLIMLate Perennial RyegrassLate Perennial RyegrassLate Perennial RyegrassTetraploid LatePerennial RyegrassTetraploid LatePerennial Ryegrass10

Grass and Fodder CropsH F V A R I E T I E SAll the varieties used in HF mixtures have beenselected on the basis of their performance in trialsthroughout the UK. In particular HF Seeds is amajor participant in the schemes to finance theproduction of the various UK Recommended Listsof Grass and Clover varieties. This participationensures that HF mixtures benefit from detailedup-to-date information on the latest varieties.PERENNIAL RYEGRASSPerennial Ryegrass is the most widely sownspecies in the UK. It forms the basis of mostmixtures because of its combination of usefulcharacteristics. Perennial Ryegrasses aregrouped together according to their maturityor heading date.Early Maturing VarietiesEarly Perennial Ryegrass will start to grow upto two weeks earlier in the spring than latervarieties. They are particularly useful for earlygrowth for sheep grazing or in specialist silagemixtures being cut in early to mid May.GENESIS New for 2012A brand new variety in its first year of commercialavailability, Genesis is exceptionally high yieldingunder both cutting and grazing with very good earlyspring growth. Genesis also has very good lateseason growth for autumn grazing.Intermediate Maturing VarietiesIntermediate Perennial Ryegrass varieties willhead on average 7 to 10 days later than EarlyPerennials. They are high yielding and withtheir later heading offer greater flexibility ofuse making them well suited to a wide rangeof grassland enterprises.BREEUsed extensively in HF mixtures, Bree is high yieldingand particularly suited to grazing management. It hasexcellent mid and late season growth andexceptionally good mid-season D-value.SOLOMONAn outstanding new variety first introduced by HFSeeds in 2011, Solomon is recommended throughthe UK and is very high yielding under both cuttingand grazing. Solomon also has exceptionally goodspring and autumn growth, excellent swarddensity and very good forage quality. An excellentvariety in all respects and a very valuable newaddition to the HF range.PREMIUM(only available as organic)Premiun is a high yielding variety under bothcutting and grazing with very good mid-seasonforage quality. Very good ground cover andexcellent disease resistance.CALIBRA (T)(also available as organic)Calibra is a high sugar variety and performs equallywell under both cutting and grazing producingsome of the highest yields in its class. Calibra alsohas excellent spring growth, very good foragequality and good general disease resistance. Anexcellent variety in all the important characters.MAGICIAN (T)(also available as organic)Magician produces very high yields under bothcutting and grazing.With exceptionally good earlyspring growth Magician produces very high grazingyields right though from spring to late summerand is high yielding for both first and second cutsilage. An excellent dual purpose variety whichmakes a valuable contribution to HF mixtureperformance.GODALI 1 (T)A new variety particularly suited to grazing, Godali1 has high grazing yields with very good spring andautumn growth, good disease resistance andexcellent winter hardiness.Late Maturing VarietiesOn average Late Perennial Ryegrass varietieshead 10 - 14 days later than IntermediatePerennials. They are characterised by theirmore prostrate growth habit and provide verygood density in the sward. They are highyielding with good persistence and will last formany years.FOXTROT(also available as organic)An excellent variety with very high yields of highsugar forage under both cutting and particularlyunder grazing. Foxtrot also has very good seasonalgrowth distribution producing high mid-seasonyields with very good D-value.PASTOUR(also available as organic)Recommended for use throughout the UK,Pastour has very high yields under bothmanagements. It has good spring growth and isparticularly high yielding in mid and late summer.Very good resistance to Crown Rust.ROMARK(also available as organic)Romark is particularly suited to grazing where itproduces very high yields.Very good ground coverand excellent mid-season forage quality anddigestibility. Romark is also very resistant to CrownRust.TYRCONNELLTyrconnell is recommended throughout the UKand is a superb grazing variety with good foragequality, excellent sward density and very high midand late season yields.CANCANCancan is a late heading diploid perennial ryegrasswith good conservation yields and very high yieldsunder grazing. It has excellent sward density andvery good forage quality making it a very usefulvariety in all types of mixture but particularlythose with a bias towards grazing.TIVOLI (T)(also available as organic)Tivoli is high yielding under both cutting andgrazing. It produces good yields of high D-valueforage over 2 cuts and maintains grazing qualitythroughout the year.GLENCAR (T)Glencar is recommended for use throughout theUK and is the highest yielding Late PerennialRyegrass under conservation on all threeRecommended Lists. It has exceptionally goodearly spring growth producing massive first cutyields at 67D.POLIM (T)(also available as organic)A relatively new variety, Polim is very high yieldingunder grazing with very good early spring growth.It also shows high yields under conservation witha very high yield at first cut at 67D. Exceptionallygood resistance to Crown Rust.MAURICE (T)(also available as organic)A very late heading Tetraploid Perennial with goodground cover especially suited to long termmixtures. Good yields under both cutting andgrazing which improve over the first three years.ITALIAN RYEGRASSItalian Ryegrass is relatively short lived and istherefore only used in one to three year leys.It has a long growing season and producesheavy crops of hay or silage. Italian has verygood early spring growth and combined withits relatively late heading date, it willproduce a leafy silage cut after earlygrazing.ALAMOAlamo is one of the highest yielding Italians on UKRecommended Lists and has good forage qualityrelative to other Italian Ryegrass varieties.GEMINI (T) New for 2012An excellent tetraploid variety with very highyields, good seasonal growth distribution and highD-values at both main silage cuts. Good mildewresistance.11

Grass and Fodder CropsH F V A R I E T I E SHYBRID RYEGRASSHybrid Ryegrasses are bred from a crossbetween Italian and Perennial Ryegrassparents. The objective is to combine theproduction of Italian Ryegrass with thepersistency and forage quality of PerennialRyegrass and recent breeding advances haveproduced new varieties with thesecharacteristics making them an idealconstituent in leys of up to five years duration.TETRAGRAZE (T) New for 2012A new high yielding tetraploid variety, Tetragrazehas good seasonal growth and excellent diseaseresistance with the highest resistance ratings onthe England and Wales Recommended List for thethree main diseases affecting grass.SOLID (T)(also available as organic)Solid is a true Perennial type Hybrid producinghigh yields with exceptionally good mid-seasondigestibility and forage quality. Its Perennialcharacteristics ensure outstanding persistence andsward density. Solid also has excellent generaldisease resistance with excellent resistance toCrown Rust.STORM (T)Storm produces very high yields underconservation and high yields under grazing. It hasvery good early spring growth and good all rounddisease resistance. Storm is specially recommendedfor situations where yield is the top priority.FESTULOLIUMThe Festuloliums or Advanced Grasses result froma cross between Fescues and Italian Ryegrass andoffer all the benefits of Ryegrass combined withthe stress tolerance of Fescues.HYKORAn Advanced Tall Fescue TM , Hykor is extremelydrought tolerant and although its potential for usein the UK is limited it offers a unique solution fordrought conditions and could be considered as analternative to Cocksfoot offering significantlybetter yields and higher quality.PERSEUS New for 2012An Advanced Italian Ryegrass resulting from across between Italian Ryegrass and MeadowFescue, Perseus has all the desirable characters ofItalian Ryegrass namely very high yield, excellentearly spring growth and fast regrowth after cuttingbut with improved persistency and stresstolerance.PERUN New for 2012Perun is a variety of Advanced Italian Ryegrassbut with much better persistence and combineshigh yields with good quality and high sugar levels.It has exceptional early spring growth and gooddisease resistance and with its unique set ofcharacteristics it is an ideal companion grass forRed Clover.TIMOTHYTimothy is an under-rated species as it bringsmany desirable features to a grass mixture. Ithas excellent early spring growth and is lateheading producing a large bulk of forage atfirst cut. It is very palatable, extremely winterhardy and thrives under cool wet conditions.Timothy is generally better suited to cutting,however its early spring growth can be veryuseful for early bite.DOLINA(also available as organic)Recommended by all three testing authorities,Dolina is one of the highest yielding Timothies onUK Recommended Lists. It performs particularlywell under grazing and has excellent early springgrowth and very good yield distributionthroughout the growing season.PROMESSEAn excellent Timothy variety with high yields,good sward density and very good summer andautumn growth.COCKSFOOTCocksfoot is very persistent and deep-rootingand is therefore suited to light gravelly soilswhere mid-summer drought may reduceyields. It is extremely winter hardy with goodearly spring growth and it also yields well inlate summer and autumn. Cocksfoot needs tobe managed tightly in mid-season as it canbecome stemmy and unpalatable.SPARTAA later heading Cocksfoot, Sparta has goodground cover and produces high yields undergrazing. It has good early spring growth and hasthe highest mid-season digestibility of all theCocksfoot varieties.WHITE CLOVERWhite Clover varieties are classified by leaf size.The smaller leaved varieties have a prostratecreeping growth habit and persist well undergrazing whereas the larger leaved varieties aremore erect and better suited to cutting.ALICEA large leaved high yielding variety well suited tocutting with consistent seasonality of growth. Alsoachieves a high clover content and persists wellunder grazing despite its large leaf size.RIESLINGA high yielding large leaved variety with goodpersistence and good ground cover for a largeleaved variety.CHIEFTAINOn the borderline between large and mediumleaf size, Chieftain is recommended throughoutthe UK and produces very high yields withexcellent late season growth with good groundclover for its leaf size.AVOCAAvoca is an outstanding medium leaved varietyrecommended by all three testing authorities. It isextremely high yielding with excellent seasonalyield distribution and particularly good earlyspring growth compared to many other clovervarieties. It is also very persistent under bothcutting and grazing.RONNYRonny is a new small leaved clover varietyproducing high yields of clover with good earlyspring and excellent mid-season growth. Verypersistent under hard grazing.RIVENDELA small leaved variety with good yields andexcellent persistence under hard grazing.RED CLOVERRed Clover is an aggressive and very highyielding but relatively short-lived species witha maximum life expectancy of around 3years. It is primarily used in short termconservation mixtures. Resistance to theSclerotinia and Stem Eelworm both of whichare very damaging to the persistencyof Red Clover and are important factors toconsider in the evaluation of varieties.RAJAH(only available as organic)An intermediate to late flowering variety, Rajah isa Diploid variety with high yields with goodpersistency and general disease resistance. Rajahalso shows good resistance to both Sclerotiniaand Stem Eelworm.AMOSA very high yielding Tetraploid variety withintermediate earliness. Amos has good generaldisease resistance relative to other varieties buthas much better persistency and maintains highyields over a longer period.CORVUSHigh annual yields with good ground cover andpersistency over three harvest years.12

Grass and Grass Fodder and Fodder Crops CropsM I X T U R E S E L E C T O RHF mixtures are designed and formulated to meet specific sward uses. Significant differences between mixtures arenot always obvious but even small differences can change the way in which the final sward behaves. Selection of thewrong mixture will inevitably mean that the sward will not perform up to expectations simply because it is the wrongmix for the job.The HF mixture selector is designed to help answer many of the common questions in mixture selection, however it is not possible to caterfor every situation and if in doubt contact HF Seeds for further advice.Type of ReseedOrganicConventionalConventionalHigh CloverOverseedingNew ReseedGrassRejuvenationNew ReseedHF OrganicsPages 26-27HF OrganicRejuvenatorPage 27How long willthe mix be down?HFHigh CloverPage 24-25HFGrassMaxPage 21-23One toTwo YearsTwo toFour YearsFour toEight YearsAs longas possibleHF BonusPage 14HF SurecropPage 14How will itbe used?Height aboveSea Level?Mainly CuttingCattle GrazingCutting &GrazingHayUp to1,000 feetOver1,000 feetHFSuper GrazePage 17HFScotshayPage 19HF PDPage 17HFHigh HillPage 18First Cutin MayFirst Cutin JuneEarly Bitefor SheepRequiredNoEarly BiteRequiredHFSuper SilagePage 16HFCutswardPage 16HFProspectPage 15HF 11Page 15For specialist mixtures such asReliant, Horse Paddock and Dry Land see pages 18 - 2013

Grass and Fodder CropsT H E M I X T U R E SONE TO TWO YEAR MIXTUREHFB●NUSA mixture designed for intensive use and maximum yield over twofull production years. Suitable for intensive cutting and/or grazingand the standard mix can be undersown or direct seeded. A RedClover inclusion option is available if required but this mix is notsuitable for undersowing.ALAMOItalian RyegrassGEMINITetraploid Italian RyegrassPERUNAdvanced Italian Ryegrass TMSOLIDTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassTETRAGRAZETetraploid Hybrid RyegrassRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 14 KG/ACRE (32 - 35 KG/HECTARE)❚ Optimum cutting date – first week in June❚ Massive yield potential from the combination of veryhigh yielding Italian and Hybrid Ryegrasses❚ Includes the new Advanced Italian Ryegrass varietyPerun combining exceptionally high yields with goodforage quality and excellent stress tolerance❚ Specially formulated with the correct proportions of thehighest yielding varieties for maximum yield andpersistency over two full production years❚ Only contains grasses capable of establishment andsurvival in a very competitive and productive sward❚ High Tetraploid content ensures grazing palatability andhigh sugar levels for rapid silage fermentation❚ Exceptionally good early spring growth from allcomponents❚ Suitable for early bite followed by first cut silage as therelatively late heading dates and good D-values allowdelayed cutting to produce high silage yields at 67D❚ Varieties specially selected for forage quality,palatability and mid-season digestibility❚ Option to add Red Clover where the mix is intendedprimarily for cuttingOVERSEED WITHTHREE YEAR MIXTUREHFA high performance three year mixture including Hybrid andPerennial Ryegrasses and White Clover. HF Surecrop is suitable forintensive cutting and/or grazing and can be either undersown ordirect seeded. A Red Clover inclusion option which is unsuitable forundersowing is available if required. For optimum performance HFSurecrop is best grazed in its first year.TETRAGRAZETetraploid Hybrid RyegrassSOLIDTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassBAHIALTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassPERUNAdvanced Italian Ryegrass TMMAGICIANTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassHF INTENSIVE CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 14 KG/ACRE (32 - 35 KG/HECTARE)❚ Optimum cutting date – first week in June❚ Suitable for both cutting or grazing and speciallyformulated for exceptionally high yields over three fullproduction years❚ Includes the new Advanced Italian Ryegrass variety,Perun, combining high yields with good forage qualityand excellent stress tolerance❚ Hybrid content combines the production potential ofItalian Ryegrass with the persistency and forage qualityof Perennial❚ Very good early spring growth for high yields at first cut❚ Only contains grasses capable of establishment andsurvival in a very competitive and productive sward❚ High Tetraploid content ensures grazing palatability andhigh sugar levels for rapid silage fermentation❚ Unique blend of highly productive White Clover varietiesdesigned to maximise production, herbage quality andlivestock performance and to ensure clover persistenceunder intensive management❚ Option to add or to change to Red Clover where the mixis intended primarily for cuttingOVERSEED WITH‘Our contractingbusiness makes a lotof silage across 1500acres and we knowhow important bigcuts of quality silageare to our customersand ourselves. Westarted using HFmixtures again 3 years ago after beingdisappointed with other mixtures and aredelighted at the superb yields and quality weare getting. This year’s grass was establishedunder a crop of spring barley and we havebeen able to make a cut of lovely silage 3weeks after the barley was combined’Mike Allardyce and his son Mike, Catterloch,Banchory, Aberdeenshire (Seed supplied byScotgrain Agriculture Ltd)Jim Thompson at 14 Kilmahamogue Road, Ballycastle,Co Antrim cutting an HF mixture containing Westerwolds‘I have used HF 11for a long time as it ishardy, lasts a longtime and cuts andgrazes really well butI have been havingproblems with grasschoking out thebarley in undersows.This year I decided to try a direct reseedwith Westerwolds and it was very successful.Sown in mid-April and cut in mid-July itproduced over 13 bales per acre and left agreat field of grass underneath. I willcertainly do it again’George Paterson, Upper Obney Farm, Bankfoot,Perthshire (Seed supplied by Frontier Agriculture Ltd)14

Grass and Fodder CropsT H E M I X T U R E S‘I can’t see past HF11, it consistentlyproduces the bulk andquality that we arelooking for. This yearall the direct reseedsincluded Westerwoldsand the bulk theyproduced in a such ashort period of time was outstanding’Ian Wilson, Fordie Farm,Torphins, Aberdeenshire(Seed supplied by UAP Ltd)(Seed supplied by Wm A Palmer)‘My family have beenHF Seeds users formany years. I thoughtI would try anothermixture, but it wasinferior to the usualhigh standards thatI’m used to achievingwith HF. I’m now backusing HF mixtures again as they consistentlygive me very high yields of quality grass andsilage to feed to my pedigree Simmentalcattle.’Robert Macgregor, Kirkton of Mailer, Bridgeof Earn, Perthshire (Seed supplied by CarrsBillington Agriculture Ltd)DUAL PURPOSE MIXTURESHFScotland’s best selling dual purpose mixture,tried and tested across the country andrenowned for its yield and performanceunder different management regimes. HF 11is a flexible, rotational mixture suitable forboth cutting and grazing and will last fromfive to eight years.BREEIntermediate Perennial RyegrassSOLOMONIntermediate Perennial RyegrassCALIBRATetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassGODALI 1Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassTYRCONNELLLate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassGLENCARTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassHF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37 KG/HECTARE)❚ Optimum cutting date - end of first week in June❚ Specially formulated for a high NDF content and top quality foragewith high proportions of the TRIPLE CROWN varieties Romark andPastour❚ Balanced proportion of Diploid and Tetraploid PerennialRyegrasses ensures high yields and high sugar content for goodsilage fermentation and grazing palatability❚ Contains high percentages of Solomon, Pastour and Glencar, threeof the highest yielding Perennial Ryegrasses on the 2012 DARDRecommended List❚ Includes Solomon for its exceptional first cut yields and late seasongrowth and Tyrconnell for its very high grazing yields and superbsward density❚ Very good spring growth but with later heading ensuring highyields of quality forage at first cut❚ Exceptional sward density from Solomon, Tyrconnell and Romark,three of the densest varieties on UK recommended lists❚ High clover content to ensure a good clover level in the final sward❚ Contains HF’s unique Dual Purpose Clover Blend which is based onthe most productive varieties and designed to achieve themaximum clover content and persistency under both cutting andgrazingOVERSEED WITHHFA dual purpose rotational mixture, similar toHF 11 in many ways, but containing EarlyPerennial Ryegrass to give early springgrowth for early bite for ewes and lambs. Ina cutting situation HF Prospect is earlierheading than HF 11 but with its better earlyseason growth it is the ideal mix on beef andsheep farms where early bite is requiredbefore first cut silage.GENESISEarly Perennial RyegrassBREEIntermediate Perennial RyegrassSOLOMONIntermediate Perennial RyegrassGODALI 1Tetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassTYRCONNELLLate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassGLENCARTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassHF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37 KG/HECTARE)❚ Optimum cutting date - last week in May❚ Specially formulated for a high NDF content and top qualityforage with high proportions of the TRIPLE CROWN varietiesRomark and Pastour❚ Balanced proportion of Diploid and Tetraploid PerennialRyegrasses ensures high yields and high sugar content forgood silage fermentation and grazing palatability❚ Contains high percentages of Solomon, Pastour and Glencar,three of the highest yielding Perennial Ryegrasses on the 2012DARD Recommended List❚ Includes Solomon for its exceptional first cut yields and lateseason growth and Tyrconnell for its very high grazing yieldsand superb sward density❚ Specially formulated for exceptional early spring growth forearly bite for ewes and lambs including the new varietyGenesis, the highest yielding Early Perennial Ryegrass on the2012 DARD Recommended List❚ Exceptional sward density from Solomon, Tyrconnell andRomark, three of the densest varieties available today❚ Contains a high level of HF’s unique Dual Purpose CloverBlend designed to achieve maximum clover content andproduction in award which is likely to be grazed in the earlyspring a late summer in addition to being cut for silageOVERSEED WITH15

Grass and Fodder CropsT H E M I X T U R E SINTENSIVE CUTTING MIXTURESHFHFA specialist high yielding silage mixture of medium term durationwith delayed heading for late areas or where first cut is taken inearly June.SOLOMONIntermediate Perennial RyegrassCALIBRATetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassMAGICIANTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassFOXTROTLate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassTIVOLITetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassGLENCARTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassDOLINATimothyHF CUTTING CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37 KG/HECTARE)❚ Optimum cutting date - end of first week in June❚ Specially formulated for high sugar forage❚ Contains the TRIPLE CROWN variety Pastour includedfor its forage quality and high conservation yield❚ Mixture design ensures good mid and late season growthfor second and subsequent cuts with all varieties selectedfor yield and persistence under conservation management❚ Contains later heading varieties like Glencar, Foxtrotand Pastour which have very high conservation yieldson UK Recommended Lists and which have been speciallyselected to maximise silage yields at later cutting dates❚ Superb forage quality and D-value❚ Good spring growth with later heading ensures highyields of quality forage at first cut❚ Not just a first cut mixture with varieties chosen forrapid regrowth and high second cut yields❚ The relatively high Timothy content makes the mixturean ideal choice for silage on beef and sheep farms andfor colder sites in later areas❚ Excellent winter hardiness❚ Clover content based entirely on HF’s unique CuttingClover blend to ensure good clover production andsurvival under intensive silage managementOVERSEED WITHA medium term silage mixture specifically designed for three cutsystems. The mixture recipe and variety split ensures the very goodearly spring growth which is necessary to produce high yields atearly first cut dates.SOLIDTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassSOLOMONIntermediate Perennial RyegrassMAGICIANTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassFOXTROTLate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassTIVOLITetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassGLENCARTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassHF CUTTING CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 14 KG/ACRE (32 - 35 KG/HECTARE)❚ Optimum cutting date - last week in May❚ Formulated with varieties specially chosen to providemaximum bulk of quality silage at earlier cutting dates❚ Contains the TRIPLE CROWN variety Pastour includedfor its forage quality and high conservation yield❚ High Tetraploid Ryegrass content for both yield and highsugar levels❚ High sugar yield per acre ensures maximum feedingvalue, excellent palatability and rapid silagefermentation❚ Based on many of the highest yielding PerennialRyegrasses under conservation on the 2012 DARDRecommended List❚ Based on varieties which have shown good persistenceunder intensive cutting❚ Good mid-season growth and digestibility for secondand subsequent cuts❚ Varieties selected for their forage quality and D-valueat first cut❚ Clover content based entirely on HF’s unique CuttingClover blend to ensure good clover production andsurvival under intensive silage managementOVERSEED WITH‘I'm a big fan of HFSuper Silage. Indairying it is importantto have plenty of goodquality high D- valuesilage. Super Silage is atremendous yielder andwith its high sugarlevels and excellentforage quality it consistently produces thetype of silage we are looking for’Mark McIntyre, 197 Carnalbanagh Road,Broughshane, Co. Antrim (Seed supplied by LoganMcMaster Engineering)16

Grass and Fodder CropsT H E M I X T U R E S‘We are on a wet siteon the island of Arranand with our very highrainfall we need grassmixtures that canwithstand a lot ofpoaching. I have triedother grass seedmixtures but I alwaysend up coming back to HF and usually HF PD.It always produces a very dense, persistentsward and a good bulky cut of silage. Lambs doreally well on the aftermaths into the back-endand the ewes have a tough hardy sward to seethem through the winter’John McDonald,Auchenhew Farm, Isle of Arran(Seed supplied by Ralph Bova Farm Supplies)‘I have used HF PDfor a long time and amvery happy with howit performs. It alwaysdoes very wellproducing a gooddense sward and plentygrass for both cuttingand grazing and seemsto be an ideal mixture for beef and sheep inthis area’’Stewart McIntosh, Outer Huntly Farm,Ashkirk, Selkirk,Scottish Borders (Seed supplied by Clark & Weir Ltd)INTENSIVE GRAZING MIXTUREHFSpecially designed for intensive cattlegrazing. Based on short growing, hightillering and long lived grasses andproducing a very dense, highly productivesward of great persistence. Suitable formedium to long term use.BREEIntermediate Perennial RyegrassSOLOMONIntermediate Perennial RyegrassTYRCONNELLLate Perennial RyegrassCANCANLate Perennial RyegrassROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassGLENCARTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassHF GRAZING CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37 KG/HECTARE)❚ Specially formulated for a high NDF content and topquality forage with high proportions of the TRIPLECROWN varieties Cancan, Romark and Pastour❚ High sugar yields ensure excellent palatability andimproved animal performance❚ Contains exceptional grazing varieties like Bree,Solomon and Tyrconnell chosen for their yield andperformance under grazing management❚ Varieties specially selected for their forage quality andseasonality of growth to provide a consistent and easilymanaged grazing sward❚ Extreme sward density able to withstand heavy grazingand poaching in high rainfall areas❚ Based on a unique blend of Perennial Ryegrass varietiesdesigned to provide predictable grazing yield andquality throughout the entire season❚ Formulated to have grass at the right stage for grazingat cattle turnout❚ Even grass growth throughout the season allows ease ofgrazing management❚ Contains the best possible White Clover varieties forproduction and persistence under intensive cattlegrazingOVERSEED WITHPERMANENT MIXTUREHFPDA versatile permanent mixture with extremesward density consisting of a blend ofgrasses and clovers that will produce a wellbalanced sward giving even growth ofquality herbage for many years.GENESISEarly Perennial RyegrassSOLOMONIntermediate Perennial RyegrassBREEIntermediate Perennial RyegrassCALIBRATetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassMAURICETetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassHERALDCreeping Red FescueHF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE14 - 16 KG/ACRE (35 - 40 KG/HECTARE)❚ Specially formulated for a high NDF content and topquality forage with high proportions of the TRIPLECROWN varieties Pastour, Romark and Maurice❚ Broad spread of varieties provides a versatile mixturesuitable for grazing and/or cutting❚ Superb early spring growth from Genesis and Solomon toensure early bite for ewes and lambs but also high yieldsof quality fodder at first cut❚ Very persistent and winter hardy varieties for longevityof the sward❚ Extreme sward density from a high proportion of LatePerennial Ryegrass and also from a low inclusion ofCreeping Red Fescue❚ Excellent mid and late season growth maintains summerproduction and extends the grazing season❚ High inclusion of HF’s unique Dual Purpose Clover blenddesigned to maximise the clover content for production,palatability and livestock performance❚ Clover blend contains the best possible White Clovervarieties for production and persistency in a permanentmixtureOVERSEED WITH17

Grass and Fodder CropsT H E M I X T U R E SPERMANENT MIXTUREHFSPECIALIST MIXTURESHFA long term traditional mixture containingCocksfoot designed for more extensive useand to improve production on land which isprone to drought.GENESISEarly Perennial RyegrassSOLOMONIntermediate Perennial RyegrassCALIBRATetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassFOXTROTLate Perennial RyegrassROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassCANCANLate Perennial RyegrassPROMESSETimothyDOLINATimothySPARTACocksfootHERALDCreeping Red FescueHF GRAZING CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE14 - 16 KG/ACRE (35 - 40 KG/HECTARE)❚ Contains Cocksfoot for early spring growth and droughttolerance❚ Excellent early bite for ewes and lambs❚ Contains the TRIPLE CROWN varieties Romark andCancan included for their grazing performance, foragequality and sward density❚ Blend of grasses formulated to provide consistentproduction from early spring to late autumn❚ Excellent sward density for Solomon, Foxtrot, Romarkand Cancan all of which receive a ‘A’ for sward densityon the 2012 SAC Recommended List❚ Will perform equally well under cutting or grazing❚ Creeping Red Fescue with its creeping growth habitbinds the sward together and aids recovery afterpoaching or over-grazing❚ Contains HF’s highly productive Grazing Clover blend tomaximise production, herbage quality and livestockperformanceOVERSEED WITHA long term hill mixture specially designedfor sheep grazing and to suit the harsherconditions of upland pastures. Ideal forreseeding hills or reclaiming marginal land.Contains grasses suited to the poorer soilsand shorter growing season typical of hillground.BREEIntermediate Perennial RyegrassSOLOMONIntermediate Perennial RyegrassROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassFOXTROTLate Perennial RyegrassMAURICETetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassPROMESSETimothyDOLINATimothyHERALDCreeping Red FescueHF GRAZING CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE14 - 16 KG/ACRE (35 - 40 KG/HECTARE)❚ Based on later heading varieties to ensure goodgrowth in later areas before the production of seedheads❚ Contains the TRIPLE CROWN varieties Romark andMaurice included for their forage quality, grazingperformance and persistency❚ Early bite provided by a high Timothy content and ahigh proportion of grazing tolerant Perennial Ryegrassvarieties❚ Very good winter hardiness for longevity under harsherupland conditions❚ Varieties selected for sward density to resist poaching❚ A high proportion of persistent Late Perennials ensuresgood production over many years❚ The unique combination of grazing PerennialRyegrasses produces short dense growth ideal forgrazing❚ Will also provide a cut of hay or silage if required❚ Creeping Red Fescue with its creeping growth habitbinds the sward together and aids recovery afterpoaching or over-grazing❚ All ingredients selected for cold and snow tolerance❚ High content of HF’s unique Grazing Clover blendspecially designed for production and persistency inan upland situationOVERSEED WITH‘The system we runhere at Doune Farmsis based on outwinteringboth thecattle and sheep, sowe must have tough,winter hardy anddense swards that canproduce grass for aslong a season as possible and stand up to thestock numbers we are carrying. Lime,phosphate and potash are used whennecessary, but we apply no nitrogen fertiliserand have extra white clover added to our HFReliant which supplies all our nitrogenrequirements’Martin Bridges, Moray Estates Farms Manager,Doune Farms, Milton of Cambus, Doune,Perthshire (Seed supplied by ScotgrainAgriculture Ltd)18

Grass and Fodder CropsT H E M I X T U R E SSPECIALIST MIXTURESHFA modern mixture for traditional hay making, specially designedwith varieties to produce a large bulk of the type of forage typicallyrequired for hay.GENESISEarly Perennial RyegrassSOLOMONIntermediate Perennial RyegrassBREEIntermediate Perennial RyegrassFOXTROTLate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassCOSMOLITMeadow FescuePROMESSETimothyDOLINATimothyHF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 14 KG/ACRE (32 - 35 KG/HECTARE)❚ Specially designed to produce top yields of easilymade hay❚ Contains high proportions of Solomon and Pastour, twoof the highest yielding Perennial Ryegrasses undercutting on the 2012 SAC Recommended List❚ Tetraploid grasses excluded to improve dry matter andease of hay-making❚ High Timothy content ideal for hay mixtures❚ Varieties selected on the basis of their growth patternand maturity to provide the right sward characteristicsfor quality hay production❚ Very good sward density despite a high Timothycontent❚ Contains leafy albeit relatively stemmy varieties and noTetraploids for ease of hay-making❚ Good winter hardiness and persistency ensuresconsistent bulk over many yearsHFHORSEPaddockA custom built mix using species and varieties specially selectedto produce a very dense and hard wearing sward suitable forhorses and ponies. Designed to provide palatable grazingthroughout the growing season but also suitable for hayproduction.SOLOMONIntermediate Perennial RyegrassTYRCONNELLLate Perennial RyegrassROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassPROMESSETimothyHERALDCreeping Red FescueRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE15 KG/ACRE (37 KG/HECTARE)❚ Based on the densest varieties for an exceptionally densedamage resistant sward with all three PerennialRyegrasses getting an ‘A’ for density on the 2012 SACRecommended List❚ Contains the TRIPLE CROWN variety Romark includedfor its forage quality, grazing performance and swarddensity❚ High Timothy content ideal for horses and ponies❚ Formulated with varieties which will provide attractivebut low sugar forage to help minimise the risk oflaminitis❚ Designed to produce palatable grazing throughout theentire season❚ Creeping Red Fescue with its creeping growth habitbinds the sward together and quickly repairs swarddamage caused by hooves❚ Offers the option of horse hay production if required19

Grass and Fodder CropsT H E M I X T U R E SSPECIALIST MIXTURESHFDryLANDA specialist mixture for very dry conditions using deep rooted grasseswith excellent resistance to drought. Formulated using species notcommonly found in UK agricultural mixtures, HF Dry Land isdesigned to produce fodder in extremely dry situations whereconventional mixtures are likely to fail.KORATall FescueHYKORAdvanced Tall Fescue TMLOFAAdvanced Hybrid Ryegrass TMSPARTACocksfootMAURICETetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE15 KG/ACRE (37 KG/HECTARE)❚ A unique solution to fodder production in very dryconditions❚ Contains species specially selected for their drought andstress tolerance in particular Hykor Advanced TallFescue TM and Lofa Advanced Hybrid Ryegrass TM❚ Also includes Tall Fescue a species used for forageproduction in hot dry countries❚ High sugar varieties with good forage quality used tobalance the poorer quality of the Tall Fescue andCocksfoot❚ Suitable for cutting or grazing❚ Contains the TRIPLE CROWN variety Maurice included forits drought tolerance, sward density and persistency❚ Excellent disease resistance particularly to Crown Rustwhich can be a major problem in hot, dry conditions andwhich can seriously affect both yield and palatabilityLANDSCAPINGHFMulti PurposeLANDSCAPERA mixture specially designed for all situations where a relatively hardwearing, low maintenance grass sward with an attractiveappearance is required. This mix is ideal for river banks, roadsideverges, orchards, caravan sites, headlands round fruit fields, pathsetc and any other situations where low maintenance cover isrequired.ROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassHERALDCreeping Red FescueRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE25 KG/ACRE (62 KG/HECTARE)❚ Suitable for all low maintenance situations where anattractive appearance is required❚ Although the sowing rate is higher than standardagricultural mixtures it is considerably less than therate required by a true amenity mix to achieve thesame effect❚ Produces a hard wearing and attractive sward witha good dark green colour❚ Designed for situations where an attractiveappearance is required but where the circumstancesdo not justify the expense of a true amenity mix❚ Specially formulated with a high proportion ofCreeping Red Fescue for extreme sward densityand wear toleranceSHEEP FEED MIXTURESHFCCA highly productive catch cropping mix including white turnipsdesigned to produce autumn grazing for sheep and fatteninglambs.ALAMOItalian RyegrassHOBSONForage RapeGREEN GLOBEWhite TurnipRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE9 KG/ACRE (22 KG/HECTARE)HFCDA highly productive catch cropping mix similar to HF CC but withoutwhite turnips.ALAMOItalian RyegrassHOBSONForage RapeRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE9 KG/ACRE (22 KG/HECTARE)HF CC and CD are balanced mixturesdesigned to produce an Italian Ryegrasssward with a brassica cover crop therebyproviding both autumn grazing from thecombination of species and winter and earlyspring grazing from the Italian Ryegrass.Inevitably this compromise will not producethe short term bulk of a single brassica butwill provide a lower level of keep for alonger period of time. In the management ofthese mixtures it should be rememberedthat both rape and turnips are aggressivespecies and if allowed to grow too tall theycan smother the Italian Ryegrass. Thesemixtures should therefore be grazed earlyto allow the Italian to thrive.20

Grass and Fodder CropsO V E R S E E D I N GEvery grassland farmer is well aware of the vigour and high level of production that can be achieved from a new reseedand also that inevitably through time, the sown grasses begin to disappear and the sward thins out and productionsuffers.The decline of sown species is influenced by many different factors but on average by the time grass reaches 7or 8 years old, only around 60% of the sown species remain and 40% of the sward is either bare ground or occupied byweed grasses. This deterioration not only affects yield but also has a significant effect on palatability, forage quality,spring growth and the overall response to fertiliser inputs.When these are added together, the effect on both animalperformance and the overall financial return is substantial and a sward with 40 – 50% bare ground or weed grasscontent can mean a loss of up to £300 per acre per year in feed value.Recognising the need to maintain a high proportion of sown species in older grass and that a full reseed is not always practical, HF Seedshas developed the GrassMax system of overseeding which presents a real opportunity to restore production in tired or damaged swardsto newly sown levels without the expense or disruption of a full reseed.The GrassMax system of overseeding can also be used to introduceor increase clover levels in existing swards.The key to successful overseeding lies in ensuring that the newly sown plants are capable of competing with the existing grass and that thegerminating seedlings have sufficient vigour to establish successfully in what can be a very competitive environment. Increasing thecompetitiveness of the establishing plants can be achieved in three ways each of which has a cumulative effect in ensuring success.Minimise Competition from the Existing SwardWhen the existing sward is growing strongly there is obviously morecompetition for the establishing seedlings. Consequently the timingof the actual overseeding operation and the subsequent fertilisertreatment are important factors to consider.The objective should beto find a window during the season when the existing sward is shortand is not growing strongly. Ideal conditions are provided after a hardgraze or immediately after the last silage cut of the season. Nofertiliser should be applied for at least 15 days after the overseedingoperation.Use a Mixture Designed for OverseedingLarge seeded grasses are more competitive in their establishmentand all the HF GrassMax mixtures are comprised of TetraploidHybrid and Perennial Ryegrasses specially selected for theirestablishment vigour. The use of these large seeded, aggressivelyestablishing grasses significantly increases their ability to competewith the existing sward.Use Mixtures Treated with iSeed ®Although conventional fertiliser applicationwill increase the establishment vigour of thenew seedlings, its growth promotion effect onthe existing sward is greater and competitionis increased to a level which oftenoverwhelms the establishing plants. For 2012,all HF GrassMax mixtures are available withthe unique and revolutionary iSeed ® treatment where everyindividual seed is coated with both nitrogen and phosphate. Thisunique targeted fertiliser concept feeds the sown seeds and not thesurrounding sward and dramatically improves establishment vigour atthe most crucial stage in the overseeding process. Extensive trialshave shown that the uptake of iSeed ® fertiliser is four times moreeffective than conventional applications and have demonstratedestablishment gains of up to 50% and substantial gains to both rootand shoot development.The benefit of iSeed ® 30 daysafter sowing is clear to seeUNTREATEDiSeed ® TREATED21

Grass and Fodder CropsO V E R S E E D I N GOVERSEEDING MIXTURESHFHFA mixture specially designed for overseeding fields which will bemainly cut for silage.SOLIDTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassSTORMTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassMAGICIANTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassHF CUTTING CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE10 KG/ACRE (25 KG/HECTARE)❚ 100% Tetraploid grasses which are ideal for overseedingas they have the largest seeds and are aggressiveestablishers❚ Grasses based entirely on Hybrid and PerennialRyegrasses with the highest conservation yields onUK recommended lists❚ Very good forage quality from Solid in particular❚ Varieties chosen for good spring growth to ensure highyields at first cut❚ Contains a high proportion of HF’s unique CuttingClover blend to ensure good clover production andsurvival under intensive silage management❚ No Clover option available on request‘We finish a bignumber of beef cattleoff both grazed grassand out of the shed inthe winter months.Quality grass andplenty of it is reallyimportant for bothgrazing and cuttingand our HF mixtures never let us down. Inthe grazing fields they are easily managedand carry a lot of stock and we never needto worry about silage yields and filling thepit. We have also done a bit of over-seedingwith GrassMax Graze and that seems towork really well’Edward Chalmers,Thriepland Farm, Portsoy,Banffshire (Seed supplied by UAP Ltd)WITH RED CLOVERA specialist overseeding mixture containing a high level of RedClover designed to introduce both new grass and Red Clover intosilage swards. This mix can also be used to prolong the life ofexisting Red Clover swards provided Eelworm is not a problemSOLIDTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassSTORMTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassHF RED CLOVER BLENDRed CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE10 KG/ACRE (25 KG/HECTARE)❚ All ingredients have large seeds and are capable ofestablishing in an existing sward❚ Grass component is 100% Tetraploid Hybrid Ryegrasswhich is sufficiently aggressive to compete and survivein a Red Clover sward❚ 30% Red Clover content to ensure a good plantpopulation in the overseeded sward❚ Very good forage quality from Solid in particular❚ The high sugar content the Tetraploid Hybrid Ryegrassesis the perfect match to balance the relatively low sugarlevels in red cloverOverseeding HF GrassMax Graze with iSeed in SutherlandGuidelines for Successful OverseedingField Preparation• Remove all surplus grass growth by cutting orhard grazing• Scarify the area in opposite directions using awire tine grass scarifying harrowSowing• Sow at the same time as scarifying with up to10 kg/acre (25 kg/hectare) of the appropriatemixture• Where iSeed ® treatment is used, as thefertiliser coating increases the weight of theseed, it is necessary to increase the treatedseed sowing rate to ensure the number ofactual seeds remains at the target level. Theunique formulation of iSeed ® means that theweight of treated seed is effectively doublethat of untreated seed. To ensure that thenumber of seeds sown per unit area remains atthe target level it is therefore necessary todouble the sowing rate taking the standardiSeed ® sowing rate to 20 kgs/acre (50 kgs/ha)• Roll immediately after sowing to consolidatethe ground, conserve moisture and ensuregood seed to soil contactBEFOREA typical sward before overseeding22

Grass and Fodder CropsO V E R S E E D I N GOVERSEEDING MIXTURESHFHFA mixture specially designed for overseeding fields which will be bothcut and grazed.A mixture specially designed for overseeding fields which will bepredominantly grazed.(Seed supplied by W & A Geddes Ltd)Timing• With untreated seed, to ensure thatcompetition from the existing sward isminimised, the optimum overseeding windowis immediately after the last silage cut of theseason or after a hard graze in the spring orautumn• Although the benefit of minimisingcompetition from the existing sward alsoapplies to iSeed ® , the increasedcompetitiveness of iSeed ® reduces thedependence on timing and may offer theopportunity of a much wider sowing windowFertiliser• When clover is included wait until at least 30days after sowing before applying any nitrogenfertiliser to minimise competition from theexisting sward. If clover is not included thisperiod can be reduced to 15 daysSOLIDTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassCALIBRATetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassPOLIMTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassGLENCARTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassHF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE10 KG/ACRE (25 KG/HECTARE)❚ Specially formulated with high sugar varieties toimprove the sugar content of existing swards❚ Contains a high proportion of the TRIPLE CROWN varietyPolim included for its excellent all round performanceand high NDF content❚ 100% Tetraploid grasses which are ideal for overseedingas they have the largest seeds and are aggressiveestablishers❚ Based on Hybrid and Perennial Ryegrass varieties withhigh yields under both cutting and grazing❚ Exceptionally good Crown Rust resistance from Polimwhich receives a very high resistance rating in NIABtrials❚ Contains a high proportion of HF’s unique Dual PurposeClover Blend which is based on the most productivevarieties and designed to achieve the maximum clovercontent and persistency under both cutting and grazing❚ No Clover option available on requestMAGICIANTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassCALIBRATetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassGLENCARTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassPOLIMTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassHF GRAZING CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE10 KG/ACRE (25 KG/HECTARE)❚ Specially formulated with high sugar varieties toimprove the sugar content of existing swards❚ Contains a high proportion of the TRIPLE CROWNvariety Polim included for its excellent all roundperformance and high NDF content❚ High sugar yields ensure excellent palatability andimproved animal performance❚ 100% Tetraploid grasses which are ideal for overseedingas they have large seeds and are aggressive establishers❚ Based entirely on Perennial Ryegrass varieties with thehighest grazing yields on UK Recommended Lists❚ Very good Crown Rust resistance❚ Contains a high proportion of HF Grazing Clover blendcontaining varieties specially selected for theirproduction and persistence under grazing❚ No Clover option available on requestLivestock Re-introduction• After cutting wait until aftermaths have fullyrecovered• After grazing leave stock on for 10 days thenremove and allow sward to recoverAFTEROveseeding can dramaticallyimprove sward performanceAll HF GrassMax mixturesare available with‘Having used HFGrassMax Grazebefore, I tried it withiSeed ® in autumn2010. I was surprisedat the growth rate ofthe new seeds andalso how quickly itrecovered after thefirst grazing. The field held up very wellthroughout the winter with no poaching. Iam impressed with the results achieved withover-seeding GrassMax Graze with iSeed ®`and will certainly be doing it again in futureyears.’Goronwy Roberts,Ty Bol Edern, Pwllheli,Gwynedd (Seed supplied by D J Edwards)23

Grass and Fodder CropsH I G H C L O V E R M I X T U R E SIn recent years interest in clover hasincreased dramatically partly due tovolatile fertiliser prices but also due toan increasing awareness of the hugebenefits that clover can bring.Whilst many of the benefits of clover can beachieved by simply increasing the clover levelin standard mixtures, the key to unlocking thefull benefits that clover can bring lies in themixture design and the production of a swardthat will produce a high yield and allow cloverto thrive at the same time.For many years HF Seeds has pioneered thedevelopment of mixtures for the organicfarmer and the experience gained can now betransferred to the conventional farmer who isinterested in unlocking the full package ofbenefits that clover can bring.The key elements of mixture designto create a productive high cloversward are• Variety selection to ensure theproduction of an open but high yieldingsward that allows clover to thrive• The correct proportion of clover in themix to ensure that the right balance ofgrass and clover in the final sward isachievedHFHIGH CLOVERSHORT TERMA highly productive two to three year cutting mixture containinghigh yielding Hybrid Ryegrasses and Red Clover.STORMTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassSOLIDTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassPERUNAdvanced Italian Ryegrass TMHF RED CLOVER BLENDRed CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE12 - 14 KG/ACRE (30 - 34 KG/HECTARE)❚ Optimum cutting date – first week in June❚ Contains only Hybrid Ryegrass for its yield potential andits ability to compete with Red Clover in a cutting sward❚ Improved for 2012 with the introduction of PerunAdvanced Italian Ryegrass which is an idealcompanion grass for Red Clover bringing huge benefits interms of establishment, yield and stress tolerance❚ The high sugar content of Tetraploid grassescompliments the lower sugar of Red Clover and ensuresgood fermentation in the clamp❚ Contains 25% Red Clover content established as theoptimum level in extensive HF trials❚ Capable of at least three silage cuts and aftermathgrazing❚ Rapid regrowth for second and subsequent cuts❚ Designed to last for three full production years after theyear of sowingThe new HF High Clover range has beendeveloped to meet three distinct farm usesnamely short term intensive cutting, dualpurpose use and grazing, with recipesdesigned to allow clover to thrive but at thesame time maintain high yields of qualityforage at reduced fertiliser rates.24

Grass and Fodder CropsH I G H C L O V E R M I X T U R E SHFHIGH CLOVERDUAL PURPOSEA medium term high sugar mixturedesigned for dual purpose use where fieldsare both cut and grazed.SOLOMONIntermediate Perennial RyegrassCALIBRATetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassTYRCONNELLLate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassGLENCARTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassTIVOLITetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassDOLINATimothyAMOSRed CloverHF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 15 KG/ACRE (30 - 34 KG/HECTARE)❚ Optimum cutting date – first week in June❚ Mixture based on some of the highest yielding PerennialRyegrasses on the 2012 DARD Recommended List❚ Specially formulated for high sugar forage❚ Contains the TRIPLE CROWN varieties Romark andPastour included for their high yields and excellentforage quality❚ High sugar yield per acre ensures maximum feedingvalue, excellent palatability and rapid silagefermentation❚ Formulated with high yielding but open varieties toensure the correct balance between grass and clover isachieved❚ Small Red Clover inclusion for high clover yields andnitrogen fixation in the early stages of establishment❚ High white clover content of HF’s unique Dual PurposeClover Blend to ensure the optimum clover content inthe final sward❚ Clover blend based on the most productive clovervarieties with high yields under both cutting andgrazing managementHFHIGH CLOVERGRAZEA medium to long term grazing mixtureusing persistent grazing varieties of bothgrass and clover and specially formulatedto ensure the maximum contribution fromclover.SOLOMONIntermediate Perennial RyegrassTYRCONNELLLate Perennial RyegrassROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassCANCANLate Perennial RyegrassTIVOLITetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassMAURICETetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassHF GRAZING CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37KG/HECTARE)❚ Specially formulated for high sugar and top qualityforage with high proportions of the TRIPLE CROWNvarieties Romark, Pastour, Cancan and Mauriceincluded for their outstanding grazing performance❚ 73% Late Perennial Ryegrass content and resultantvery late heading produces a very high quality,consistent and easily managed grazing sward❚ Specially formulated with the top grazing varieties onUK Recommended Lists which will also allow clover tothrive❚ High sugar yield per acre to ensure the maximumfeeding value and excellent grazing palatability❚ Contains Tyrconnell a superb new grazing varietyrecommended throughout the UK❚ Formulated with later varieties to have grass at theright stage for grazing at turnout❚ Contains very persistent varieties of both grass andclover capable of withstanding heavy grazing pressure❚ High White Clover content of varieties speciallyselected for their yield and persistency under grazingmanagement25

Grass and Fodder CropsO R G A N I C SHF 65%ORGANICSHORT TERMA highly productive two to three year mixture based primarily onhigh yielding Hybrid Ryegrasses and containing a high proportionof Red Clover designed for two cuts per year followed by aftermathgrazing.PERUNAdvanced Italian Ryegrass TMSOLIDTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassMAGICIANTetraploid Intermediate RyegrassCALIBRATetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassHF RED CLOVER BLENDRed CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE12 - 14 KG/ACRE (30 - 34 KG/HECTARE)❚ Contains 65% organically produced seed to meet2012 organic certification regulations❚ Optimum cutting date - first week in June❚ Specially formulated for high sugar forage❚ Includes the new Advanced Italian Ryegrass variety,Perun, which is an ideal companion grass with RedClover combining exceptionally high yields with goodforage quality and excellent stress tolerance❚ Contains a high proportion of Hybrid Ryegrass varietiesfor their yield potential over two to three years❚ Very good spring growth and late heading ensures highyields of quality forage at first cut❚ Companion grasses chosen for their open growth habitallowing clover to thrive❚ Organic content from three different varieties❚ 25% Red Clover content established as the optimum levelin extensive HF trials❚ Strong vigorous regrowth for second cut and aftermathgrazing❚ Excellent disease resistance‘I have used HForganic mixtures withred clover for manyyears and I am alwaysdelighted with theresults. They cut orgraze equally wellproducing plenty bulkof good quality grassand I am currently averaging around 22litres of milk from forage. The mixtures alsoseem to be very persistent and last longerthan expected and as an organic farmer Ireally like HF’s weed free standards’Ryan Smyth, Gortconney Farm, Ballycastle,Co Antrim (Seed supplied by Wm A Palmer)HF 65%ORGANICDUAL PURPOSEA high sugar mixture specially designed fora dual purpose medium term cutting and/orgrazing ley for organic management.PREMIUMIntermediate Perennial RyegrassCALIBRATetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassFOXTROTLate Perennial RyegrassGLENCARTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassPOLIMTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassDOLINATimothyPROMESSETimothyAMOSRed CloverHF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37 KG/HECTARE)❚ Contains 65% organically produced seed to meet2012 organic certification regulations❚ Optimum cutting date - first week in June❚ Contains the TRIPLE CROWN varieties Pastour and Polimincluded for their yields under both cutting and grazingand their high NDF content❚ High sugar yield per acre ensures maximum feedingvalue, excellent palatability and rapid silagefermentation❚ Formulated with Tetraploid and Diploid Perennials andTimothy to ensure the correct balance between grass andclover❚ Excellent Crown Rust Resistance from Foxtrot, Pastourand Polim all of which receive very high Crown Rustresistance ratings on 2012 UK Recommended Lists❚ Red Clover inclusion for high clover yields and nitrogenfixation in the early stages of establishment❚ High White Clover content of HF’s unique Dual PurposeClover blend to ensure the optimum clover content in thefinal sward❚ Clover varieties selected for both yield and early springgrowth to ensure early season nitrogen fixation andgrass growthLargely due to an over-supply of organicallyproduced seed in recent years, the area oforganic seed harvested in 2010 and 2011dropped significantly tightening the overallsupply position and creating shortages of thebest varieties. Given the supply position goingforward into 2012 it is likely that some organicmixtures being offered to organic farmersmay contain varieties which are notrecommended in the UK simply to achievethe required 65% organic content.HF organic mixtures have been formulatedfollowing practical experience on farm overmany years and are specially designed to meetthe challenges of organic farming and despitesupply pressures HF Seeds will continue touse the very best grass and clover varieties fororganic systems to ensure that crucialperformance factors such as yield, foragequality and disease resistance are maintained.26

Grass and Fodder CropsO R G A N I C SFor 2012 all 65% organic mixtures have beendesigned on the basis of their technicalperformance under organic conditions tomeet the following key criteria:• The optimum clover content of varietiesbest suited for organic production• Companion grasses which allow clover tothrive but at the same time maintain totalforage yields• The achievement of high sugar yields andmaximum feeding value from the inclusionof high sugar varieties• The production of top quality high D-value and palatable forage• Seasonal growth patterns suited toorganic management, particularly goodearly spring growth with late heading• Appropriate disease resistance, inparticular against Crown Rust which canbe a major problem in organicallymanaged swards affecting production,palatability and forage qualityHF 65%ORGANIC•GRAZE•A medium to long term grazing mixtureproduced from persistent grazing varietiesof both grass and clover and speciallyformulated to ensure good cloverdevelopment and survival under organicgrazing management.CALIBRATetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassTYRCONNELLLate Perennial RyegrassCANCANLate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassPOLIMTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassMAURICETetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassHF GRAZING CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37 KG/HECTARE)❚ Contains 65% organically produced seed to meet 2012organic certification regulations❚ Specially formulated for high sugar and top qualityforage with high proportions of the TRIPLE CROWNvarieties Romark, Pastour, Cancan, Polim and Mauriceincluded for their outstanding grazing performance❚ High sugar yield per acre ensures maximum feedingvalue and excellent grazing palatability❚ Based on late heading Pasture Perennial Ryegrassvarieties which are ideal for grazing❚ Contains Tyrconnell a superb new grazing varietyrecommended throughout the UK❚ Excellent Crown Rust Resistance❚ Formulated with Diploid and Tetraploid varieties toensure the correct balance between grass and clover in agrazing situation❚ Very persistent varieties capable of withstanding heavygrazing pressure❚ Clover varieties chosen for maximum spring growth toensure early Nitrogen fixation and grass growth❚ High content of HF’s unique Grazing Clover Blendcontaining varieties specially selected for their yield andpersistency under grazing managementHF 65%ORGANIC____________REJUVENATORSpecially formulated to meet demand for a mixture to rejuvenategrass and establish clover in pastures intended for organicproduction. This practice is no substitute for a full reseed but withthe right mix and attention to detail, it can increase clover levelsand breathe new life into tired swards. The key to success lies inthe correct sward preparation before over-sowing and selecting amixture containing varieties with the best possible establishmentvigour.CALIBRATetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassGLENCARTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassPOLIMTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassTIVOLITetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassRAJAHRed CloverHF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE10 - 12 KG/ACRE (25 - 30KG/HECTARE)❚ Contains 65% organically produced seed to meet 2012organic certification regulations❚ Contains a high proportion of the TRIPLE CROWNvariety Polim included for its excellent all roundperformance and high NDF content❚ Specially formulated with high sugar varieties toimprove the sugar content of existing swards❚ The most effective way to introduce both new grass andhigh sugar into existing pastures❚ Grasses based entirely on Tetraploids which have thelargest seeds and greatest establishment vigour❚ Spread of varieties for early, mid and late season growth❚ Varieties chosen for their excellent Crown Rust resistance❚ Small inclusion of Red Clover for rapid cloverestablishment❚ Clover varieties chosen for maximum spring growth toensure early spring nitrogen fixation and grass growth❚ Contains a high proportion of persistent and flexibleWhite Clover varieties27

Grass and Fodder CropsE N V I R O N M E N T A L M I X T U R E SEnvironmental and Stewardship mixtures now feature on most farms partly due to the availability of funding throughthe Scottish Government’s umbrella Scottish Rural Development Programme (SDRP) but also due to a greaterawareness of the environment and an increasing desire of farmers to enhance the landscape and improve thebiodiversity on their farms.The main emphasis of the SDRP is on• Improving business viability and competitiveness• Enhanced landscape and biodiversity• Improved water quality• Mitigating climate change• Supporting thriving rural communitiesRural Development Contracts form the delivery mechanism for SDRP funding but there are also various other grants covering Crofting,Food Processing and Co-operation and Skill Development in addition to the LEADER Initiative and support for Less Favoured Areas.Thereare two tiers within Rural Development Contracts, firstly the non-competitive Land Manager Options which is open to farmers and landmanagers who are registered with IACS and who have a business reference number and secondly, the competitive Rural Priorities scheme.The land management options within both schemes are many and varied from the provision of broad based habitats for wide spectrum ofwild life to much more specific habitats for targeted species such as the Corn Bunting and the Great Yellow Bumblebee. In the developmentof the HF Environmental Range of mixtures, HF Seeds has drawn on many years of experience but has also worked closely with governmentbodies and specific organisations such as RSPB and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust to produce mixtures that offer farmers andconservationists more than just the minimum basic requirements laid down by the various schemes.WILD BIRD COVERMany farmland birds need seeds to survive, however over recent decades, seed rich winter habitats have decreased on farmland causingsome bird populations to decline. Some of the species at risk such as Buntings,Tree Sparrows and Grey Partridges need annually sown grainrich mixes including barley, oats or triticale but other components like mustard and rape are also very useful. Other birds like finches needsmall oil rich seeds such as brassicas and oilseed rape.Wild Bird Cover, also known as Unharvested Crops, provides a valuable source of seed to feed wild birds over the winter months and canprovide shelter from predators at a time when there is limited cover elsewhere. In addition the inclusion of nectar producing species andpollen-bearing flowers provides an excellent food source for bees and other insects. One and two year mixtures are available with the twoyear mix providing an excellent chick foraging habitat in its second year of growth.HF Mixture Ref : HF NWBS 1Annual WildBird CoverThis mixture is designed to meet the annual unharvested cropsoption and will provide both cover and a food source for wild birdsover a one year period.Spring TriticaleSpring BarleyLinseedQuinoaSpring Oilseed RapeMustardPhaceliaFodder RadishRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE16 KG/ACRE (40 KG/HECTARE)Corn Bunting need cereal rich mixturesPhoto courtesy of RSPBHF Mixture Ref : HF NWBS 2Two Year WildBird CoverThis mixture is designed to meet the unharvested crops option andwill provide a continuing and varied source of food for seed eatingbirds over a two year period.Spring TriticaleSpring BarleyKaleQuinoaRed CloverYellow Blossom CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE16 KG/ACRE (40 KG/HECTARE)28

Grass and Fodder CropsE N V I R O N M E N T A L M I X T U R E SGRASS MARGINSGrass margins along the edge of fields provide cover for birds such as grey partridge and yellow hammer, an insect rich summer foraging habitat formany farmland birds and a suitable nesting habitat for bumblebees and other insects.They also provide useful buffer strips protecting watercoursesand other natural habitats form soil erosion, fertiliser run-off and spray drift.Four HF Grass Margin mixtures are available with different ingredients each delivering the three main objectives of a safenesting site, summer food and winter food and shelter. Please order by the mixture reference code.HFMixture ref : HF BGM 1 RCGrass MarginWith CocksfootThis mixture contains cocksfoot and Red Clover and is suitable forall the grass margin options but will form a very tussocky sward.Hard FescueCreeping Red FescueTimothyTall FescueCocksfootRed CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE8 KG/ACRE (20 KG/HECTARE)This mixture is available without the Red Clover as BGM 1HFMixture Ref : HF BGM 2 RCGrass MarginNo CocksfootThis mixture is suitable for all grass margin options and willprovide a more open sward with fewer tussocks.Hard FescueCreeping Red FescueTimothySheep’s FescueChewings FescueRed CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE8 KG/ACRE (20 KG/HECTARE)This mixture is available without the Red Clover as BGM 2HF Mixture Ref : HF BGM 3Grass MarginWith Cocksfoot &White CloverThis mixture is suitable for all grass margin options but willproduce a tall tussocky sward. Red Clover is replaced as the nectarproducing species by White Clover and Bird’s Foot Trefoil.Hard FescueCreeping Red FescueTimothyCocksfootTall FescueBird’s Foot TrefoilWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE8 KG/ACRE (20 KG/HECTARE)HF Mixture Ref : HF BGM 4Grass MarginWith Wild FlowersThis mix is suitable for all grass margin options but includeswild flowers.Chewings FescueCrested DogstailSmooth Stalked Meadow GrassHard FescueCreeping Red FescueMeadow FescueTall Oat GrassMeadow FoxtailCommon BentBlack KnapweedRed CloverBird’s Foot TrefoilOxeye DaisyYarrowSainfoinBlack MedickRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE8 KG/ACRE (20 KG/HECTARE)Corn Bunting is now a rare and localised species and is ofhigh conservation concernPhoto courtesy of Hywel Maggs, RSPB29

Grass and Fodder CropsE N V I R O N M E N T A L M I X T U R E SWILD FLOWER HABITATSDedicated wild flower habitats provide an extremely rich source of nectar and pollen for insects which in turn benefits both insect and birdpopulations. Careful construction of mixtures with the right species can ensure continuity of flowering and consequently the provision of anappropriate food source throughout the season.HFSpeciesRichMixtures for this option should comprise 80-85% non-aggressivegrasses and 15-20% native wild flowers. To allow flexibility the grassand wild flower mixtures are detailed separately and can be combinedtogether in any proportion to suit different needs and requirements.GRASS COMPONENT (80-85%)Sheep’s FescueRed FescueMeadow FescueSmooth Stalked Meadow GrassHard FescueCommon BentWILD FLOWER COMPONENT (15-20%)Ribwort PlantainMeadow ButtercupBlack KnapweedCommon SorrelOxeye DaisySelf HealRed CampionWhite CampionYarrowYellow RattleBlack MedickRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE OF COMBINEDGRASS AND WILD FLOWER MIXTURE8 KG/ACRE (20 KG/HECTARE)The great yellow bumblebee is now a Scottish specialityin the UK. HF Bumblebee provides essential nectar andpollen for this and other rare species well and also forcommoner species important for crop pollinationPhoto courtesy of Bob Dawson, Bumblebee Conservation TrustHFBumblebeeBumblebees are an endearing and familiar sight in the summermonths but unfortunately many of our native species are thought tobe in decline largely due to the loss of suitable habitats. HF Seedshas developed the following mix in conjunction with the BumblebeeConservation Trust to provide a flower-rich habitat suitable for bothbumblebees and a wide diversity of other wildlife.Meadow FescueCreeping Red FescueCocksfootTimothyTall FescueSmooth Stalked Meadow GrassRed CloverAlsikeBirdsfoot TrefoilBlack MedickPhaceliaCrimson CloverSainfoinRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE8 KG/ACRE (20 KG/HECTARE)As this mixture includes non-native species it will flower over athree to five year period and for best results it should be cut orgrazed in the autumn after flowering has finishedIn addition to the above broad based agricultural wild flower mixtures a range of thirteen specialist mixtures eachdesigned for different situations is available on request.• Wild flower mixtures do best on low fertility sites. Broadleaved and grass weeds and alsothe sown companion grasses in the mixture can be highly competitive on fertile soils andcan adversely affect the wild flower establishment and subsequent growth. DO NOT USEFERTILISER when establishing wild flowers and ensure that competitive weed and grassgrowth is contained by frequent cutting.• WEEDS SHOULD BE ERADICATED BEFORE SOWING. Annual weeds can be killed by cultivationor by a non-residual contact herbicide. Perennial weeds such as couch, docks, thistles andnettles should be eradicated with a non-residual translocated herbicide such as Roundup.• An alternative method of weed control, particularly where there is likely to be a heavyweed seed burden in the soil, is to use the STALE SEED-BED TECHNIQUE. This involvescultivating to stimulate weed germination, allowing the area to green up and then to killthe newly germinated weed seedlings by further cultivation or by spraying with a nonresidualcontact herbicide. This process can be repeated as often as required to reduce thesoil weed seed burden.• The final cultivation should leave a fine, weed free seed-bed which should be consolidatedby rolling. If possible sowing should take place in warm and moist conditions with the bestresults being obtained in March to May or in August and September.CULTURAL INFORMATION FOR WILD FLOWER MIXTURES• Ideally the mixture should be remixed before sowing as seeds of varying shapes, sizes andtextures may have separated during transit. It should be sown evenly at the recommendedrate. An inert carrier such as sand can make the seed easier to distribute.• Rake the seed lightly and firm the soil by treading or preferably rolling, to ensure thatthe seed comes into contact with moisture in the soil and to prevent the seed-bed fromdrying out.• When the seed comes into contact with moisture in the soil it will germinate and fromthis point it is important to prevent the area from drought as very dry conditions maycause the young newly germinated seedlings to die.• During the first year after sowing, the establishing sward should be cut every 6 to 8 weeksor as necessary, to prevent the grass overtaking the slower growing wild flowers. WHEREPOSSIBLE ALL CUTTINGS SHOULD BE REMOVED. The first cut should take place in March orApril following an autumn sowing or in May or June following a spring sowing. The lastcut should be in late September or early October.• In subsequent years the area should be cut in the early spring and then cut again in Octoberafter all the wild flower seeds have been shed. IF POSSIBLE CUTTINGS SHOULD BE REMOVED.30

Grass and Fodder CropsR O O T A N D F O D D E R C R O P SSOWING RATES, RELATIVE YIELD AND ENERGY LEVELS OF FODDER CROPSCrop Sowing Rate Sowing Utilisation Fresh Yield Dry Matter DM Yield DM Energy Energy Yieldper acre period period tonnes/acre content % tonnes/acre content MJ/kg per acre ‘000MJFodder Beet 50,000 seeds March - April Harvested 25 - 35 17 4.2 - 6.0 12.5 52 - 75and clampedOctober onwardsSwedes Graded seed May October - March 28 - 35 11 3.0 - 3.8 12.9 35 - 49Approx 250 gmssee varietiesTurnips Graded seed May - June October - January 24 - 30 9 2.2 - 2.7 11.2 25 - 30Approx 250 gmsKale 3 kg broadcast May - June October - February 20 - 30 14 2.8 - 4.2 11.0 31 - 462 kg drilledForage Rape 4 - 5 kg broadcast June - August Sept - December 12 - 15 12 1.5 - 1.8 10.5 16 - 193 - 4 kg drilledStubble Turnips 3 kg broadcast May - August 12 weeks after 15 - 18 9.5 1.5 - 1.8 11.6 17 - 212 kg drilled sowingFODDER BEETFodder Beet is grown as a main root crop, which requires similar husbandry to sugar beet. It can produce substantial yields of high qualityfodder and is an excellent supplement to grass silage. The roots are very palatable to stock and have superb feed quality. Specialistharvesting equipment is required to lift the roots and storage is required unless they are strip grazed in situ.Medium dry matter varieties tend to have a higher percentage of root above ground and can be lifted with a top lifter and thereforehave a relatively low dirt tare. These highly palatable roots can be fed whole to stock. High dry matter varieties tend to sit further in theground and require a sugar beet harvester to lift them. Due to the higher dirt tare and hardness of the root, these varieties may needto be chopped and washed before feeding. After wilting, the tops may be fed to stock and can contribute a further yield of 3-4 tonnesof protein-rich dry matter per hectare.Variety Alpes Magnum Kyros TroyaClean dry matter yield 107 107 99 103(100=15.2t/ha)As field fresh yield 105 96 100 100(100=100.4t/ha)Dry matter content (%) 17.3 19.3 16.8 17.5Establishment 6.9 7.4 7 6.9(9=good 1=poor)Bolting (%) 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.6Top size 7.1 6.5 7.2 6.0(9=large 1=small)% of Root in ground 67 78 67 62Cleanliness 7 6.4 6.7 6.6(9=best 1=worst)Rust 6 4 4 6(9=best 1=worst)Ramularia n/a 7 4 5(9=best 1=worst)Root Colour Yellow White Yellow YellowFodder Beet Yield and Feed QualityAverage dry matter yield 13 - 15 tonnes/haAverage fresh yields80 - 100 tonnes/haDry matter 12 - 19%Crude protein 12 - 13%Digestibility value78DMetabolisable energy12.5 - 13.5MJ/kg DMALPESMAGNUMKYROSTROYAAlpes has exceptional all roundcharacteristics and is one of thehighest yielding and cleanestfodder beets available. It benefitsfrom a large top size and has 33%of its yellow root above theground allowing for easy lifting.Good resistance to bolting.Magnum has a consistent rootsize and reliable dry matter yieldsfrom white roots. It is verypalatable with a high proportionof its roots in the ground and dueto its high dry matter content it ismore frost resistant than othervarieties.Kyros is a very consistent, highyielding variety producing a clean,very palatable and digestibleyellow root.Troya produces high yield ofmedium dry matter. It has verygood establishment and boltingresistance and has a highproportion of its yellow root inthe ground.31

Grass and Fodder CropsR O O T A N D F O D D E R C R O P SSWEDESSwedes grow on a wide range of soil types and can be grazed in situ or lifted for stockfeed or as a cash crop. Whatever the intendeduse, the dry matter content is one of the most important characters to consider. Low dry matter types are softer and are more suitablefor early use whereas the high dry matter types are more winter hardy and therefore better suited to later utilisation. For cash croppingfresh yield, shape and colour are important considerations with purple skinned, globe shaped roots generally considered the mostmarketable type.AIRLIEFor early to intermediate use Airlie produces high fresh yields ofuniform globe shaped roots with purple skin and creamy white flesh.Good general disease resistance.RUTA OTOFTEA very popular purple skinned variety with cream coloured fleshsuitable for both fodder and culinary use. A medium dry mattervariety with good winter hardiness and Mildew resistance.MARIANA good culinary use variety with an attractive purple globe andcream coloured flesh. With its medium dry matter content Marianis suitable for intermediate use but has slightly lower yield potentialthan other varieties.LOMONDGOWRIEA new high yielding variety bred by SCRI, Gowrie produces veryuniform roots with purple skin and yellow flesh making it ideal forthe culinary market. Good Club Root and Powdery Mildewresistance.KENMOREA bronze skinned, white fleshed variety with very high fresh yieldsbest suited as stock feed. Kenmore is early maturing and with itsmedium dry matter content and very good winter hardiness, itallows for a very wide window of utilisation.INVITATIONA high yielding purple/bronze skinned variety with a high dry mattercontent and very good winter hardiness making it suitable for lateuse. Invitation has excellent resistance to both Club Root andMildew and it also produces large leaves for extra grazing potential.A new and extremely high yielding variety bred by SCRI, Lomondhas purple skin and yellow flesh and has good Club Root andPowdery Mildew resistance. Lomond is slightly less uniform thanGowrie and consequently is the better stock feed variety.KALEKale is the highest yielding of all the leafy forage brassicas and has excellent feeding value and a high crude protein content. It canprovide a long and flexible period of utilisation and can be grazed in situ, cut and carted to housed livestock or ensiled as big balekaleage. There are however big differences in terms of winter hardiness (traditional marrowstem varieties tend to have poorer winterhardiness) and varieties should be chosen to suit the utilisation period. For maximum yields kale requires good fertility and a pH of atleast 6.0.CALEDONIANCaledonian is a very high yielding marrowstem type with goodwinter hardiness and excellent club root resistance. Its high yield andgood lodging resistance makes it ideal for utilisation by dairy or beefcattle from September to February and it can be strip or zerograzed.THOUSAND HEADThousand Head is a slender stemmed variety with leafy foliage andvery high D-value and dry matter content. It has excellent winterhardiness and is therefore ideal for use after Christmas.MARIS KESTRELA short, leafy, hybrid variety that is high in digestible dry matterparticularly in the stem. Maris Kestrel has good frost resistance,excellent leaf retention and is not susceptible to lodging.GRÜNER ANGELITERGruner Angeliter is a marrowstem type producing very high freshyields. With its high yield, good winter hardiness and excellentfeeding quality, Grüner Angeliter is well suited for stock feed use,but with its tall growth and high leaf canopy it is also ideal forgame cover.32

Grass and Fodder CropsR O O T A N D F O D D E R C R O P SFORAGE RAPERape is fast growing and will tolerate poorer fertility conditions than Kale. When sown as a catch crop between June and August it willprovide valuable autumn and winter grazing. It has a wide sowing window and utilisation period and produces a digestible and highenergy crop, ideal for finishing lambs.HOBSONA very leafy and high yielding variety with good digestibility. Hobsonhas excellent resistance to mildew which can often seriously reduceyield and affect palatability.SPARTASparta is a high yielding late flowering rape with the huge advantageof having Club Root tolerance enabling it to be sown where ClubRoot is a potential problem. Sparta’s late flowering habit allows forsowing flexibility offering an extension to the feeding period. As withother forage rapes Sparta matures ten to twelve weeks after sowing.EMERALDA rapidly establishing medium to tall palatable variety with aboveaverage dry matter yields and good general disease resistance.ZOOM BRASSICA MIXTUREA blend of Winfred Hybrid Brassica and Forage Rape, Zoom is avery vigorous and quick growing mixture which is ideal for replacingfailed crops or for patching earlier sown crops which are struggling.High seedling vigour ensures a reliable establishment of a high leafto stem ratio crop with good disease and bolting resistance.STUBBLE TURNIPSStubble Turnips provide palatable and digestible fodder for grazing 10 – 12 weeks after sowing. They can be sown at any time with therequired utilisation period determining the sowing date. Stubble Turnips are less winter hardy than other brassicas and should be usedbefore Christmas. Varieties differ in their leaf to root ratio with leafy types providing better anchorage and winter hardiness than bulbtypes which produce larger but relatively low dry matter rootsTYFONA fast growing leafy type with some regrowth potential but it canbe susceptible to bolting when sown too early.Tyfon has small bulbsand produces approximately 80% of its yield from leaf. Good rootanchorage and reasonable frost tolerance.RONDOA high yielding leafy type but with a higher proportion of root andlarger bulbs than Tyfon. Rondo has good disease resistance, excellentroot anchorage and above average winter hardiness for a stubbleturnip.VOLLENDAA highly digestible, late tetraploid variety noted for its speed ofgrowth, overall yield and resistance to bolting. Vollenda is a bulbingtype with a leaf to bulb ratio in the region 30 : 70.BARKANTProducing slightly smaller roots than Vollenda, Barkant is a bulbingvariety producing very high yields of digestible dry matter.Reasonably winter hardy for a stubble turnip.SAMSONSamson is a high yielding, bulbing variety with a high proportion ofits total yield produced by large, purple topped, palatable rootswhich grow well out of the ground for better utilisation.Please note that with all Brassica crops, stock should be introduced gradually over a two week period and an area ofgrassland should be available for animals to return to. Water and hay or straw should also be freely available.33

Grass and Fodder CropsG A M E C R O P SThe single most important factor in selecting a game crop is the location in which it is to be sown. Almost bydefinition, game crops are usually required in less fertile, exposed and often shady areas which are unsuitable formany of the more exotic game crop species.Other factors which need to be considered are the purpose of the crop (cover only, cover and food, brood rearing etc), the time of sowingand the intended duration of the crop, the climatic conditions it will be subjected to and lastly, whether the area to be sown is included inany government schemes as the scheme regulations may have an impact on crop choice.Crop Optimum Sowing Rate (kgs/acre) CommentsSowing Period Drilled BroadcastKale May / June 1.5 2.0 Requires good fertility and high pHForage Rape July / September 2.5 3.5 More tolerant of poorer fertility than kaleTexsel Greens May - July 2.5 - Not suitable for northern climatesJonty August / September 1.5 2.5 Fast growing but not winter hardyQuinoa May / June 2.0 - Requires minimum pH of 6.0Quinoa + Kale May /June 2.5 - Requires good fertility and high pHWinter Triticale Before end February 75 - Only suitable for early sowing in more northern climates whereseed will vernaliseSpring Triticale March / April 75 - Use in milder climates or for later sowing to ensure seedproductionHoldfast Canary Grass April / May 2.5 - Very slow establishmentReed Canary Grass April / May 2.5 - Suited to more northern climatesTriple Maize Blend April 45,000 seeds per acre Not suited for Scotland or over 350 metres above sea levelWhite Millet April / May 10 - Most suited to warm southern climatesMillgame Millet Mix(White + Red Millet)April / May 10 - General purpose throughout England & WalesAmbush Millet Mix(White + Reed Millet)April / May 5 - Good winter hardiness and better suited to northern areasBuckwheat May 20 50 Requires warm and sunny growing conditionsGiant Sorghum April / May 12 - Useful cover and shelter crop in warm, dry areasDwarf Sorghum April / May 8 - Used as shelter cropYellow Blossom Clover April to July 4 - Useful on its own or in mixtures for 2 years or moreMustard August / September 3 5 Not winter hardy, for late sowing or emergency useStubble Turnips August / September 2 3 Not winter hardy, for late sowing or emergency useFodder Radish August / September 3 - Not winter hardy, for late sowing or emergency useKALEKale can provide excellent cover but is very sensitive to adverseconditions.The variety Thousand Head is ideal as it has outstandingwinter hardiness and allows game to move freely under the leafcanopy. Caledonian will provide some Club Root resistance butcontinuous brassicas should be avoided where possible. Sowing ratesshould be reduced to avoid thick crops which restrict gamemovement and drilling in rows allowing easy access for game and theopportunity to control birds on a shoot day may be preferable.FORAGE RAPEForage Rape is a versatile, easy to grow cover crop and is a goodalternative where Kale has been unsuccessful or for sowing later inthe season. Although it still needs a reasonable pH, it will grow onmore acidic soils than Kale and with its rapid growth, it is betterequipped to withstand rabbit and pigeon damage.QUINOAQuinoa is an excellent break crop from brassicas and can provideboth good cover and a very palatable and nutritious food source asit is a prolific seed producer capable of shedding over 1 tonne ofseed per acre during the shooting season. For successfulestablishment Quinoa requires a minimum pH in the range 6.0 to6.5. An excellent combination of both cover and game food can beachieved by sowing alternate strips of Quinoa and Kale or bycombining them together in a single mixture.SORGHUMAvailable in dwarf and giant forms growing to 2 and 3 metres tallrespectively, both types of Sorghum are used to provide a warmholding area for birds adjacent to food crops like maize. GiantSorghum is particularly useful in dry areas as it is very deep rooting.34

Grass and Fodder CropsG A M E C R O P STRITICALEBUCKWHEATCereals are a valuable food source in game mixtures but Triticale isparticularly useful as it will tolerate poorer fertility and can survivewhere other cereals will not. Although no game crop will survive aheavy rabbit burden, Triticale can be useful where rabbits are aproblem as once established it can often outpace rabbit damage.Triticale is available in both winter and spring forms. Winter varietiesneed to vernalise after sowing or they will not produce seed headsand consequently are more suitable for northern climates and shouldbe sown by the end of February. For later sowing dates only springvarieties should be considered. Like Quinoa, the role of Triticale isbest as a food crop in a strip adjacent to a cover crop like kale orrape but the difference in sowing dates and fertility tolerance maymake this impractical. In this case Triticale on its own can providegood cover for most of the shooting season.CANARY GRASSHoldfast Canary Grass (Phalaris Aquatica) and its native versionReed Canary Grass (Phalaris Arundinacia) are strong growing hardyperennials with vigorous creeping rhizomes. The native Reed CanaryGrass is better suited to harsher climates. Both are deep rooting andcapable of withstanding a wide range of conditions and onceestablished can provide long term game cover for up to 10 years.Both types of Canary Grass are slow in establishment particularly incold conditions and can suffer badly in their first year fromcompetition from weeds and weed grasses. As a result both typesshould be sown in 30 to 36 inch rows allowing inter-row weedcontrol. Once established topping will encourage vigorous tillering.MAIZEMaize is an excellent cover and food crop with a good canopy andopen area underneath. It is also ideal for rotating with brassicas toreduce the build up of Club Root and it will thrive throughout mostof England and Wales albeit it should not be sown over 350 metresabove sea level. Game Maize is supplied as a blend of three varietiesto provide good standing power, low cob carriage allowing easyaccess by birds and a spread of maturity, ensuring cob availabilitythroughout the season. Additional appeal can be added by sowingan adjacent crop of Millet counteracting draughtiness later in theseason and also providing an additional food sourceYELLOW BLOSSOM CLOVERYellow Blossom Clover is a self-generating legume that will last up tothree years and as such can be sown on its own or included as avery useful component in Wild Bird Cover mixtures which areintended for two years duration. It has excellent early vigour withgood seed production and can reach heights of up to 6 feet with stiffwoody stems which allow easy bird movement below its densecanopy.Buckwheat is a thick, bushy, seed producing plant often sown inconjunction with other crops to provide both food and cover. It isparticularly appealing to deer, pheasants, partridges and bees andother insects and grows best in warm, sunny, south facing conditions.It should not be sown until all risk of frost has passed. Maturity isreached in around three months and seed will be shed over a periodof several weeks with the remaining stubble capable of holding birdsuntil well into January.MILLETMillet has long been recognised as a valuable game food crop and isavailable in three different forms:White, Red and Strong Reed Millet.Each has different characteristics in terms of maturity, growth habit,winter hardiness and seed production. White Millet is the mostprolific seed producer but has relatively poor winter hardinesswhereas Reed Millet has poor seed production but is very winterhardy with Red Millet falling somewhere between the two. Toexploit the benefits of the different types, game millet is supplied inthree different forms: White Millet on its own for seed productionin warm southern climates, a Red and White Millet Blend for generalpurpose use and a White and Reed Millet blend for seed productionand good winter hardiness in colder areas.CATCH CROPS FOR LATE SOWINGLate sowings of game crops severely restrict crop choice and areonly suitable for cover as there is insufficient time for seedproduction before the onset of winter. Fast growing crops such asMustard, Stubble Turnips and Fodder Radish can be sown as late asSeptember and will provide cover within 8 weeks. These cropshowever are generally not winter hardy and should not be relied onto provide cover beyond Christmas.The suitability of each of thesecrops varies for different situations and advice should be sought onthe most appropriate choice.GAME COVER MIXTURESWhilst the above species have been considered individually, it ispossible to mix different combinations together to provide bothcover and an attractive food source in one game crop. As with thesingle species the choice of mixture components will dependentirely on location, climate and soil fertility and where there is anydoubt, a mixture which is tolerant of a wide range of growingconditions should be selected.35

DISTRIBUTORS OF HF SEEDS IN IRELANDNorth Down Grain Ltd16 Tullykevin Road, Ballywalter, Co Down, BT22 2NB Tel : 028 4275 8284S McConnell & Sons184 Carginagh Road, Kilkeel, Co Down, BT34 4QA Tel : 028 4176 3717Fane Valley StoresRathfriland Road, Banbridge, Co Down, BT32 4LN Tel : 028 4062 8778Wm A Palmer11 Magherabuoy Road, Portrush, Co Antrim, BT56 8NU Tel : 028 7082 2529MontgomerysCullybackey Livestock Market, Cullybackey, Co Antrim, BT43 7AA Tel : 028 2588 1022C R Supplies5 Waterfall Road, Gleno, Larne, Co Antrim, BT40 3LE Tel : 028 2827 8800Logan McMaster Engineering20 Roughan Road, Broughshane, Ballymena, Co Antrim, BT42 4QX Tel : 07885 077168Northern Counties Coop LtdGarvagh Road, Swatragh, Maghera, Co Derry, BT46 5QE Tel : 028 7940 1246Ulster Livestock Care11 Ballygoney Road, Coagh, Co Derry, BT 45 7NS Tel : 028 8673 6303Taggart JackArdstraw, Omagh, Co Tyrone, BT78 4LN Tel : 028 8166 1271Fane Valley FeedsBankmore Way, Omagh, Co Tyrone, BT79 0NW Tel : 028 8224 3221Masons Animal Feeds122 Marlacoo Road, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3TB Tel : 028 3887 1415Clonleigh Co-op Society LtdCastlefinn, Co Donegal Tel : 074 9146 151Newton Stores, Newton Cunningham, Co Donegal Tel : 074 9156 184Paul Murray AgriRahans, Coolderry, Co Monaghan Tel : 086 2564 652D & P Murphy LtdThe Square, Castle Pollard, Co Westmeath Tel : 044 9661 137Farm DirectSpringhall, Oldcastle, Co Meath Tel : 049 8542 907Bells of LoughanLoughan, Moynalty, Co Meath Tel : 046 9244 328Marketed by:Imperial DockThorn FarmLeith DocksInkberrowEdinburghWorcestershireEH6 7DRWR7 4LJTel: 0131 555 4044 Tel: 01386 791101Fax: 0131 555 4035 Fax: 01386 792216 www.dlf.co.ukCONTACT HF SEEDS ON 0131 555 4044 FOR ALL YOUR FORAGE SOLUTIONSDLF Trifolium Ltd V.A.T. Registration No 650 3086 60 Registered in England & Wales Company Registration No. 2971802Registered Office Thorn Farm Inkberrow Worcestershire WR7 4LJ