Crop Protection
PROGIBB SG FILLS THE WINTER FEED GAP One of the biggest issues facing livestock producers is keeping stock fed during the winter feed gap. Pasture depletion during cooler weather and cold soil temperatures can significantly affect farm income as a consequence of increased costs caused by supplementary feeding or reduced stocking rates. Chris (Desi) Toohey is a senior agronomist with Elders in Albury and has been recommending ProGibb SG as way to effectively increase grass growth and feed quantity during periods of reduced winter pasture production. ProGibb SG from Sumitomo stimulates plant growth by stimulating cell expansion, which results in leaf and stem elongation. Applying ProGibb SG to freshly-grazed pastures leads to rapid foliage growth. Visual responses can often be seen inseven days, although maximum dry matter production does not occur for three to four weeks. Commercial demonstrations have shown increases in dry matter ranging from 30 to 60 per cent. Additionally, milk processors across Australia approve the use of ProGibb SG as a farm input as no residues occur as a result of using ProGibb SG. Mr Toohey said he first came across ProGibb some 10 years ago. Having been impressed by trial work, he decided to give it a go and has been recommending it ever since. “There wasn’t a great need to recommend it last year, with lower stocking rates from the previous two years drought and therefore an abundance of feed from a great autumn that couldn’t all be utilized,” Mr Toohey said. “We had a mild winter and reduced stocking rates in areas of our districts due to drought management. Now that the rains are back, and producers are restocking, I can see a good fit for it over the coming winter, particularly if it’s a traditional, cold one”. Mr Toohey is mainly recommending it into the phalaris, cocksfoot and ryegrass pastures that dominate the perennial grass pasture base in his area and is regularly seeing biomass increases of over 20pc.
Because it is compatible with a wide range of herbicides and fertilisers, ProGibb SG can fit in well with previously planned pasture management operations. “I had a client with a phalaris and sub clover pasture which was planted two years ago,” Mr Toohey said. “I recommended Progibb SG to help increase dry matter over winter and suggested that we leave an untreated strip in the pasture as a comparison. “The difference was quite marked, with the treated area producing over 30pc more dry matter within a few weeks. That client has been using it ever since.” Mr Toohey said clients considering trying ProGibb SG for the first time found the benefits compelling. “It’s quite an easy discussion,” Mr Toohey said. “When you consider the cost per hectare of ProGibb versus buying in extra feed or the potential, it gives for increased stocking rates, it is well worth it.”
Photos: Top Right -Untreated strip in middle of paddock 15
