Wynnstay Grass & Roots 2016

GRASS & ROOT SEEDS

2016

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk www.wynnstay.co.uk

INTRODUCTION Exploiting the full potential of home grown forage has a major influence on the cost of production per litre of milk, or per kg of live weight gain. The process of regular reseeding is essential to maximise the full potential of the very best modern day grass and clover varieties. We believe that reseeding should be viewed as an investment rather than a cost and is also a vital factor in producing high yielding, quality home grown forage.

It gives me great pleasure to present our range of grass mixtures for 2016. Whilst similar in make up to the 2015 range, once again we have improved the mixtures by introducing new, superior varieties where appropriate. These new varieties offer improvements in yield, D value, palatability, persistency, winter hardiness, ground cover and disease resistance.

The Wynnstay range of grass seeds has grown to become one of the most popular ranges of mixtures in the UK. As well as attracting new customers, this growth has been driven by an increased trend towards repeat ordering, one of the most positive indicators that our customers are pleased with the performance and value of the mixture range.

We work hard to maintain excellent trading relationships with all the major UK grass breeders yet value our completely independent position. This enables us to choose the best varieties of grass and clover to include in our mixtures from a wide range of varieties that have undergone trials and appear on the Grass and Clover Recommended List.

Particular care will be required when selecting grass seed mixtures in 2016 as some suppliers will be forced to use substitute varieties which are outdated or have never been trialled in the UK. In order to ensure quality and value, we grow a large proportion of our grass seed on contract with local farms, primarily on the high grade, fertile soils of Herefordshire. This seed is cleaned at our modern, purpose built seed plant at Shrewsbury. A brand new cleaning line was installed recently ensuring even higher purity standards are achieved.

This coupled with excellent germinations ensures that only top quality grass is used for our mixture range.

Our on-site blending facility enables us to mix and bag the seed to your specific requirements whether for 3 acres or 300 acres.

Adam Simper Grass and Root Seed Product Manager

2

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

CONTENTS Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Reseeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Next Day Delivery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Try Something New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Recommended Grass and Clover List . . . . 5

Lucerne. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Wynnstay’s Grass Seed Story . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Chicory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Wynnstay’s Top Selling Mixtures. . . . . . . . 7

Plantain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Mixture Selector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Clovers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Short Term Mixtures

Tetraploids Vs Diploids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Fast Grass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Weed & Pest Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Tower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Fertiliser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Medium Term Mixtures

Amenity Seed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Squire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Wildflower Mixes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Fortress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Environmental Schemes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Shield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Game Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Sovereign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Root Crop Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Long Term Mixtures

Fodder Beet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Imperial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Swedes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Crusader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Kale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Herald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Stubble Turnips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Kingdom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Forage Rape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Majestic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Maincrop Turnips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Royal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Catch Crop Mixtures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Poultry Pasture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Forage Crop Technical Update. . . . . . . . . . 65

Festulolium. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Wholecrop Mixtures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Equine Mixes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Arable Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Organic Seed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

How to Order. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Over Seeding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

01939 210 777

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

01939 210 582

info@grasslandseeds.co.uk

Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

3

NEXT DAY DELIVERY When required we aim to deliver your seed on to farm the next working day. This service is available where requested, at no extra cost, for all orders placed by 12 noon for our standard mixture range. Where mixtures are formulated to your requirements, we aim to deliver within 2 working days. (For UK mainland only, excluding Highlands of Scotland. Additional charges apply for orders with a value below £70.)

ORDER ONLINE Whether you prefer to order your grass and root seeds online, or if you are just looking for more information please visit our website at www.grasslandseeds.co.uk Orders can be placed online and either booked to your account (for Wynnstay account holders) or paid for by credit card. Online seed orders placed by 12 noon will be delivered the next working day (subject to conditions).

Please visit/place an order online at

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

INDEPENDENCE Many companies selling grass seed have a bias towards one particular breeder. Our grass seed business is completely independent from any one breeder which allows us to study the data from trials and the Grass and Clover Recommended list so we can select the best possible grasses for our mixtures.

We find that plant breeders have different strengths and weaknesses in their breeding programs so it is important to have a range of grasses from each breeder to ensure a good balance of yield, palatability, persistency, winter hardiness, ground cover and disease resistance within the mix. We currently select grasses from all of the following breeders.

4

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

‘We select the best possible grasses for our mixtures – to ensure good balance of yield, palatability, persistency, winter hardiness, ground cover and disease resistance ’

RECOMMENDED GRASS & CLOVER LIST (RL) Knowing the performance characteristics of grass and clover is immensely useful for grassland farmers. It allows for an appropriate selection of varieties that will perform well for a particular system and end use.

The England and Wales Recommended Grass and Clover Lists are drawn up after rigorous and independent testing for attributes such as yield, feed quality, disease, persistence and seasonal growth patterns. The trials are carried out by BSPB and NIAB TAG and evaluated by a panel of experts.

If you are using grasses that are not on the Recommended List they will either be old grasses that have been outclassed, grasses that have been shown to be substandard in the testing system, or grasses that may never have been independently tested in the UK so we do not know how they perform. All of the above can result in a reduced yield, lower D value and lower profitability for your farm.

For more information or to receive your free copy and to find out what grasses and clovers are on the Recommended List please call the Seed Office on 01939 210777

Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

5

STEP EIGHT

STEP SEVEN

STEP SIX

STEP FIVE

STEP FOUR

STEP THREE

STEP TWO

STEP ONE

GRASS SEED STORY

6

FULL CONTROL FROM START TO FINISH

SELECTING THE CORRECT GRASS VARIETIES We carefully study all the trials information from the Recommended Grass and Clover List for England and Wales and regularly visit breeders trials, which enables us to pick and choose the best varieties to grow on contract to produce seed for our mixture range.

GROWING OUR OWN GRASS In order to ensure quality and value we grow a large proportion of our grass seed on contract with local farms, primarily on the high grade, fertile soils of Herefordshire.

CLEANING OUR OWN GRASS This seed is cleaned at our modern, purpose built seed plant at Astley, Shrewsbury. In 2012 a brand new cleaning line was installed guaranteeing even higher purity standards are achieved.

ANALYSING OUR OWN GRASS All the seed is sent to the laboratory for rigorous testing to ensure that we have the highest purity and germinations results, ensuring all seeds meets HVS (Higher Voluntary Standard).

FORMULATING OUR OWN GRASS MIXTURES We carefully select the best varieties in each category to ensure optimum mixture performance.

MIXING OUR OWN GRASS MIXTURES Whether it be a mixture from our standard range, or a tailor made mixture, our on-site mixing facilities means that we have the flexibility to mix what we need, when we need it. This ensures prompt delivery onto farm.

SELLING OUR OWN GRASS MIXTURES Our dedicated sales force has the experience and knowledge to advise you on what mixture would suit your farm enterprise so that you get the most out of your grass.

DELIVERING OUR OWN GRASS MIXTURES Whether you are North, South, East or West in the UK we can deliver the seed when you want it.

If seed is needed for next day delivery we will do everything possible to get it there. www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

WYNNSTAY’S TOP SELLING MIXTURES Wynnstay provide a range of high quality grass seed mixtures which are designed to meet the specific needs of farming enterprises across the UK. Each mixture is designed to present farmers with a variety of options – so that there is a grass mix to suit every farming system.

Wynnstay’s grass mixtures have become one of the most popular ranges in the UK. Within the range there are best sellers from bulky silage mixes to long term dual purpose leys.

Long Term

Medium Term

Short Term

The chart below shows the average sales figures (per year) of each Wynnstay standard grass seed mixture from 2010–2015.

Wynnstay’s TOP S

ELLERS!

SOVEREIGN A medium term mixture, designed for intensive cutting and grazing management (see pages 16 & 17) IMPERIAL A long term, dual purpose mixture which provides quality silage and leafy grass for grazing

(see page 18)

TOWER A short term silage mixture, with fast establishment and high yields (see page 11) Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

7

MIXTURE SELECTOR SUITABILITY Seed Rates kg/acre

Further information on page

Grazing

Silage

Hay

Average Heading Date*

Westerwolds

Italian Ryegrass

✔✔✔

✔✔✔

Short Term Fast Grass

1 Year

13

10

H

HHHHH

HHH

19 May

Tower

1-2 Years

14

11

H

HHHHH

HHHHH

20 May

Squire

3 Years

13

13

HHH

HHHHH

H

19 May

Fortress

3-4 Years

14

14

HHH

HHHHH

H

21 May

Shield

4 Years

13

15

HHHH

HH

HH

5 May

Sovereign

4-6 Years

14

16-17

HHHH

HHHH

HHHH

29 May

Herald

6+ Years

15

20

HHHH

HHHH

HH

2 June

Kingdom

6+ Years

15

21

HHHH

HHH

HHH

2 June

Majestic

6+ Years

17

22

HHHH

HH

H

3 June

Royal

6+ Years

15

23

H

HHHHH

HH

31 May

Crusader

6+ Years

14

19

HHHHH

HHH

HH

3 June

Imperial

7+ Years

14

18

HHHH

HHHH

HH

4 June

✔✔✔✔

Medium Term

Long Term

* F or optimum quality silage aim to cut 5-10 days before Heading Date

Mixtures displaying this symbol indicate that the mixture is available with Chicory

8

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

Mixtures displaying this symbol indicate that the mixture is available with Festulolium

MIXTURE CONSISTENCY Hybrid Ryegrass

Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass

✔✔✔

✔✔

✔✔✔

✔✔✔

✔

✔✔✔

Late Perennial Ryegrass

Timothy

White Clover

Red Clover

Meadow Fescue

No Clover Version Available

Clover Available

Chicory Available

Festulolium available

✔

✔✔✔

✔

✔

✔

✔✔

✔✔✔

✔

✔

✔✔

✔✔✔

✔✔

✔

✔

✔✔✔

✔✔

✔✔✔

✔

✔✔✔

✔

✔

✔✔✔✔

✔

✔

✔

✔

Mixtures displaying this symbol indicate that the mixture is available as an option without Clover

Mixtures displaying this symbol indicate that the mixture is available as an option with Clover

Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

9

FAST GRASS

Average Heading Date:

ONE YEAR QUICK GROWING

Grazing

Silage

Hay

Very fast establishment and even quicker growth due to the inclusion of Westerwolds grass

•

Can be sown later in autumn due to quick establishment at lower temperatures

•

Fast Grass can produce silage crops within 10–12 weeks of drilling with the correct fertiliser and weather conditions

•

An efficient user of fertiliser

•

Early autumn drilling can produce valuable winter grazing, or early grazing in the following spring. Care should be taken to avoid poaching as quick growing grasses like these do not produce a dense sward

1 - 2 y e a rs

•

6.50 kg Peleton Westerwold 3.50 kg Gemini Italian Tetraploid Ryegrass 2.00 kg Alamo Italian Diploid Ryegrass 1.00 kg Muriello Italian Diploid Ryegrass

SHO R T TE R M

13.00 kg/acre

10

19th May

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

Average Heading Date:

20th May

TOWER 1–2 YEAR BULKY SILAGE PRODUCTION

Grazing

Hay

Silage

Tower will give up to four cuts per year of high quality silage

•

When reseeding with a short-term ley it is important to use the highest yielding varieties possible, to maximise Dry Matter Yield

•

Gemini is used as it is the highest yielding Italian within its group on the Recommended List

•

Muriello and Alamo are used as they are the second highest yielding Italians within their group on the Recommended List

•

Tower is made up of 100% Italian Ryegrasses which grow at lower temperatures compared with other agricultural grasses, therefore growing earliest in the spring and latest in the autumn

•

High vigour with rapid establishment

1 - 2 ye a rs

•

3.50 kgs Gemini Italian Tetraploid Ryegrass 3.50 kgs Danergo Italian Tetraploid Ryegrass 4.00 kgs Alamo Italian Diploid Ryegrass 3.00 kgs Muriello Italian Diploid Ryegrass

“We run a dairy and arable enterprise and reseed 35 acres with Tower every year as it fits well between wheat crops in our arable rotation. As the Tower mix is made up of 100% Italian Ryegrass, it is the first out of all of our grass leys to start growing in the spring on our cold heavy ground. This enables us to take 3 good quality, high sugar, heavy silage cuts by the first week August. Although Tower is more than capable of at least 4–5 per year, we find the quantity of silage that 3 cuts produce is enough for our requirements.

We then use the Tower mix for valuable aftermath grazing.”

SH O R T T ER M

14.00 kg/acre

E M Shingler & Son Seven Springs Farm Shropshire Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

11

12

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

SQUIRE

Grazing

Hay

Silage

•

Hybrid Ryegrasses are quick to establish, have high yields and can last up to five years

•

They naturally have high water soluble carbohydrate (sugar) contents

•

AberEcho is used as it is the highest yielding Hybrid within its group on the Recommended List.

It is also a high sugar grass, making it more efficient in terms of meat and milk production

•

Novial is used as it has the highest cutting yield in its second harvest year and also has the highest winter hardiness score within its group on the Recommended List

•

The new variety Seagoe is used as it has the highest cutting yield with excellent disease resistance within its group on the Recommended List

•

The Red Clover yields as much dry matter as the grasses and adds protein to the mix

•

Squire is ideal for 2–3 silage cuts with 2–3% higher protein content than a no-clover silage

•

The high protein of the Red Clover finishes lambs very well in the summer period especially with the addition of Chicory

•

The high proportion of Red Clover can help fix up to 100–150kg of Nitrogen/ha/year presenting opportunities to reduce Nitrogen application

•

The high Red Clover and Tetraploid content results in consistent performance even in dry years

3.50 kg AberEcho Hybrid Tetraploid Ryegrass 3.50 kg Novial Hybrid Tetraploid Ryegrass 3.00 kg Seagoe Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass New Variety 3.00 kg Merviot Red Clover

Festulolium available

Chicory available

13.00 kg/acre

Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

3 - 4 ye a rs

19th May

3 YEAR RED CLOVER, HIGH PROTEIN, HIGH ENERGY SILAGE AND AFTERMATH GRAZING

M EDIU M T ER M

Average Heading Date:

13

FORTRESS

Average Heading Date:

3–4 YEAR HEAVY PRODUCTION EARLY GROWTH

M EDIU M T ER M

3 - 4 y e a rs

Grazing

14

Silage

21st May

Hay

•

Fortress has good early spring growth for an early cut or graze

•

Choose a field that is well drained and suitable for early utilisation

•

The high Tetraploid content increases water soluble carbohydrate (sugar) levels which aid silage fermentation and aftermath grazing

•

AberEcho is used as it is the highest yielding Hybrid within its group on the Recommended List.

It is also a high sugar grass, making it more efficient in terms of meat and milk production

•

Novial is used as it has the highest cutting yield in its second harvest year and also has the highest winter hardiness score within its group on the Recommended List

•

The new variety Seagoe is used as it has the highest cutting yield with excellent disease resistance within its group on the Recommended List

•

Dunluce is used because it has very high cutting and grazing yields with outstanding D values for both cutting and grazing within its group on the Recommended List

•

Very quick growing ley ideally suited for cutting, if grazing is the priority look at Shield

Clover available

Chicory available

3.50 kg AberEcho Hybrid Tetraploid Ryegrass 3.50 kg Novial Hybrid Tetraploid Ryegrass 1.50 kg Malone Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 3.50 kg Seagoe Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass New Variety 2.00 kg Dunluce Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass

14.00 kg/acre Festulolium available

“We like using Fortress due to its rapid establishment and vigorous growth which produces huge silage crops. Although the mix can easily handle four cuts we prefer to take two silage cuts followed by quality aftermath grazing which the cow’s milk well on. Due to the mix being all Tetraploid we find that the re-growth of grass once cut or grazed is rapid, which allows us to get maximum production out of the ley” A.J & M.R Hughes Malt Kiln Farm Shropshire

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

SHIELD

Average Heading Date:

4 YEAR QUALITY GRAZER WITH SILAGE POTENTIAL

Silage

Hay

•

Shield is an ideal mix for short/medium term grazing, it has very good ground cover and very quick re-growth from the hybrid Solid

•

The new variety AberWolf is used because it has the highest grazing yield with the highest grazing D value, the second highest cutting yield and high ground cover scores within its group on the Recommended List. It is also a high sugar grass, making it more efficient in terms of meat and milk production

•

AberGreen is used because it has the joint highest grazing yield along with AberWolf, the second highest D value and good ground cover scores within its group on the Recommended List. It is also a high sugar grass, making it more efficient in terms of meat and milk production

•

Dunluce is used because it has very high grazing and cutting yields with outstanding D values for both grazing and cutting within its group on the Recommended List

•

In a normal year Shield will produce a good quality first cut around the third week of May 3.00 kg Solid Hybrid Tetraploid Ryegrass 3.00 kg AberWolf Intermediate Diploid Perennial Ryegrass New Variety 1.50 kg AberGreen Intermediate Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 2.00 kg Dunluce Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 2.00 kg Seagoe Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass New Variety 1.50 kg Glenariff Intermediate Diploid Perennial Ryegrass

13.00 kg/acre

Clover available

Chicory available

Festulolium available

Wynnstay Group Plc

3 - 4 ye a rs

Grazing

Grass & Roots 2016

M EDIU M T ER M

25th May

15

SOVEREIGN

Average Heading Date:

4–6 YEAR INTENSIVE DUAL PURPOSE

M EDIU M T ER M

4 - 6 y e a rs

Grazing

16

Silage

29th May

Hay

•

Our bestselling mixture specifically designed for intensive management alternating between cutting and grazing

•

Sovereign is a versatile mixture capable of one or two cuts of silage then quality aftermath grazing

•

The new variety AberWolf is used because it has the highest grazing yield with the highest grazing D value, the second highest cutting yield and high ground cover scores within its group on the Recommended List. It is also a high sugar grass, making it more efficient in terms of meat and milk production

•

Dunluce is used because it has very high grazing and cutting yields with outstanding D values for both grazing and cutting within its group on the Recommended List

•

The new variety Seagoe is used as it has the highest cutting yield with excellent disease resistance within its group on the Recommended List

•

AberAvon is used as it has huge yields, the highest grazing D value and very good ground cover scores within its group on the Recommended List. It is also a high sugar grass, making it more efficient in terms of meat and milk production

•

Timothy is used as it will help to fill the summer gap and also thrives in cooler wetter conditions.

It also increases intake with its high palatability

•

A Clover blend is used allowing for various management regimes

No Clover available

Chicory available

Festulolium available

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

3.00 kg AberWolf Intermediate Diploid Perennial Ryegrass New Variety 1.00 kg Glenariff Intermediate Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 3.50 kg Dunluce Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 2.50 kg Seagoe Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass New Variety 2.00 kg AberAvon Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 1.00 kg Presto Timothy 0.25 kg AberPearl Small Leaf White Clover 0.50 kg Crusader Medium Leaf White Clover 0.25 kg Barblanca Large Leaf White Clover

14.00 kg/acre

Tel: 01939 210 777

4 - 6 ye a rs

“Having a ley which is fast to establish and has quick regrowth once grazed is vital for our dairy enterprise. This is why we like using Sovereign. We find its versatility between cutting and grazing very useful as year on year it gives us options as to what we do with the field. We find that it has a thick base which enables us to have tack sheep in over the winter which keeps the grass in good condition ready for the first graze the following season by the dairy cows”

“We use Sovereign to provide us with 3 quality silage cuts and dense lush grazing for our 300 cow Holstein Friesian dairy herd. As well as the dairy herd we also have an arable enterprise and find that Sovereign fits well between wheat crops in the arable rotation. It always yields well on our diverse range of soil types which means we can use Sovereign on all fields around the farm”

M EDIU M T ER M

D.V & D.A Cliffe & Sons Woodcott Hill Farm Cheshire

G E & D W Windsor The Lodge Whitchurch

Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

17

IMPERIAL

Average Heading Date:

LONG TERM CUTTING AND GRAZING

L ON G TE R M

7 y e a rs +

Grazing

18

Silage

4th June

Hay

•

Imperial is made up of Late Perennial Ryegrasses to give excellent first cut quality silage

•

Imperial’s Late Perennial Ryegrasses mean it is less likely to produce stemmy seed heads in the summer and so maintain a fresh sward with three true leaves throughout the season

•

AberGain is used because it has the highest cutting and grazing yield, the highest grazing D value and also the highest crown rust score within its group on the Recommended List

•

AberBite is used as it has very high cutting and grazing yields combined with the second highest grazing D value within its group on the Recommended List. It also has very good winter hardiness scores

•

AberAvon is used as it has huge yields and the highest grazing D value and very good ground cover scores within its group on the Recommended List

•

Drumbo is used as it has the second highest grazing yield and grazing D value within its group on the Recommended List. It also has very good late season growth which will help extend the grazing season

•

High sugar content from all the ‘Aber’ varieties, making it more efficient in terms of meat and milk production

•

A clover blend is used allowing for a range of different management regimes

No Clover available

Chicory available

2.00 kg AberGain Late Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 2.00 kg AberBite Late Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 1.50 kg AberAvon Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 4.50 kg Drumbo Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 2.00 kg Bijou Late Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass New Variety 1.00 kg Presto Timothy 0.50 kg AberPearl Small Leaf White Clover 0.50 kg Crusader Medium Leaf White Clover

14.00 kg/acre

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

CRUSADER

Average Heading Date:

LONG TERM SHEEP GRAZING WITH EARLY BITE

•

•

•

• • • • • •

Silage

Hay

The new variety AberWolf is used because it has the highest grazing yield with the highest grazing D value, the second highest cutting yield and high ground cover scores within its group on the Recommended List. It is also a high sugar grass, making it more efficient in terms of meat and milk production AberAvon is used as it has huge yields, the highest grazing D value and very good ground cover scores within its group on the Recommended List. It is also a high sugar grass, making it more efficient in terms of meat and milk production Drumbo is used as it has the second highest grazing yield and grazing D value within its group on the Recommended List. It also has very good late season growth which will help extend the grazing season AberGain is used because it has the highest cutting and grazing yield, the highest grazing D value and also the highest crown rust score within its group on the Recommended List High sugar content from all the ‘Aber’ varieties, making it more efficient in terms of meat and milk production Timothy is used as it will help to fill the summer gap and also thrives in cooler wetter conditions.

It also increases intake with its high palatability Very persistent with nearly 70% of the mixture made up of Late Perennial Ryegrass Crusader produces a very dense sward from the high quantity of Diploids within the mix The clover blend of a small leaf and a medium leaf type enables tight grazing with both sheep and cattle 2.50 kg AberWolf Intermediate Diploid Perennial Ryegrass New Variety 2.50 kg AberAvon Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 4.00 kg Drumbo Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 3.00 kg AberGain Late Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 1.00 kg Presto Timothy 0.50 kg AberPearl Small Leaf White Clover 0.50 kg AberDai Medium Leaf White Clover

No Clover available

Chicory available

14.00 kg/acre “The high Diploid content within Crusader means that the base of the ley is thick with lush grass.

This is extremely important to us as it can handle intensive grazing from high stocking rates. Due to a range of intermediate and late PRG it extends the growing season and we like to turn the ewes and lambs in around mid-February. The Crusader mix also fits in well with the Glastir scheme that we adhere to which states that we have to shut the ley off for a hay cut by the 15th May and we can’t cut until the 15th July. The yield and quality of grass that the Crusader mix provides is always pleasing” T J E Jones Lower Pendre Farm Brecon

Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

6 ye a rs +

Grazing

L ON G TE R M

3rd June

19

HERALD

Average Heading Date:

2nd June

MEDIUM/LONG TERM DUAL PURPOSE

Grazing

A higher seed rate than most other mixes ensures quick establishment and maximum yield Wide range of heading dates optimise grass production throughout the growing season The new variety AberWolf is used because it has the highest grazing yield with the highest grazing D value, the second highest cutting yield and high ground cover scores within its group on the Recommended List. It is also a high sugar grass, making it more efficient in terms of meat and milk production

•

Dunluce is used because it has very high grazing and cutting yields with outstanding D values for both grazing and cutting within its group on the Recommended List Drumbo is used as it has the second highest grazing yield and grazing D value within its group on the Recommended List. It also has very good late season growth which will help extend the grazing season AberAvon is used as it has huge yields and the highest grazing D value and very good ground cover scores within its group on the Recommended List High sugar content from all the ‘Aber’ varieties, making it more efficient in terms of meat and milk production Timothy is used as it will help to fill the summer gap and also thrives in cooler wetter conditions.

It also increases intake with its high palatability Versatile mix, will cut and graze whilst producing a very dense sward Clover blend to boost forage protein and palatability plus the added benefit of soil nitrogen fixation

6 y e a rs +

•

L ON G TE R M

Hay

• • •

•

20

Silage

• • • •

No Clover available

Chicory available

3.00 kg AberWolf Intermediate Diploid Perennial Ryegrass New Variety 3.00 kg Dunluce Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 3.00 kg Drumbo Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 2.00 kg AberAvon Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 2.00 kg AberGain Late Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 1.00 kg Presto Timothy 0.25 kg AberPearl Small Leaf White Clover 0.50 kg Crusader Medium Leaf White Clover 0.25 kg Barblanca Large Leaf White Clover

15.00 kg/acre

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

“Herald is a versatile mix that produces a substantial amount of quality grass for our 1000 strong sheep enterprise. The protein in the clover helps to fatten the lambs which is extremely important as it assists with keeping our cost of production down. We generally drill around the first or second week of August after the spring wholecrop has been harvested allowing for the ley to be ready for its first grazing early the following spring, before being shut up for a high yielding high quality silage cut” A Gardner & Sons Neuaddgoch Newtown

LONG TERM CUTTING AND GRAZING (HIGH RAINFALL AREAS)

Grazing • • •

• • • • • • •

Hay

Silage

Proven long-term cutting and grazing mixture The blend of intermediate and late perennials give great flexibility for both cutting and grazing management The new variety AberWolf is used because it has the highest grazing yield with the highest grazing D value, the second highest cutting yield and high ground cover scores within its group on the Recommended List. It is also a high sugar grass, making it more efficient in terms of meat and milk production Dunluce is used because it has very high grazing and cutting yields with outstanding D values for both grazing and cutting within its group on the Recommended List Drumbo is used as it has the second highest grazing yield and grazing D value within its group on the Recommended List. It also has very good late season growth which will help extend the grazing season AberGain is used because it has the highest cutting and grazing yield, the highest grazing D value and also the highest crown rust score within its group on the Recommended List High sugar content from all the ‘Aber’ varieties, make it more efficient in terms of meat and milk production Higher inclusion of Timothy which is known to thrive in wetter soil conditions Meadow Fescue is used to create a dense bottom to the ley and is very stress tolerant which helps it thrive on wet or drier soil types Clover blend contains mainly small and medium leaf varieties to cover grazing by livestock and some large leaf for the cutting regime 2.00 kg AberWolf Intermediate Diploid Perennial Ryegrass New Variety 3.50 kg Dunluce Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 2.00 kg Drumbo Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 2.00 kg AberAvon Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 2.00 kg AberGain Late Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 2.00 kg Presto Timothy 0.20 kg AberPearl Small Leaf White Clover 0.40 kg Crusader Medium Leaf White Clover 0.20 kg Barblanca Large Leaf White Clover 0.70 kg Meadow Fescue

No Clover available

Chicory available

15.00 kg/acre

Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

6 y e a rs +

2nd June

KINGDOM

L O NG TE R M

Average Heading Date:

21

MAJESTIC - SS9 LONG TERM DAIRY PASTURE Grazing • • • • •

Hay

3.00 kg Dunluce Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 3.00 kg Drumbo Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 5.00 kg AberGain Late Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 5.00 kg AberBite Late Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 1.00 kg Barblanca Large Leaf White Clover

17.00 kg/acre

“As a dairy enterprise keeping our cost of production down is extremely important. The Majestic mix is packed with tetraploids which have a rapid re-growth once grazed. The quick re-growth of the quality grass that Majestic provides is of vital importance to us, as it has enabled us to rotationally graze the mix every 3 weeks. The cows graze the mix really well and the total milk yield always increases once they graze the mix” Mr G Hunt The Hunt Partnership, Dove House Farm Cheshire

22

3rd June

Majestic has a high proportion of Tetraploid Ryegrass to give maximum cow grazing potential as Tetraploids are more readily grazed than Diploid varieties Newly sown Tetraploids can provide up to 50% more dry matter in a drought year than Diploids Majestic has a higher seed rate to allow for the larger size of Tetraploid seed Majestic should be rotationally grazed rather than set stocked for maximum performance High sugar content from all the ‘Aber’ varieties, making it more efficient in terms of meat and milk production

6 ye a rs +

L ON G TE R M

Silage

Average Heading Date:

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

LONG TERM CUTTING Grazing

• • • •

Hay

Silage

Proven long term cutting mixture Royal gives good aftermath grazing from the Tetraploid content Ideal for fields away from the farm that will be cut three or four times a year Royal will thicken in the bottom if grazed at least once a year 3.00 kg AberWolf Intermediate Diploid Perennial Ryegrass New Variety 4.00 kg Seagoe Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass New Variety 2.00 kg Drumbo Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 3.00 kg AberBite Late Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 3.00 kg AberGain Late Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass

15.00 kg/acre

LO N G T E RM

31st May

6 y ear s +

ROYAL

Average Heading Date:

POULTRY MIX This hardwearing mixture will be quick to establish whilst also producing a dense and robust turf for hens. It has a higher seed rate than most other agricultural grass mixtures which is important to help maintain its longevity and durability under constant wear and grazing.

8.00 kg Dwarf Perennial Ryegrass 6.50 kg Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 4.00 kg Strong Creeping Red Fescue 3.00 kg Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass 1.50 kg Chewings Fescue

23.00 kg/acre

POULTRY MIX PLUS This diverse poultry mix will be quick to establish whilst also producing a dense and robust turf for chickens. It has a higher seed rate than most other agricultural grass mixtures which is important to help maintain its longevity and durability under constant wear and grazing. The diverse range of legumes within the mix will produce a flower which will help attract insects to keep the hens occupied.

8.00 kg Dwarf Perennial Ryegrass 5.80 kg Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 4.00 kg Strong Creeping Red Fescue 3.00 kg Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass 1.50 kg Chewings Fescue 0.20 kg Small Leaf White Clover 0.20 kg Red Clover 0.20 kg Altraswede Red Clover 0.10 kg Birdsfoot Trefoil

PO ULT RY PA S T U R E

POULTRY PASTURE

23.00 kg/acre Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

23

FESTULOLIUM Fescue grasses are valued for their improved drought tolerance, but potential yields and quality have always been well below modern day Ryegrasses. Festuloliums are described as: • A cross between Meadow Fescues or Tall Fescues (Festucas) and Italian Ryegrass or Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium) • Their attributes are: Improved drought tolerance, growth at lower temperatures early and late in the year extending the growing season, high quality, good winter hardiness and persistency, high stress tolerance, and responds well to Nitrogen We have two varieties of Festulolium:

ABERNICHE (Meadow Fescue x Italian-type Ryegrass) AberNiche is the first Festulolium to be added to the Grass and Clover Recommended List, it is listed in the Hybrid Ryegrass section. AberNiche demonstrates that the transfer of the more stress resistant Fescue genes into Ryegrass can be achieved without negatively affecting the yield or quality characteristics of the grass. The improved stress tolerance makes it ideal for drought prone areas.

Trials show that its winter hardiness is similar to other Italian Ryegrass and the same if not better than some Hybrid Ryegrasses. AberNiche is suited for short to medium term silage mixtures which also include Hybrid Ryegrass, Perennial Ryegrass and Clover. The mixes that AberNiche would most suit would be Squire and Fortress.

FE ST UL O L I UM

LOFA

24

Lofa has shown to perform particularly well when conditions are sub-optimal due to different stress factors. This “wide” resistance is exactly what breeders and users are aiming for to secure forage production and quality. The resistance to crown rust is excellent. The early spring growth allows a very large “spring window” with excellent forage quality. The mixtures that Lofa would most suit would be Shield and Sovereign.

For more information please call the Seed Office on 01939 210777

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

25

EQUINE HORSE AND PONY MIX LONG TERM DENSE PADDOCK MIX WITH HAY OPTION • • • • • •

Our horse and pony mixture has been designed specifically to handle horses and ponies and the damage they can do to a field This well balanced mix is designed to produce palatable yet low sugar swards for horses to graze or to be shut up to produce a sweet smelling high quality hay Strong Creeping Red Fescue, as the name suggests, grows along the ground, so will help to fill in any hoof prints left by galloping horses The horse and pony sward can be grazed all year round (be careful not to poach the ground) The wide range of heading dates increases the length of growing season so horses can graze for longer in the year Clover is not included as it is not recommended for horse or ponies that are prone to laminitis; however we can add clover to the mix to suit your needs 4.00 kg Strong Creeping Red Fescue 2.00 kg Seagoe Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 2.50 kg Glenariff Intermediate Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 2.00 kg Malone Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 2.00 kg Cancan Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 1.50 kg Erecta Timothy

14.00 kg/acre

HORSE HAY MIX SHORT TERM •

Please see our Tower mixture on page 11

LONG TERM

EQ UIN E

• • •

This mix has been designed to produce high yields for Hay or Haylage with quality aftermath grazing Our Long Term Horse Hay mix has been designed to last 5–6 years A well balanced mixture that only contains Diploids which will ensure an even conditioning of the hay sward 3.00 kg Kilrea Early Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 2.50 kg Glenariff Intermediate Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 4.00 kg Butara1 Intermediate Diploid Perennial Rygrass 2.50 kg Drumbo Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 2.00 kg Erecta Timothy

14.00 kg/acre

26

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

HORSE HERB MIX • • • • •

Our Horse Herb mixture has been designed specifically to add minerals and trace elements to your long term horse pasture This well balanced mix is designed to produce palatable yet low sugar swards for horses to graze or to be shut up to produce a sweet smelling high quality hay The wide range of heading dates increases the length of the growing season so horses can graze for longer in the year Strong Creeping Red Fescue, as the name suggests, grows along the ground, so will help to fill in any hoof prints left by galloping horses The Horse Herb sward can be grazed all year round (be careful not to poach the ground) 3.00 kg Strong Creeping Red Fescue 2.00 kg Seagoe Intermediate Tetraploid PRG 2.50 kg Glenariff Intermediate Diploid PRG 2.00 kg Malone Intermediate Tetraploid PRG 2.00 kg Cancan Late Diploid PRG 1.50 kg Erecta Timothy 0.30 kg Perennial Chicory 0.20 kg Sheeps Burnet 0.20 kg Sheeps Parsley 0.10 kg Ribgrass 0.10 kg Yarrow 0.10 kg Sainfoin

14.00 kg/acre

PRG = Perennial Ryegrass

35% Dwarf Perennial Ryegrass 35% Dwarf Perennial Ryegrass 20% Strong Creeping Red Fescue 10% Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass

Seed Rate 80–140 kg/acre

GATEWAY MIX • • • •

Wynnstay’s Gateway mix is a three-variety blend that is used to patch up poached areas around feeding troughs and gateways Larger seeded Tetraploids are mainly used as they establish more rapidly in less than ideal conditions This blend is not suitable to use as a stitching mix It is packed in 10kg packs and is very quick to get established Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

EQ UIN E

GALLOP MIX • This mix is designed to produce a dense sward with a strong root system that will recover quickly • Amenity grasses produce smaller plants which mean they need to be sown at a higher seed rate to create a dense sward • It is ideal for new gallops or end of season renovation • Strong Creeping Red Fescue, as the name suggests, grows along the ground, so will help to fill in any hoof prints left by galloping horses • Amenity grasses are used as they will not produce a lot of growth like agricultural grasses, allowing horses to travel easier

27

ORGANIC SEED

The growth in sales of organic grass, arable silage and cereal seeds has been substantial in the past few years. We have also seen a large sales increase in fertility and soil structure crops such as Mustard, Phacelia, Red Clover and, more recently, Sweet Clover. Wynnstay have been selling organic cereal seeds and grass mixtures since 2000. We are fully licensed with Organic Farmers and Growers and have representation on the working group committee that decides how to interpret European directives with regard to organic seed. We are more than willing to put forward any comments from our customers at these meetings. The organic seed inclusion level for organic forage mixtures for 2016 is to stay the same at 70%. Wynnstay can offer organic alternatives to our conventional grass seed leys. Please see below and opposite for organic leys and seeds that are available.

70% ORGANIC SQUIRE 3 YEAR RED CLOVER HIGH PROTEIN, HIGH ENERGY SILAGE AND AFTERMATH GRAZING

ORGANI C S E E D

5.10 kg Organic Solid Hybrid Tetraploid Ryegrass 3.00 kg Organic Dunluce Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 1.00 kg Organic Rajah Red Clover 1.90 kg AberEcho Hybrid Ryegrass 2.00 kg Merviot Red Clove

28

13.00 kg/acre

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

70% ORGANIC SOVEREIGN 4–6 YEAR INTENSIVE DUAL PURPOSE 2.15 kg Organic Copeland Intermediate Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 6.00 kg Organic Dunluce Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 2.00 kg Organic Drumbo Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 1.85 kg AberWolf Intermediate Diploid Perennial Ryegrass New Variety 1.00 kg Presto Timothy 0.375 kg AberPearl Small Leaf White Clover 0.75 kg Crusader Medium Leaf White Clover 0.375 kg Barblanca Large Leaf White Clover

14.50 kg/acre

70% ORGANIC IMPERIAL LONG TERM CUTTING AND GRAZING

ORGANI C S E E D

3.00 kg Organic Drumbo Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 4.15 kg Organic Polim Late Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 3.00 Kg Organic Foxtrot Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass 1.85 kg AberGain Late Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 1.00 kg Presto Timothy 0.75 kg AberPearl Small Leaf White Clover 0.75 kg Crusader Medium Leaf White Clover

14.50 kg/acre ORGANIC GRASS SEED AVAILABLE: Organic Italian Ryegrass Organic Hybrid Ryegrass Organic Intermediate Diploid Ryegrass Organic Intermediate Tetraploid Ryegrass Organic Late Diploid Perennial Ryegrass Organic Late Tetraploid Ryegrass Organic Red Clover

ORGANIC ROOT SEED AVAILABLE: Organic Stubble Turnips Organic Swede (Graded and Natural) All subject to availability

For more information please call the Seed Office on 01939 210777 Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

29

OVER S EED I N G

OVER SEEDING

30

Over seeding is a very simple but effective way to rejuvenate old or damaged grass leys without the cost of a complete reseed. Increases in yield and quality can be achieved without ploughing and the time spent out of production can be reduced.

Over seeding could be the way forward for you.

Recent trials have seen results from over seeding into an existing ley by: • An increase of yield by over three tonnes of dry matter per hectare • Increases in D value by two points • Higher crude protein; metabolisable energy, and sugar contents Timing is imperative and the main aim is to minimise competition from the existing sward.

The best time to over seed is March, April, July or September as the grasses are not growing as vigorously as they are in May and June. Over seeding is also best suited after hard grazing or close cutting. Careful consideration needs to be given when choosing where to over seed, an open sward is needed, as a thick old “feggy” sward will be very hard to open out to allow the seeds to reach the soil. Good seed to soil contact is vital when over seeding.

Remove all grass by cutting or tight grazing.

Scarify in at least two directions using a wire tine grass harrow. After this if the sward is thin the seed can be broadcast on. It is then very important to tightly roll the field to get as much seed to soil contact as possible. It will also conserve moisture and flatten stone and mole hills for silage ground. This is best achieved by using a ring roller or treading in with sheep (make sure the sheep come off after 7–10 days).

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

A method that is becoming increasingly popular is to slot seed into the soil, but you must be sure not to drill too deep. For both methods, Tetraploid Ryegrasses are recommended as they are a larger seed compared to Diploids. They are used because of their strong, competitive growth habits, and are thought to have a higher drought tolerance compared to Diploids. The grass should be sown at 10kg/acre. Choose the appropriate Wynnstay over seeding grass seed mixture by speaking to your local representative or call Adam Simper or Rachel Jones in the Seed Office for advice on which mixture suits your needs. You should leave the pasture for 5–6 weeks after sowing and then lightly graze.

(Make sure the root system is strong enough to withstand grazing, especially sheep, and that the animals are not pulling up the leaf blade and the root from the ground).

The following year you can continue with normal grassland farming. To get the best out of your ley make sure you check the pH, phosphate and potash levels of the soil. Apply lime if necessary to achieve 6.5 pH at a maximum of 5t/ha (2t/ acre), split dress if more is required, and ensure phosphate and potash levels are above a soil index of 2. The new seedlings should be well established before Nitrogen is applied, this is normally around 4 weeks after sowing, if fertiliser is applied before this only the old grasses will benefit and out compete the new ryegrass. The same method can be used for applying clover to swards, however as clover is traditionally slower to establish we recommend you only sow clover in the summer or early autumn.

OVER SEEDING MIXTURES SHORT TERM

STITCHING IN MIX NO CLOVER 3.00 kg Gemini Italian Tetraploid Ryegrass 3.00 kg Danergo Italian Tetraploid Ryegrass 4.00 kg Barmultra II Italian Tetraploid Ryegrass 10.00 kg/acre

STITCHING IN MIX NO CLOVER

OVER S E ED I N G M I X T U R E S

MEDIUM TERM

2.00 kg AberEcho Hybrid Tetraploid Ryegrass 4.00 kg Novial Hybrid Tetraploid Ryegrass 4.00 kg Seagoe Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass New Variety 10.00 kg/acre

MEDIUM TERM

STITCHING IN MIX PLUS CLOVER

2.00 kg AberEcho Hybrid Tetraploid Ryegrass 4.00 kg Novial Hybrid Tetraploid Ryegrass 3.00 kg Seagoe Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass New Variety 0.25 kg AberPearl Small Leaf White Clover 0.50 kg Crusader Medium Leaf White Clover 0.25 kg Barblanca Large Leaf White Clover 10.00 kg/acre

LONG TERM

STITCHING IN MIX NO CLOVER 2.00 kg Seagoe Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass New Variety 3.00 kg AberBite Late Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 5.00 kg AberGain Late Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 10.00 kg/acre

LONG TERM

STITCHING IN MIX PLUS CLOVER 2.00 kg Seagoe Intermediate Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass New Variety 3.00 kg AberBite Late Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 4.00 kg AberGain Late Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 0.25 kg AberPearl Small Leaf White Clover 0.50 kg Crusader Medium Leaf White Clover 0.25 kg Barblanca Large Leaf White Clover 10.00 kg/acre Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

31

IMPORTANCE OF RESEEDING It is common knowledge that reseeding a field will improve yield, on average by 33%, but there are also many other benefits. Over several years “weed grasses” will ingress into any sward after poaching or a hard winter. These “weed grasses” have very poor quality characteristics compared to modern day perennials, such as poor digestibility (i.e. they do not convert to meat or milk as efficiently as a perennial) and poor response to fertiliser. As the Grassland Research Institute at Hurley showed, after 8 years, more than half the original sown species die out. The benefits that a new reseed will bring are: • • • •

• • •

Improved silage quality Improved response to N fertiliser Increase margins per head by having lower concentrated feed costs

There is obviously a cost associated with reseeding which is why it is vital you choose the best grass ley possible, which includes the most modern up to date varieties.

Weed Grass Ingression %

Improved yields Better disease resistance especially to Crown Rust Earlier turnout of stock which will lead to higher stocking rates More palatable and digestible (increasing milk and meat production, improving the animal condition) Source: Grassland Research Institute - Hurley

RESPONSE TO FERTILISER In this current era of volatile fertiliser prices it is important that the grass species in your sward respond to fertiliser inputs. When compared to Perennial Ryegrass, the response to nitrogen is as follows: • • •

Yorkshire Fog only gives a response to nitrogen of 42% Creeping Bentgrass only gives a response to nitrogen of 33% Rough Stalked Meadowgrass only gives a response to nitrogen of 17% (WPBS)

These losses in response occur when nitrogen is increased from 50 to 150 units per acre.

100

Response to Nitrogen

100

80

60

42

40

17

20

0

PRG Yorkshire Fog Rough Stalked Meadowgrass Bent Grass

32

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

33

TIPS FOR RESEEDING Once the decision to reseed has been made; following these steps will help to fulfil the potential of the reseed: •

• • • •

• • • •

•

•

• •

Plants from within one metre of each other:

Destroy the old sward using a product containing glyphosate. Ensure there is sufficient new growth for the chemical to be taken up and that an appropriate rate is applied under correct conditions.

Whilst this treatment will control actively growing plants it will not kill dormant seed in the soil Take a soil sample at 10cm (4 inches) to analyse pH, P and K indices Apply FYM Plough and Press Apply seedbed fertiliser as required. Apply lime to achieve 6.5 pH at maximum of 5t/ha (2t/acre), split-dress if more is required Work down to prepare a fine, firm seedbed Ring roll Choose correct grass mixture MISSED ROLLED Drill or broadcast the seed onto the rolled seedbed.

Ring roll or light harrow to ensure maximum contact between seed and soil. Grass and clovers will not germinate until the average daily soil temperature is above 5ºc. Temperatures need to rise to achieve satisfactory growth Spray with Dursban WG (Chlorpyrifos) if Leather-Jackets or Frit Fly are expected. If the old sward is to be ‘burnt-off’ then Dursban WG may be applied in a tank mixture with certain formulations of glyphosate.

Remember to follow the guidelines laid down in the ‘Chlorpyriphos: Say NO to DRIFT’ stewardship Campaign Graze periodically from 8–12cm (3–4 1/2 inches) down to 3–6cm (1–1 1/2 inches). This will help achieve a densely tillered leafy sward. The removal of grass allows light to reach and stimulate grass tiller buds and clover growing points. Sheep or young cattle are less likely to poach the developing sward Weed control in the new ley is usually necessary to ensure good establishment and to avoid a gappy sward If significant weed problems are expected you should consider establishing the ley without clover and introducing it once a herbicide has been applied to the sward

Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

33

NEW CROPS TRY SOMETHING NEW IN YOUR GRASS MIXTURE! SUPPLE LEAF TALL FESCUE Tall Fescue in some regions is valued as a high yielding grass and is considered coarse in texture and of poor quality, however with new developments in breeding, new Supple Leaved Tall Fescues have been bred. They still have the traditional benefits of being very tolerant to drought and water logging but its improvements in yield are now very similar to Perennial Ryegrass coupled with high digestibility and palatability too. Supple leaf tall fescue would suit dry, drought prone soils and also very wet heavy soils due to the hardy nature of the species. This relatively early heading grass is well suited to grazing in mixtures such as Sovereign, Crusader, Herald and Kingdom.

The quantity of Supple Leaf Tall Fescue to add into these mixes varies from 2.00 kg – 4.00 kg/acre.

It is suggested to reduce the Perennial Ryegrass content within the mixture so that the seed rate is not too high and it keeps the mix cost effective.

CRIMSON CLOVER

N EW CR O P S

Crimson Clover is an annual legume which has high yields and is a good source of home grown protein. It is used to help bulk up the yield and protein content of the first silage cut in the first harvest year. It can be cut or grazed but is best suited to cutting. It is a small seed so it should not be drilled deeper than 10mm. Sowing deeper than this will reduce the germination dramatically. The seed bed should be fine and firm and the soil should be rolled after sowing to increase seed to soil contact, and to help conserve moisture. The optimum time to sow Crimson Clover is late March to May and Mid-August to early September. When incorporating crimson clover with a grass mixture the drilling rate is 1–2 kg/acre.

34 34

The benefits of using Crimson Clover are: • • • • • • •

Very fast establishment Excellent ground covering Can be either cut or grazed but is best suited to cutting regimes High in protein Frost resistance Does not cause bloat Suited to spring & early autumn sowing – with high production in spring

The mixes Crimson Clover may work well with are Fast Grass, Tower and Squire. The quantity of Crimson Clover to add into these mixes varies from 1.00kg–2.00kg/acre.

It is suggested to add this on top of the normal seed rate.

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL Birdsfoot Trefoil is a Perennial Legume that is a member of the clover family. Although its yields are not as high as white clover it produces high quality forage for cattle and sheep and adapts well to poorly drained or low pH soils. Due to it being rich in tannins it may help to reduce parasitic infection in sheep. Using Birdsfoot Trefoil in a mix in conjunction with white clover has many advantages if grazed by livestock. It provides good forage value as a non-bloating legume species, and high adaptability to relatively poor soil conditions. Birdsfoot Trefoil’s establishment is best when sown in late March/April or August/September. The most reliable establishment is obtained from sowing into a warm seed bed with adequate moisture.

BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL KEY FACTS: • • • • • • • • •

Drought tolerant plant Rich in Tannins which are valued for their anthelmintic properties Does not cause bloat Will last up to 4 years Can tolerate hard grazing Winter hardy Does not like excessive water so avoid heavy clay soil types Drill late March/April or August/September Add 0.5kg –1.0 kg into a grass and clover mix

• • • • • •

Shield Sovereign Herald Imperial Crusader Kingdom

The quantity of Birdsfoot Trefoil you would add in with these mixes could vary from 0.5kg–1.0kg/ acre. It is advised to add this on top of the normal seed rate so Sovereign normally 14 kg/acre would be a 14.5–15.0 kg/acre.

For more information please call the Seed Office on 01939 210777

Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

N EW CR O P S

Birdsfoot Trefoil may work well with a range of mixtures, particularly in grazing situations – so why not try Birdsfoot Trefoil in the following mixtures:

35

LUCERNE A high yielding crop that provides an excellent source of home produced protein. Lucerne is grown primarily for cutting with three to four cuts per year followed by limited end of season grazing potential. Lucerne has excellent drought tolerance and once established remains productive for up to five years.

LUCERNE KEY FACTS • • • • • • • •

One of the highest yielding legumes Lasts 3–5 years Suits dry soils, drought prone areas and importantly the soils need to be free draining Very deep rooting, roots can reach 8m deep Can cause bloat if grazed If grazing Lucerne a back fence must be used to prevent the new re-growth being grazed as this will increase bloat dramatically Yields are up to 12 tonne DM/ha High Protein 22–25 %

•

Low input - no N required

SITE SELECTION AND CROP REQUIREMENTS Lucerne is usually treated as a 5 year conservation crop and cut 3–4 times. Lucerne is a high protein crop useful for feeding cattle and sheep. It is a high-yielding legume which naturally fixes Nitrogen making it a cost effective crop to grow.

• • • •

L UC ER NE

•

SOWING AND ESTABLISHMENT Lucerne can be grown on a number of fertile free-draining sites and soil types. The optimum condition for sowing Lucerne is when soils are warm and the seedbed is fine and firm; Lucerne is most commonly sown in late spring normally in late April.

• • • • •

36

Lucerne is best suited and thrives in deep free draining soil Its deep tap root allows the plant to scavenge for water and nutrient reserves For rapid establishment, a soil pH range of 6.5–7 is needed, so a soil test is vital before sowing Adequate pH status will also ensure activity of nitrogen fixing Rhizobium bacteria within the root nodules Atmospheric Nitrogen will not be fixed if the pH is lower than 6.2

Lucerne seed should always be inoculated with a culture of live Rhizobia Meliloti bacteria to ensure a successful root nodulation and efficient Nitrogen fixing Seed should be sown between April and mid-August, but must be sown into a warm seedbed, very little moisture is required The seed should be sown into a firm fine seedbed at 8–10kg/acre 2kg of Timothy or Meadow Fescue can be sown along with the Lucerne to act as a nurse crop which will help to out- compete weeds Sow at a depth of 5–12mm in loamy soils and 12–25mm in sandy soils where moisture may be limited

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

HARVESTING GUIDELINES Lucerne is an extremely palatable protein-rich forage, high in fibre and an ideal supplement in mixed rations. Lucerne has very good yield potential of around 13 tonnes of dry matter per hectare per annum over the first two years.

• • • • •

Mid to late bud is identified as the best timing indicator for harvest Timing is critical as Lucerne must be allowed to build up root reserves before re-harvesting so allow a minimum of 4–5 weeks between cuts Cutting too early should therefore be avoided as the persistence of the crop is dramatically reduced Conversely cutting too late (first flowering stage) results in lower quality material which is high in indigestible Cellulose Typically four cuts per year could be taken from late May to mid-October

GRAZING GUIDELINES Lucerne is a suitable forage as it contains high dry matter yield, protein and calcium content. As a nitrogen- fixing legume, Lucerne is commonly compared with white and red clover and can be grown on its own or with carefully selected companion grasses.

• • •

Grazing can reduce persistency of the plant therefore attention must be taken not to damage the crown, a minimum sward height of 6–7cm is advised Stock should be controlled by an electric fence to both limit access and to prevent back-grazing of re-growth Grazing Lucerne rotationally at 5–6 week intervals is advised Once the crop has stopped growing graze lightly to minimise crop damage

For more information please call the Seed Office on 01939 210777

L UC ER NE

•

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Grass & Roots 2016

37

CHICORY HIGH YIELD, HIGH PROTEIN HERB FOR GRASS LEYS We have been using Chicory for many years now and we have learnt a lot about the inclusion of Chicory within our grass leys and as a pure Chicory sward. Those finishing lambs in mid-Summer have seen big improvements from using Chicory. When grass growth slows down in mid-Summer the Chicory will maintain its growth and farmers have been talking of a “bloom” to their lambs once they are on the Chicory and nearly all report an outstanding increase in growth rates. From talking to farmers that grow Puna II they are delighted with the rapid re-growth after grazing and they think the benefits in a single year pay for the extra seed cost. We have learnt more about grazing Chicory, too much grazing over the winter especially in wet conditions will expose the crown and kill the plants.

Chicory should be rotationally grazed for best results with light short spells in year one. Under the correct management Chicory will last 3–4 years.

FORAGE CHICORY Bred in New Zealand this deep ‘tap’ rooted herb provides high forage yields with high protein content and high mineral content. It is selected through a long term breeding program for its nutritive value, productivity, palatability and persistency. It has achieved outstanding animal performance with drought resistance, once established, and good pest tolerance. It can be sown into grass and clover mixtures or on its own to provide leafy forage from spring to autumn.

SOWING • Ideally in the spring, April onwards • Can be sown in the autumn but like Red Clover needs to be well established before going dormant in the winter • Sow at 0.75–1.00kg per acre if included with grass and clover mixture • Sow at 2.00 kg per acre if sown as pure stand • Slug pellets may improve establishment • Seed is small and light, therefore sow no deeper than 1 cm deep • Broad leaf weed control will kill chicory

CH ICO R Y

SOIL TYPES • • •

GRAZING MANAGEMENT •

•

• •

38

Puna II prefers well-drained soils P & K indices 2, pH 6 Chicory is responsive to N fertiliser, apply 45 kg N/Ha at the start of spring and then applications after grazing. Or sow with a medium to large leaf White Clover to provide N

Once established Puna II can be grazed from about 8 weeks. Graze hard in the spring to keep on top of the crop to prevent flowering. To prevent wastage strip graze with an electric fence or rotationally graze in paddocks Introduce lambs to the crop when it is 25–30cm tall (10–12 inches). Stock at a rate to take the crop down quickly to 5cm (2 inches). Rotate or back fence to allow regrowth. Continuous grazing or strip grazing, without a back fence will reduce crop quality and longevity Can deliver lamb growth rates of 300/400 grams per day Rotational length should be 3 to 6 weeks depending on time of growing season

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

• • • •

Mature crops above 30cm are less palatable and poorer quality In the first year chicory will rarely flower – in subsequent years control flowering by tight grazing or topping Graze accumulated regrowth before winter Hard grazing particularly after flowering or damage to the crown in wet conditions will affect production and persistence

ANIMAL HEALTH BENEFITS • •

Trials at SAC Aberdeen concluded that there was a reduction in internal parasites on pastures of Puna and subsequently growth rates were improved Chicory does not cause bloat when fed to cattle TYPICAL NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS OF PURE CHICORY Dry Matter

Crude Protein

Digestibility

Oil (Acid Hydrolysed)

Ash

ME

8%

24.5%

66.1%

4.6%

15.2%

10.4%

PLANTAIN Plantain is a herb that is being used more in the UK. Parts of New Zealand use Plantain to increase mineral intake, reduce scouring during wet weather and reduce dagging from sheep. It has a deep tap root which makes Plantain particularly drought resistant. Similar to Chicory, Plantain is not a legume and would require a source of Nitrogen.

The leaves are spear shaped and scarcely toothed with three to seven strong parallel veins to a short stalk. Plantain can adapt to a wider range of soils when compared to Chicory. However it does not grow well in deep sands or waterlogged soils.

For more information please call the seed office on 01939 210777

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Grass & Roots 2016

PL ANTA I N

It can be sown as a straight or mixed with regular grassland mixtures to increase grazing quality.

You can also mix it with red and white clover as great forage for finishing lambs which has been successfully trialled locally in the UK in the last 2 years.

39

CLOVERS Clover is an essential part of any grassland sward. Not only does it fix nitrogen, up to an estimated rate of 100-150kg/ha according to the Institute Of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), but it also increases intake and daily liveweight gain. Clovers, both Red and White, tend to grow more in the summer and autumn providing valuable grazing when the grass growth is slower.

WHITE CLOVER White Clover is used in medium and long term mixtures. It will move through the sward as it grows by stolons, these are long root like stems that creep over the soil surface throwing up leaves along the way (see picture). White Clovers are differentiated by their leaf size.

The basic rule is, small leaf clovers are suitable for tight sheep grazing but would not survive in an all cutting regime. Larger leaf varieties would be very beneficial in a cutting mix but would be grazed out very quickly by sheep. It is vital therefore, that the correct Clover or even better a blend of Clover is incorporated in the correct mixture.

RED CLOVER With a yield five times that of White Clover and being one of the best forages for finishing lambs it is hardly surprising Red Clover usage is on the up. Its ability to improve soil structure and increase fertility out weigh the management issues historically associated with Red Clover. Red Clover tillers from a crown, it is damage to this crown that reduces the longevity of Red Clover typically lasting 3 years.

Red Clover is high in protein but low in sugar it therefore needs special attention when making silage. It can affect fertility of ewes, due to oestrogen production, if grazed six weeks prior to tupping, as well as the potential for bloat problems.

C LOVE R S

Clover illustrations supplied by Germinal

40

For more information please call the seed office on 01939 210777

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

TETRAPLOIDS Vs DIPLOIDS PLANT CHARACTERISTICS The main difference between Diploid and Tetraploid Ryegrass is the number of chromosomes per cell. Diploid plants have two sets of chromosomes per cell whilst Tetraploids have four.

Tetraploids have an increased cell size due to this and have a higher ratio of cell contents soluble carbohydrates (sugar) to cell wall (fibre), indicating that they have a higher water content per cell.

Diploid plants have more tillers per plant and due to the lower water content per cell have a higher dry matter per kilogram of feed and also more energy than Tetraploid plants. Diploid and Tetraploid plants have similar protein levels. A general rule of thumb is Tetraploids are favoured in cutting regimes and Diploids in tight grazing situations.

Tetraploids

Diploids

• Quicker establishment

• Better ground cover

• Better conservation yields

• Much more persistent (especially under grazing)

• Quicker re-growth • Higher water soluble carbohydrates (sugar) levels • Suits drier ground

• Better grazing yields • Higher dry matter per kg of feed • More tillers • Suits wetter ground

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Grass & Roots 2016

41

WEED & PEST CONTROL MANAGEMENT IN NEWLY SOWN LEYS SWARD DESTRUCTION •

•

It is good management practice to destroy the old sward with glyphosate prior to re-seeding to control perennial grass and broad-leaved weeds such as Couch and Docks To ensure adequate weed control is achieved it is important to apply the correct dose of glyphosate under appropriate conditions. Various formulations of glyphosate are available, but in general terms the more advanced formulations such as Roundup Flex will give better control of perennial weed species

PEST CONTROL Both Leatherjackets & Frit Fly can be very damaging when a newly sown ley follows a previous grass crop.

Leatherjackets • Leatherjackets are the larvae of Crane Flies (Daddy Longlegs) • They are soil inhabiting, up to 5cm in length with thick grey-brown skin and feed on the roots and stems of grass plants at or below ground level • Leatherjacket damage to new leys can be devastating, re-seeds may be completely destroyed Frit Fly • Frit Fly larvae are creamy-white in colour and about 5mm in length • Following egg hatch the larvae tunnel into the centre of grass plants causing dead-hearts and tiller death Control of both these pests can be effectively achieved using Dursban WG and treatment should be seriously considered in high risk situations. Dursban WG is residual and may under certain circumstances be tank mixed with the glyphosate used for sward destruction. Remember to follow the guidelines laid down in the ‘Chlorpyriphos: Say NO to DRIFT’ stewardship campaign WEED CONTROL •

•

•

•

Weed control in a newly sown ley is usually necessary to ensure good establishment and to avoid a gappy sward Control of seedling docks is very effective before they have become established; taking them out at this early stage can greatly reduce later dock problems There are only a few herbicides available for the treatment of newly sown leys, choice of product is governed by the presence or absence of clover and by the weed spectrum to be controlled Cost effective weed control may be achieved using broad spectrum herbicides. If clover is omitted from the seed mixture it can then be established at a later date, once weed control is complete

For more information please call the Crop Protection Department on 01939 210555 42

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

DOW ADVERT HERE

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43

FERTILISER NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT FOR GRASSLAND Nutrient management is vitally important to maximise both yield potential and quality for the crucial spring growing period. All crops need an adequate nutrient supply from the soil in order to thrive, and feeding grass properly with fertilisers and organic manures is key to achieving the grass growth and quality needed to fit any conventional grass-based system.

The starting point is to have a planned soil testing policy. A testing rotation that captures each field every 3–4 years will give an accurate picture of how fertiliser and manure applications are affecting soil fertility.

Maintaining soil pH and Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (Potash–K) indices at the correct levels are a vital part of making sure that production is optimised

TARGET SOIL PH, P AND K INDICES FOR OPTIMUM GRASS GROWTH Soil Type

pH

P Index

K Index

Mineral soils

6.0 - 6.5

2

2-

Peaty soils

5.0 - 5.5

2

2-

FE RTILI S E R

Having the correct pH is particularly important in order to allow efficient uptake of nutrients from the soil.

44

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

GUIDELINE LIME APPLICATIONS (Based on material with neutralising value of 55% and a loamy clay soil) pH

Tonnes/ha

Tonnes/ac

6.1 - 6.3

2

0.8

5.8 - 6.0

3-4

1.2 - 1.6

5.5 - 5.7

5-6

2.0 - 2.5

5.4 and below

7

2.8

If clover is an important constituent of the sward, a pH of 6.5 should be maintained.

FERTILISER RECOMMENDATIONS RESEEDING Reseeding old and worn out pastures with modern grass varieties will increase yield as well as the palatability and digestibility of grazed and conserved forage, and it is a good time to correct pH issues. The following table gives a guide to P and K rates for both autumn and spring/early summer sowing.

PHOSPHATE AND POTASH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GRASS RESEEDING Soil P Index

Rate of P2O5 or K2O in kg/ha

Soil K Index

0

1

2

3

3+

0

1

2-

2+

3

120

80

50

30

0

120

80

60

40

0

In the spring an ideal product to use is CF No. Seven (17–17–17) at a rate of 300 kg/ha, which will provide 50Kg of N, P2O5, and K2O/ha. The added benefit of the high water soluble phosphate content of this product means that it will help the grass seedlings to establish quickly by promoting with root development.

Autumn sown or grass/clover swards do not need Nitrogen, so autumn grade products such as 0–24–24, or even straights such as TSP and MOP can be used.

SULPHUR Atmospheric deposition of sulphur has drastically reduced over the past thirty years, and there is now a proven need for extra sulphur, especially to boost grass and silage yield and protein levels, and to optimise the uptake of nitrogen. CF have a large portfolio of sulphur containing fertilisers, proven in their ability to reduce the impact of sulphur deficiency.

Modern herbage varieties have a large production potential when managed appropriately, with the correct nutrient applications. Each farm is different, and the above information acts as a guide to nutrient management. Seek advice from a Wynnstay FACTS qualified sales person, or contact your area CF adviser for further information.

FERTI L I S ER

From The Fertiliser Manual (RB209) 8th Edition

For more information please call the Wynnstay Fertiliser Department on 01939 211266 Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

45

HARDWEARING LAWN SEED Wynnstay’s Hardwearing Lawn Seed is designed to be resilient and tough enough for all of your family activities.

Whether its a family game of football or an area for the pets to run around, this hardwearing mix will cope due to the inclusion rate of 50% Dwarf Perennial Ryegrass. The Dwarf Perennial Ryegrass has been bred to produce fine leaves but is tolerant enough to handle a lot of traffic whilst retaining a fantastic appearance.

0.50 kg Dwarf Perennial Ryegrass 0.25 kg Strong Creeping Red Fescue 0.20 kg Chewings Fescue 0.05 kg Browntop Bent 1.00 kg

Sowing rate 35 grams per square metre FINE LAWN SEED Wynnstay’s Fine Lawn Seed is a blend of fine leaved quality grasses which will produce a low maintenance, dense turf. If you want to show your ornamental garden off with a high quality bowling green look and good all year round colour then our fine lawn seed is ideal for you.

0.50 kg Strong Creeping Red Fescue 0.25 kg Chewings Fescue 0.20 kg Slender Creeping Red Fescue 0.05 kg Browntop Bent 1.00 kg

AM EN I T Y S EE D

Sowing rate 35 grams per square metre SHADY MIX Wynnstay’s Shade Mix is designed to produce high quality turf growing under shaded conditions. The grasses included in the mixture ensure lush green growth combined with a tolerance of shade. Do not mow this mix too closely – around 25mm is the most suitable mowing height.

0.10kg Hard Fescue

SHADY MIX TO GO IN HERE

0.30kg Rough Stalked Meadow Grass 0.30kg Chewings Fescue 0.25kg Slender Creeping Red Fescue 0.05 kg Browntop Bent 1.00 kg

Sowing rate 35 grams per square metre LOW MAINTENANCE MIX This mix is designed to be a low maintenance mixture where fast establishment is vital. It will suit many landscaping projects and will create a tough and durable surface. If cut often then it will smarten up the appearance which makes this an attractive mix in all landscaping areas.

0.25 kg Dwarf Perennial Ryegrass 0.25 kg Dwarf Perennial Ryegrass 0.35 kg Dwarf Perennial Ryegrass 0.15 kg Strong Creeping Red Fescue 1.00 kg

Sowing rate 35 grams per square metre 46

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Tel: 01939 210 777

OFFICIAL DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT ROADSIDE MIX (DFT) This mix meets the standards and specifications set by Department of Transport. The mix is used for road verges and will tolerate poorer quality and light soil types. The grasses will establish and knit together quickly which will stabilise loose soils on banks. These grasses are tolerant to road spray and exhaust fumes and will need to be cut twice a year or as necessary.

0.25 kg Dwarf Perennial Ryerass 0.20 kg Strong Creeping Red Fescue 0.30 kg Hard Fescue 0.10 kg Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass 0.10 kg Browntop Bent 0.05 kg White Clover 1.00 kg

Sowing rate 10 - 20 grams per square metre

SPORTS AMENITY MIXES TRADITIONAL PITCH MIX This high quality pitch mix will create a hardwearing top quality playing surface. It will be fast in establishment and will have excellent regenerative attributes. Rugby = approximately 100 x 69 metres plus 22m beyond both posts. Football = Did you know that not all pitches are the same size? The length of a pitch is approximately between 90m and 120m and the width not less than 45m and not more than 90m.

0.35 kg Dwarf Perennial Ryegrass 0.25 kg Strong Creeping Red Fescue 1.00 kg

Sowing rate 35 grams per square metre

TRADITIONAL BOWLING GREEN MIX This Traditional Bowling Green Mix will provide a superb fine surface for either a bowling or putting green. Its establishment will be rapid and it will keep a superb colour throughout the year. A bowling green area is usually 38m x 38m and 50kg will cover the whole area if sowing at 35 grams per square metre.

0.20 kg Browntop Bent 0.40 kg Chewings Fescue 0.40 kg Slender Creeping Red Fescue 1.00 kg

Sowing rate 35 grams per square metre

AM ENI T Y S E E D

0.40 kg Dwarf Perennial Ryegrass

Other sports amenity mixes available upon request e.g cricket pitches, golf green/fairway etc.

For more information please call the Seed Office on 01939 210777 Wynnstay Group Plc

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47

Wildflowers can make a colourful display for many months of the year. Creating wildflower areas are not only great to look at, they also benefit wildlife including beneficial pollinators and can also help to maintain a healthy eco-system. New to 2016, Wynnstay’s HiBloom Wild Flower Mixes include a wide range of UK native wild flowers in various bright colours.

80/20 GENERAL PURPOSE WILD FLOWER MEADOW This popular mixture is easy to establish and contains species often found in a diverse range of soil types.

It will produce a wide range of attractive bright colours which will flower many months of the year. A suitable mix to create a country meadow or to brighten up areas in your garden

80% Grasses including: Red Fescue, Crested Dogstail, Chewings Fescue, Slender Red Fescue 20% Wild Flowers including: Salad Burnet, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Oxeye Daisy, Cornflower, Sainfoin, Ribgrass, Red Clover, Sorrel, Knapweed, Yarrow, Buttercup, Selfheal, Poppy, Yellow Trefoil

W ILD FL OW E R MI X E S

100% Sowing rate 5 grams per square metre SHADY/HEDGEGROW MIX The Shade Mix is made up of grass and flowers that will tolerate growing where there is not a lot of sunlight. The mix will produce a wide range of attractive bright colours which will brighten up any shaded area

80% Low Maintenance Grasses including: Meadow Foxtail, Red Fescue, Crested Dogstail, Smooth Stalked Meadowgrass, Chewings Fescue, Slender Fescue, Small Leaved Timothy, Meadow Fescue 20% Wild Flowers including: Hedgewound Wort, Hairy St. John’s Wort, Hedge Bedstraw, Red Campion, Meadow Sweet Yarrow, Wood Sage, Knapweed, Great Mullein, Meadow Buttercup, Oxeye Daisy, Field Scabious Self heal, Wood Avens, Foxglove, White Campion, Hedge Garlic, Nettle Leaved Bellflower 100% Sowing rate 5 grams per square metre HEAVY SHADE/WOODLAND MIX The Woodland Mix is a mixture that creates a natural habitat for wildlife. The mix contains native plants which would be found growing naturally in wild woodland areas.

80% Grasses including: Crested Dogstail, Sheeps Fescue, Chewings Fescue, Yellow Oatgrass, Meadow foxtales, Smooth Stalked Meadowgrass, Slender Fescue, Red Fescue, Small Leaved Timothy, Meadow Fescue 20% Wild Flowers including: Bluebell Seed, Common Agrimony, Hedge Bedstraw, Hedge Garlic, Hedge Woundwort, Herb Bennet, Nettle Leaved Bell Flower, Ragged Robin, Red Campion, Self Heal, Square St Johns Wort, Sweet Cicely, Upright Hedge Parsley, Welsh Poppy, Wild angelica, Wild Foxglove, Wood sage 100% Sowing rate 5 grams per square metre

48

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

80/20 CORNFIELD ANNUALS The Cornfield Annual Mix is easy to grow and creates a fantastic array of brightly coloured flowers that stand out in any situation. The mix will only flower in the year of sowing unless the seeds are allowed to shed and self-seed

80% Grasses including: Red Fescue, Crested Dogstail, Chewings Fescue, Slender Fescue, mooth Stalked Meadowgrass,Small Leaved Timothy, Meadow Fescue 20% Wild Flowers including: Corn Flower, Corn Marigold, Corn Cockle, Corn Poppy, Corn Marigold 100% Sowing rate 5 grams per square metre WETLAND MIX

80% Low Maintenance Grasses including: Red Fescue, Smooth Stalked Meadowgrass, Crested Dogstail, Chewings Fescue, Slender Fescue, Yorkshire Fog, Small Leaved Timothy, Meadow Fescue 20% Wild Flowers including: Agrimony, Yarrow, Ragged Robin, Yellow Rattle, Oxeye Daisy, Purple Loosestrife, Water Avens, St. Johns Wort, Red Campion, Yellow Flag Iris, Self Heal, Meadow Sweet, Meadow Buttercup, Wild Carrot, Devils Bit Scabious 100% Sowing rate 5 grams per square metre Red Flowers Yellow Flowers Blue Flowers

Salad Burnet, Red Clover, Sorrel, Poppy, Red Campion Yellow Rattle, Buttercup, Corn Marigold, Yellow Flag Iris, Hairy St John’s Wort, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Agrimony Cornflower, Bluebell

Purple Flowers

Knapweed, Self Heal, Corn Cockle, Devil’s Bit Scabious, Foxglove, Wood Sage, Nettle Leaved Bellflower, Hedge Woundwort

White Flowers

Oxeye Daisy, Meadow Sweet, Chamomile, Hedge Garlic, Yarrow, Ribgrass, Wild Carrot, Hedge Bedstraw, Wild Angelica, Upright Hedge Parsley

Pink Flowers

Ragged Robin, Sainfoin, Water Avens (pinkish)

Other wild flower mixtures are available on request

Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

W ILD FL OW E R MI X E S

The Wetland Mix creates a beautiful wildlife habitat next to ponds and streams. The mix produces flowers and grasses of varying heights and colours that will tolerate flood water.

49

ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMES

EN VIR ON ME N TAL S C H E M E S

The potential benefits from drilling buffer strips are creating new habitat for small mammals, invertebrates and birds: protecting habitats from sprays, fertilisers and cultivation.

50

EE1/ EE2/ EE3 2m / 4m / 6m Buffer Strips on Cultivated Land EE7/ EE8 Buffering In – Field Ponds Establish a grassy strip during the first 12 months of your agreement. Control of annual weeds and to encourage grass to tiller may require frequent cutting. No fertiliser or manures are to be applied. Herbicides can be applied only to spot treat or weed wipe injurious weeds. (Other Conditions Apply) EF4 Nectar Flower Mixture Sowing an area of flowering plants into the farmed landscape will boost the availability of essential food sources for a range of nectar-feeding insects, including butterflies and bees. Sow in strips or a block, not more than 0.5 ha per 20ha between mid-March to mid-April or July to August. Re-establish as necessary to maintain a sustained pollen nectar supply. To stimulate late flowering, cut half the area to 20cm in June and the whole area to 10cm between mid-September and the end of October, ideally removing the cuttings. (Other conditions apply) EF2 Wild Bird Seed Mixture This mixture is designed to feed seed eating birds in arable landscapes, where there is little remaining food source. The aim of this mix is to provide a year round supply of food. Sow annually or every other year and drill in strips or blocks of a maximum of 0.5ha and no more than one block per 20ha.

Spot treat or weed wipe injurious weeds. A non-residual product may be used prior to spring re-sowing to facilitate reestablishment. For establishment, the use of seed treatments to control pests and diseases are permitted. Only apply fertiliser or manure if necessary for establishment.

10% Browntop Bent 10 % Cocksfoot 20 % Meadow Fescue 10 % Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass 20 % Timothy 30 % Creeping Red Fescue 100% Seed rate = 20 kg/ha. Packed in 1/2 ha packs

40 % Altraswede Red Clover 40 % Alsike Red Clover 10 % Sainfoin 10 % Birdsfoot Trefoil 100% Seed rate = 20 kg/ha. Packed in 1/2 ha packs

17.5 kg Spring Triticale or Spring Barley 1.25 kg Kale 1.00 kg Quinoa 2.50 kg White Millet 2.75 kg Linseed 25 kg Seed rate = 35-50kg/ha. Packed in 25kg bags

Other ELS and HLS mixtures are available on request

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP

The scheme will be delivered by Natural England, the Forestry commission and the Rural Payments agency. The scheme has 3 main elements • Higher tier (Similar to the current Higher level stewardship) • Mid-tier (which replaces Entry level stewardship) • Lower tier of capital grants THE HIGHER TIER For the most environmentally important sites and woodlands.

THE MID-TIER Options to address a wide range of environmental issues, including water pollution, and improving the farmed environment for birds and pollinators.

THE WILD POLLINATOR AND FARM WILDLIFE PACKAGE Within the two tiers applicants can choose a specific group of management options that will bring benefits to wild pollinators, farmland birds and other farm wildlife.

The options are: • Pollen & nectar resources for pollinators and chick-food for birds • Nesting sites for birds and pollinators • Winter food for seed eating birds Farmers who apply for this package of measures will score more highly in their Countryside Stewardship applications.

WALES Glastir is the sustainable land management scheme for Wales.

Further details can be found on the Welsh government website:

www.gov.wales

For more information and to receive your free Hi Bird Gamecover and Environmental Crops brochure please call the Seed Office on 01939 210777

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Grass & Roots 2016

EN VIR ON ME N TAL S C H E M E S

The new Countryside Stewardship will replace, Environmental Stewardship, the English Woodland Grant scheme and the capital grants from Catchment sensitive farming programme. Applications for the new Scheme started in July with agreements and payments set to commence in 2016.

51

GAME COVER GAME COVER MIXTURES Wynnstay has a range of Game Cover crops suitable for all situations. Please call our Seed Office for your free copy of our Game Cover Brochure on 01939 210777.

The booklet is full of tips and practical hints on establishing the right crop successfully. We have our own mixing facilities at Astley and can therefore mix any of the following:

GAM E C O VE R

For more information on the above Game Cover mixtures and which would meet your needs, please contact our Seeds Office.

CONTACTS Shrewsbury Seed Office: 01939 210777

CROPS AVAILABLE FOR FEED AND COVER

Oswestry Gunroom: 01691 659251

• • • • • • • • •

Newtown Gunroom: 01686 626379

Quinoa Millet Buckwheat Quinoa/Kale Blend Game Maize Gamecover Mix Sunflower Sorghum Texcel Greens

CROPS AVAILABLE PRIMARILY FOR COVER

52

Spaniel • Golden Retriever • Pointer • Cocker Springer Setter • Labrador • Pro Driver

• • • • • •

Kale Mustard Sorghum (giant and dwarf) Canary Grass Yellow Blossom Sweet Clover Rape

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

Pheasant Feed (Sean Jones): 01691 668717 For more information or to receive your free copy of our Game Cover Brochure please call the Seed Office on: 01939 210777

ROOT CROP GUIDE

Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

53 53

54

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

FODDER BEET Fodder beet is a high yielding energy crop, which can be lifted or grazed in situ. The roots have an excellent feed quality and they are very palatable to ruminant stock.

A significant market has also developed recently for large tonnages of Energy Beet / Fodder Beet to be used for energy production in anaerobic digesters. Variety requirements differ for this market so please contact the Seed Office on 01939 210777 for more information.

YIELD & FEED DATA (ROOTS ONLY) Yield & Feed Data (tops can add 3-4t DM/ha) Average D M Yield = 13-15 tonnes/ha Average Fresh Yields = 80-90 tonnes/ha Dry Matter = 12-19% Crude protein = 12-13% Digestibility value = 78D Metabolisable energy = 12.5-13.5 MJ/kg DM Utilisation October to March Varieties with higher % roots in the ground also have higher dirt tares. The higher the dry matter, the deeper the beet sits in the ground and the more frost resistant.

Top tip: Fodder Beet can thrive on a wide range of soil types but a light to medium free draining field is best

LIVESTOCK INTAKE The tops can be utilised if required to boost the total fodder output ever further. The roots tend to be lifted and stored however some farmers have strip grazed certain varieties with dairy cows successfully.

Fodder Beet Varieties Available: Variety Skin Colour DM Content % DM Yield % % of Root in Ground Blizzard White 22.6 107 72 Magnum White/Yellow 20.5 107 65 Tarine Pink 20.1 108 64 Robbos Yellow 19.9 106 60 Blaze Bright Red 18.5 101 57 Jamon Yellow 17.9 99 57 Feldherr Yellow 15.6 94 49 All seed is treated and packed in 50,000 seed packs (1 acre packs)

Energy Beet Available:

Feed Beet Available:

Linova - The consistent performer Beretta - The feed beet Cindy - keeping soil out of it Gerty - the consistent performer For more information please call the Seed Office on 01939 210777

Fertiliser Guidelines SNS Index

0

1

2

3

4

5

K

U

K

U

K

U

K

U

K

U

Nitrogen (N)

130

104

120

96

110

88

90

72

60

48

Phosphate (P2O5)

110

88

80

64

50

40

0

0

0

0

0

Potash (K2O)

170

136

40

32

110 (2-) 80 (2+)

88 (2-) 64 (2+)

40

32

0

0

0

K = Kg/Ha

U = Units/Acre Data Source: DEFRA Fertiliser Manual (RB209) 8th Edition

K

6 U

K

U

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0-40 0-32

Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

FODD ER B EE T

SOWING & GROWING Sowing Period = Late March to end April Precision Drill only = 100,000 seeds/ha (50,000 seeds /acre)

55

SWEDES Swedes provide a high energy autumn and winter feed.

Swedes are the only true winter hardy feed. This means that they are suitable for the coldest sites in the UK. They can either be grazed in situ or lifted and stored for feeding to cows and sheep later on. Sufficient rainfall is required together with good soil conditions in order to provide strong root development. Therefore, either cultivation in high rainfall areas or the use of irrigation is essential.

SOWING AND GROWING Sowing period = April – June Precision Drill = (150g–350g/acre) 350g–850g/ha Grade H Drill = (1kg/acre) 2.5kg/ha Natural seed Broadcast = (1–2kg/acre) 2.5kg–5kg/ha Natural seed YIELD & FEED DATA

Top tip: For a uniform crop avoid soil compaction and ensure a pH of 6.5

Average D M Yield = 7–10 t/ha Average fresh yields = 70–80 t/ha Dry Matter = 9–13% Crude protein = 10–11% Digestibility value = 82D Metabolisable energy = 12.8–13.1 MJ/kg DM UTILISATION

SW ED ES

• September – April, depending on variety and drilling date

56

• Use the lower dry matter varieties first as they are less winter hardy • Use the higher dry matter later in the season as they are more winter hardy LIVESTOCK INTAKE Select a variety that suits the required utilisation period. Most Swedes are grazed in situ; however, it is advisable to use an electric fence to help reduce waste. You must introduce feeding to any Brassica slowly over two weeks. It is best to have a grass or stubble run back. www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

INVITATION A high yielding and high dry matter variety with uniform purple skinned roots. It has both club root and powdery mildew resistance and due to its winter hardiness it is ideal for post Christmas utilisation and can be used to help extend grazing periods. It also has a large leaf for extra grazing potential.

LOMOND This new variety which was bred in Scotland has good winter hardiness, which can be used before or after Christmas. It is 11% DM yield higher than Ruta Otofte according to Advanta trials. All reports have been good with all round uniform bulbs with high fresh and dry matter yields. It has both club root and powdery mildew resistance.

MARIAN Marian is a purple top variety. It has a good uniform shape and some resistance to clubroot and mildew. A second early variety for use in October through to January. Marian can also be used as a culinary swede.

GOWRIE Gowrie is a purple skinned variety with uniform roots that can be utilised pre or post Christmas. It can produce high dry matter and fresh yields and exhibits good resistance to both club root and powdery mildew.

Other varieties available upon request Fertiliser Guidelines SNS Index

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

K

U

K

U

K

U

K

U

K

U

K

U

K

U

Nitrogen (N)

100

80

80

64

60

48

40

32

0-40

0-32

0

0

0

0

Phosphate (P2O5)

105

84

75

60

45

36

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Potash (K2O)

215

172

185

148

155 (2-) 125 (2+)

124 (2-) 100 (2+)

80

64

0

0

0

0

0

0

U = Units/Acre Data Source: DEFRA Fertiliser Manual (RB209) 8th Edition

SW ED ES

K = Kg/Ha

Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

57

KALE Kale provides a high yielding fodder crop which is high in crude protein and can be fed to all types of livestock. Kale’s utilisation period can stretch from late August through to early March (depending on the type of winter). Kale is also an ideal full season game cover crop.

SOWING AND GROWING Sowing Period = April – early July Precision Drill = (750g /acre) 2kg/ha Grade J Drill = (1–1.5 kg/acre) 2.5–4 kg/ha Natural seed Broadcast = (2kg/acre) 5 kg/ha Natural seed YIELD & FEED DATA Average D M Yield = 8–10 tonnes/ha

Top tip: A fine, firm moist level seed bed is required. Early sown crops which establish well are more likely to give the best yield and cover

Average fresh yields = 60–65 tonnes/ha Dry Matter = 14–16% Crude protein = 16–17% fresh, 19–25 ensiled Digestibility value = 68D Metabolisable energy = 10–11 MJ/kg DM UTILISATION • August through to the following March, depending on the variety and sowing date • Maris Kestrel, a shorter leafy type used for fattening lambs • Caledonian is a taller Marrow stem type ideal for cattle LIVESTOCK INTAKE Two main ways of feeding kale to livestock:

KAL E

1. Strip graze behind an electric fence which should be moved daily, but keep a close eye on the levels of wastage which will help determine when you move the fence. A grass runback area is recommended.

58

2. Zero grazing by cutting the crop with a forage harvester will help secure the maximum use of green feed with little waste. The kale can then be fed from a forage box or behind a barrier. Great care must be taken to avoid soil contamination. Only 30 to 35% of Dry Matter intake for dairy cows per day is to come from kale. Kale is low in Phosphorous, Manganese and Iodine but high in Calcium, so mineral supplements should be used. www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

CALEDONIAN Caledonian is a taller Marrow Stem type ideal for cattle, and is also a Club Root resistant variety, which now enables growers to continually grow Kale on Club Root infected sites. Caledonian’s huge yields, good lodging resistance and winter hardiness makes it ideal for utilisation by dairy and beef cattle.

MARIS KESTREL A short leafy type ideal for fattening lambs, highly digestible with good protein and D value. An ideal choice for out wintering with good winter hardiness and high leaf to stem ratio.

KEEPER Keeper is a winter hardy variety and has good lodging resistance. It is a medium short type and ideal for fattening lambs and providing quality winter feed. Keeper has a high dry matter content, hence its good winter hardiness.

THOUSAND HEAD A reliable variety, with proven records and competitively priced. Thousand head is a medium height variety with good lodging resistance and good winter hardiness. Traditionally a game cover variety. It is also suitable for grazing after the shooting season.

Other varieties available upon request

Fertiliser Guidelines SNS Index

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

K

U

K

U

K

U

K

U

K

U

K

U

K

U

Nitrogen (N)

130

104

120

96

110

88

90

72

60

48

0-40

0-32

0

0

Phosphate (P2O5)

110

88

80

64

50

40

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Potash (K2O)

260

208

230

184

200 (2-) 170 (2+)

160 (2-) 136 (2+)

130

104

0

0

0

0

0

0

KAL E

K = Kg/Ha U = Units/Acre Data Source: DEFRA Fertiliser Manual (RB209) 8th Edition

Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

59

STU BBL E T UR N I P S

STUBBLE TURNIPS

60

Firstly select which type of Stubble Turnip you are going to grow. Leafy types produce similar dry matter yields but in the form of leaf not bulbs. They are also quicker growing and need utilising earlier. They are best suited to spring drilling and summer grazing. After eight weeks Tyfon is ready to graze, after twelve weeks Alternaria and particularly Powdery Mildew will attack the crop and yields will be depressed. The bulbing turnip is more flexible in that it will keep for longer in the field although still attracting Alternaria the dry matter is in the root and not the leaf. Bulbing types can be sown in April/May for summer grazing or in July/August for winter grazing. Summer sown crops are traditionally fed throughout the winter although it should be noted that stubble turnips are not a winter hardy crop and a severe winter could cause the turnip to rot.

SOWING AND GROWING Sowing Period (1) April – June (if sowing earlier there is a risk of Bolting) (2) July – early Sept (any later and they will not amount to much) Drill (1.5kg/acre) 4 kg/ha Natural seed Broadcast (2kg/acre) 5kg/ha Natural seed YIELD & FEED DATA Average D M Yield = 3.5–4 tonnes/ha Average fresh yields = 35–40 tonnes/ha Dry Matter = 8–9 % Crude protein = 17–18% Digestibility value = 68–70 % Metabolisable energy = 11 MJ/kg DM LIVESTOCK INTAKE Stubble Turnips are very palatable and easy for cows and sheep to digest, however, both should be introduced to the crop gradually and should have access to either grass, silage, hay or straw, especially when feeding to dairy cows. A dairy cow will eat approx 22kg of fresh weight in a 2–3 hour grazing period. A ewe will eat about 12kg fresh weight per day. Therefore an average crop of 15 tonnes per acre will provide one days grazing for 500 cows or 1000 ewes. (Allowing for some wastage).

Watch out for stubble turnips tainting milk, feed directly after milking and remove 2–3 hours before milking.

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

Top tip: Drill in early August to ensure high yields

Fertiliser Guidelines SNS Index

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

K

U

K

U

K

U

K

U

K

U

K

U

K

U

Nitrogen (N)

100

80

90

72

80

64

60

48

40

32

0-40

0-32

0

0

Phosphate (P2O5)

85

68

55

44

25

20

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Potash (K2O)

110

88

80

64

50 (2-) 20 (2+)

40 (2-) 16 (2+)

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

K = Kg/Ha

STUB BL E T U R N I P S

VOLLENDA Vollenda has a large bulb, with good palatability and root anchorage. It is a variety that has a high resistance to bolting and has good resistance to Clubroot and Alternaria. Its early vigour makes it an ideal variety to sow in May for August utilisation and August/early September for November/January utilisation. It has good winter hardiness which will keep it palatable, however stubble turnips are not frost resistant so ideally they should be utilised before Christmas. It has produced the biggest bulk and will graze for the longest according to Wynnstay in-house trials.

DELILAH Delilah is a white skinned variety which produces large tankard shape bulbs. Delilah is a high yielding variety that is ideal for fattening lambs. It has a high digestibility and good resistance to mildew.

SAMSON Samson is a Tetraploid variety that produces a huge purple tankard shape bulb. It is a highly digestible variety and is ideal for fattening lambs or flushing ewes and will provide excellent quality forage. Its large tankard roots will grow out of the ground which will ease grazing. Yields are very similar to Vollenda.

TYFON (treated with Thiram and Sepiret) Tyfon is generally sown in the spring and can be utilised in the summer months by dairy / beef cattle and sheep when grass growth is declining. Tyfon’s rapid growth habit means that it can be utilised in only 60 days and once grazed there is potential for re-growth. Tyfon has a very small bulb with a massive leaf which will produce a much needed palatable summer feed. Once the plant is 12 weeks old it is very susceptible to Mildew and Alternaria. Tyfon is susceptible to bolting so do not sow too early.

Other varieties available upon request

U = Units/Acre Data Source: DEFRA Fertiliser Manual (RB209) 8th Edition Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

61

FORAGE RAPE With its relatively low seed rate and inputs, Forage Rape is a popular choice with many livestock farmers. The crop has a wide sowing window and will provide excellent autumn/winter keep for finishing lambs. The four main uses are: •

A quick growing forage crop for sheep or cattle for utilisation in the summer from spring drilling

•

Providing winter feed from summer drilling

•

Acting as a cover crop for young grass seedlings

•

Varieties with kale in the parentage are available. They are more winter hardy and they can be ‘lightly’ grazed in the early autumn then shut up and fed in the winter

SOWING AND GROWING Sowing period = May – end August Drill = (2kg/acre) 5kg/ha Broadcast = (2kg/acre) 5kg/ha YIELD & FEED DATA Average D M yield = 3.5 tonnes/ha Average Fresh yields = 24–35 tonnes/ha Dry Matter = 12–14% Crude protein = 19–20%

Top tip: Use a variety with good Powdery Mildew Resistance to help the crop stay palatable e.g. Interval

FORAG E R AP E

Digestibility Value = 65D

62

Metabolisable energy = 10–11MJ/kg DM UTILISATION •

10–12 weeks after sowing

•

Good for finishing lambs. If left too long it can become bitter and unpalatable. Very aggressive growth rates, quick to establish

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

LIVESTOCK INTAKE You must introduce feeding to any Brassica slowly over two weeks. It is best to have a grass or stubble run back. Start feeding two weeks before the crop is fully mature so livestock are accustomed to Forage Rape when the crop is at full potential. Increase palatability by mixing Stubble Turnips and Forage Rape together. The two mixed together will increase yields and protein content rather than having straight Stubble Turnips on their own.

INTERVAL (RAPE/KALE HYBRID) With Interval being a Rape/Kale cross it can make its utilisation period run into January meaning an extended grazing period. Interval has exceptional yield potential combined with good disease resistance. It’s quick to establish and is perfect for fattening lambs or flushing ewes. In our in-house trials Interval was preferentially grazed over other varieties, which suggests it is more palatable.

SWIFT (RAPE/KALE HYBRID) A Rape/Kale cross which gives it extra vigour and winter hardiness. It is ideal for sowing late and suitable for multi-grazing. It can be used for game cover but can be prone to bolt if sown too early (before May). If sown early summer, Swift can re-grow after one grazing.

GORILLA NEW VARIETY Gorilla is a dark green forage rape which is best suited to sheep grazing as it is slightly shorter than many current varieties but with good standing ability. The dry matter content is higher than average which leads to high total dry matter yields. Gorilla shows a moderately good disease package and is quite resistant to club root. With the correct management Gorilla has some re-growth potential.

HOBSON Hobson is an ideal variety for finishing lambs. Hobson has excellent resistance to powdery mildew, a disease which can make some crops unpalatable leading to a high wastage factor. Hobson is very palatable and digestible. Best utilised early September to December.

Other varieties available upon request

SNS Index

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

K

U

K

U

K

U

K

U

K

U

K

U

K

U

Nitrogen (N)

100

80

90

72

80

64

60

48

40

32

0-40

0-32

0

0

Phosphate (P2O5)

85

68

55

44

25

20

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Potash (K2O)

110

88

80

64

50 (2-) 20 (2+)

40 (2-) 16 (2+)

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

K = Kg/Ha

U = Units/Acre Data Source: DEFRA Fertiliser Manual (RB209) 8th Edition

Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

FORAG E R AP E

Fertiliser Guidelines

63

M A I NC R OP T UR NIPS

MAINCROP TURNIPS Most Maincrop turnips are grazed in situ. However, it is important to remember to select a variety to cover the period you wish to graze. Stock should ideally have access to grass and or hay during feeding. White fleshed varieties can be ready to utilise within 12–15 weeks, whilst yellow fleshed varieties are ready to be utilised in around 20 weeks. The use of an electric fence is advisable to reduce wastage. Maincrop turnips yield around 6t DM per hectare. Sow from May – July at a rate of 2kg per acre (5 kg/hectare).

GREEN GLOBE MAINCROP TURNIP White fleshed variety which is suitable for autumn utilisation MASSIF MAINCROP TURNIP Yellow fleshed variety which is suitable for winter utilisation

CATCH CROP MIXTURES WYNNSTAY ENERGY BOOSTER - Early Drilling 1.30 kg Vollenda Stubble turnips 0.50 kg Interval Forage Rape 0.20 kg Thousand Head/Keeper Kale

2 kg/acre

CATCH CRO P M IX TU R ES

This high yielding catch crop is fast to establish and extremely palatable. It will produce huge yields and the kale will help improve winter hardiness.

64

WYNNSTAY PROTEIN BOOSTER - Intermediate Drilling 1.25 kg Interval Forage Rape 0.40 kg Vollenda Stubble turnips 0.10 kg Thousand Head/Keeper Kale 0.25 kg Greenglobe Maincrop Turnips

2 kg/acre The Wynnstay Protein mix has a higher protein content than normal due to the high inclusion of Forage Rape and Kale. The inclusion of Kale and Main Crop turnips mean that this mix’s winter hardiness is excellent and will extend the grazing period.

WYNNSTAY FORAGE PROVIDER - Late Drilling 1.50 kg Interval Forage Rape 0.50 kg Vollenda Stubble turnips 5.00 kg Gemini Italian Ryegrass

7 kg/acre The Italian Ryegrass will improve the thickness of the crop whilst helping to keep the animals clean, and also providing grazing through to the following spring. The inclusion of both Vollenda and Interval will make this mix more palatable and will give a good balance of protein and energy to the diet. www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Tel: 01939 210 777

FORAGE CROP TECHNICAL UPDATE WARNING: FLEA BEETLE (Phyllotreta spp.)

CROPS AT RISK Kales, Swedes, Stubble Turnips, Forage Rapes, spring drilled Oilseed Rape and most cultivated brassicas.

LIFE CYCLE The beetles emerge in spring and start feeding on suitable plants. On warm days they can fly considerable distances between newly sown crops. Eggs are laid on or in the soil near brassica plants in May and June.

After hatching the larvae feed on the plant roots and after two or three weeks they change into adults and start feeding on the foliage. Development from egg to adult is 6–8 weeks.

DAMAGE Adults attack the plants eating holes in the leaves and stems of the seedlings in April and May. Attacks can occur well into summer months, even after the first true leaves. Loss is usually greatest in a dry spell when brassica seedlings are slow growing. Two or three sowings may be destroyed unless preventive actions are taken.

CONTROL MEASURES Cruiser SB is the only treatment available for flee beetle attack. The chemical is taken up within the plant and the flea beetle needs to pierce the leaf to take in the insecticide that then kills them. In situations of very high flea beetle populations all beetles have to pierce the leaf to die. That many attacks on the leaf will kill the plant anyway. Seed treatments will buy you time to see if you have a problem that needs spraying.

In addition to seed treatment, very cost effective control of Flea Beetle can be achieved with an application of insecticide (e.g. Decis Protech, a.i. deltamethrin) applied at the very first sign of damage. The user must read the product label before application and follow the instructions for use. Remember that professional pesticides can only be applied by a specified certificate holder. Please call the Seed Office or your local Wynnstay Arable Agronomist for advice.

Flea Beetle illustrations supplied

by Bayer Crop Science Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

65

WHOLECROP MIXTURES THE LANSDOWNE MIX This mixture is popular with those looking to improve the protein content but without the high reliance of peas in the Millennium Mix. The dry matter will also be higher allowing direct cutting to be an option if required. Please be aware that the mixtures are done by weight rather than seed number. Even in a 50:50 blend you should expect to have approximately 5 times as many barley plants as pea plants due to the difference in size of the grains.

50 % Protein Pea (Thiraflo treated) 50 % Kelim Spring Barley (Single purpose treated) Suggested seed rate – 85 kg per acre (50-60kg if undersown) THE OLYMPICO MIX This new mixture offers a compromise between the Lansdowne and Millennium mixes. It should give a significant boost to the protein content of the forage whilst still achieving a satisfactory dry matter.

65 % Protein Pea (Thiraflo treated) 35 % Kelim Spring Barley (Single purpose treated) Suggested seed rate – 90 kg per acre (60kg if undersown)

W HOL EC R O P M I X T U R E S

THE MILLENNIUM MIX

66

This mixture is ideal for those who are looking to maximise the protein content of the forage. With a high pea content the crop is likely to need a 24 hour wilt to achieve a reasonable dry matter. This blend will give approximately equal quantities of peas and barley in the field.

80 % Protein Pea (Thiraflo treated) 20 % Kelim Spring Barley (Single purpose treated) Suggested seed rate – 95 kg per acre (60kg if undersown)

THE EDEN MIX This is a new mixture for 2016. The inclusion of Nacre Spring Vetch rather than peas has three key benefits. It reduces the seed cost, it produces a higher Dry Matter than peas and is easier to drill as the Vetches are a similar size to barley grain. In trials in 2015 this mixture produced the same Dry Matter yield as the Lansdowne mixture.

70% Kelim Spring Barley Suggested seed rate – 70 kg per acre (50kg if undersown) 30% Nacre Vetch THE TWICKENHAM MIX This mixture produces huge yields with minimal growing costs. Dieta White Lupin is a tall and bulky plant unlike the Blue and Yellow Lupins which would not compete so well with the tall Triticale. The Dieta is however later to mature than other Lupins. The crop should be harvested when the Triticale grain is firm and the Lupins seeds are well formed to ensure a satisfactory dry matter is achieved. The Lupin seed is pre inoculated. An alternative is available using Yellow Lupins which makes the mixture earlier but lower yielding.

49 % Spring Triticale Suggested seed rate – 75 kg per acre (50 kg if undersown) 51 % White Lupin THE MURRAYFIELD MIX (Mega Crop Mix) This type of mixture has been used for many years within Wynnstay. It is popular with those looking for a traditional “wholecrop”.

20 % Protein Pea (Thiraflo treated) 10 % English Vetch Suggested seed rate – 75 kg per acre (50 kg if undersown) 35 % Sp. Barley (Single purpose treated) 35 % Oat seed (Single purpose treated) Sp. Barley Sp Wheat Sp. Triticale Peas Beans Lupins Lansdowne Mix Olympico Mix Millenium Mix Twickenham Mix Murrayfield Mix

www.grasslandseeds.co.uk

Fresh Yield t/acre

DM Yield t/acre

Dry Matter %

Cr. Protein %

Starch %

10 10

4 4

39 41

9 10

19 21

10 12 13 15 11 11.5 12 15 12

4 3 3 3.2 3.5 3.4 3.3 3.5 3.6

40 25 21 17 32 30 28 23 30

9 16 18 21 13 14 14-15 17 12

20 7 6 4 12 11 10 12 13

Tel: 01939 210 777

This table is a guide as to what yield and quality can be expected from the different spring wholecrop options. Soil type and time of sowing will affect the potential yield. Harvest stage will have a major impact on the quality achieved

ARABLE SERVICES CEREAL Following the acquisition of Woodheads Seeds in Selby in 2010, Wynnstay are now the third largest cereal seed producers in the UK. This scale of operation ensures that we are able to offer you very competitive terms on a full range of varieties and seed treatments. To speak to one of our dedicated seed specialists please phone 01939 210777.

GRAIN MARKETING Our in house Grain Marketing business, GrainLink provides farmers in the West Midlands with an independent professional marketing service. For more information visit www.grainlink.co.uk. or phone 01939 210500.

FERTILISER One of the largest distributors of CF fertiliser as well as our own branded range ‘TopCrop’. FACTS registered personnel are on hand to offer specialist advice on specific fertiliser programmes to suit your needs. For more information please contact David Mitchell on 01939 210555 or contact your local store or representative.

MAIZE Wynnstay specialists have a wealth of local experience and can offer advice on all aspects of maize production including: cultivation & drilling, agronomy & crop-nutrition and variety selection. For more information contact Dr Simon Pope, Crop Protection Manager Tel: 01939 210555 Wynnstay Arable or contact your local store or representative. For store locations visit www.wynnstay.co.uk or see the back cover.

CROP PROTECTION Our BASIS registered agronomists specialise in on farm advice and supply products from all major agrochemical manufacturers. For more information contact Dr Simon Pope, Crop Protection Manager Tel: 01939 210555 Wynnstay Arable or contact your local store or representative. For store locations visit www.wynnstay.co.uk or see the back cover.

Wynnstay Group Plc

Grass & Roots 2016

67

HOW TO ORDER For advice on grass mixtures and grassland management please phone the seed office on 01939 210777 and speak to one of our seed specialists Adam Simper, Richard Torr, Colin Jones or Rachel Jones

t: 01939 210777 info@grasslandseeds.co.uk Seed@wynnstay.co.uk

Grass and Root seeds can also be ordered online at www.grasslandseeds.co.uk or at any of our Wynnstay stores: Wynnstay Arable............. 01939 210555 Wynnstay Feeds.............. 01691 828512 Wynnstay Retail.............. 01691 662690 Wynnstay Stores Shropshire Astley, SY4 4RT...................................

Craven Arms, SY7 9QQ....................

Newport, TF10 7BX...........................

Oswestry, SY10 8NH.........................

Pontesbury, SY5 0UB........................

Whitchurch, SY13 1LT......................

01939 210777 01588 672623 01952 820104 01691 659251 01743 791876 01948 662061

South Wales Llangadog, SA19 9LT........................

Tanygroes, SA43 2JS.........................

St. Clears, SA33 4DY.........................

Llandeilo, SA19 6ST..........................

Pensarn, SA31 2NG...........................

Llandovery, SA20 0AW.....................

Cardigan, SA43 3AL..........................

Haverfordwest, SA62 4BW…..........

Crosshands, SA14 6RE.....................

01550 776120 01239 810101 01994 230208 01558 822207 01267 236794 01550 720347 01239 810083 01437 761480 01269 845445

Mid Wales Aberystwyth, SY23 3JQ...................

Bethania, SY23 5NL.........................

Dolgellau, LL40 2YU.........................

Llanfair Caereinion, SY21 0SG......

Llanidloes, SY18 6DF........................

Llansantffraid, SY22 6AQ................

Newtown, SY16 1ET..........................

Tregaron, SY25 6HY..........................

Tywyn, LL36 9BG................................

Welshpool, SY21 7AY.......................

Welshpool (Hardware),.....................

01970 625368 01974 821446 01341 422253 01938 810525 01686 412696 01691 827125 01686 626379 01974 298107 01654 710233 01938 552591 01938 554672

North Wales Gaerwen, LL60 6DP...........................

Llanfachraeth, LL65 4UP.................

Llanrwst, LL26 0PQ...........................

Penygroes, LL54 6NW......................

Rhosfawr, LL53 6NF...........................

Ruthin, LL15 1NQ..............................

Sarn, LL53 8ER....................................

St Asaph, LL17 0LT.............................

01248 421253 01407 741918 01492 640397 01286 880234 01766 810526 01824 704900 01758 730212 01745 582527

Hereford & Worcester Droitwich, WR9 7DZ.........................

Leominster, HR6 0QF............... .........

Pontrilas, HR2 0EL.............................

Ross-on-Wye, HR9 5NB.......... .........

01527 821485 01568 615666 01981 240051 01989 768394

Gloucestershire Tetbury, GL8 8LD....................... ......... 01666 502366 Lancashire, Cumbria, North Yorkshire Kendal, LA7 7FP........................ ......... 015395 66003 Lancaster, LA1 3JQ................... ......... 01524 62480 Skipton, BD23 1UD.................. ......... 01756 709662 Staffordshire Uttoxeter, ST14 8AE................ ......... 01889 564844 Stafford, ST16 3SU................... ......... 01785 250595 Oxfordshire Banbury, CV47 2BB.................. ......... 01295 770707 South England Calne, SN11 9BS……………....... .........

Evercreech, BA4 6NA……........ .........

High Ham, TA10 9DH………….. .........

Honiton, EX14 1SQ…………...... .........

Isle of Wight, PO30 2NW………......

Redhill, BS40 5TG.................... ……...

Sailsbury, SP4 6QX……………... .........

Sturminster Newton, DT10 1AZ...

01249 814 700 01749 860 370 01458 250 507 01404 459 60 01983 528 200 01934 863 123 01722 320 316 01258 471 117

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the details supplied in this booklet are correct, Wynnstay cannot be held responsible for any misleading or inaccurate information. Current legislation must be checked before entering into schemes. Wynnstay reserve the right to change varieties within the mixtures as required.

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