Choice Chicory - Proving The Goods

Choice chicory has been proving to be an excellent summer forage option spring sown on its own or with a reduced rate of hybrid forage brassica. The excellent regrowth potential of chicory has allowed numerous grazings  over summer on approx 20-35 day rotation depending on soil moisture and temperature. While chicory's use on farm isn't new, the concept of using it as an 18-24 month crop to supplement summer feed with a higher sowing rates have lead to excellent growth rates from a spring planting to May the following year. It has better water use efficiency (WUE) then many other summer crops (e.g. turnips) and much better quality and production through summer than temperate grass species.

Choice Chicory and Brassica six weeks following sowing. The paddock is ready to graze. Aim to sow 5-6 ha/100 dairy cows for a daily 2-3 hour allocation to supplement intake

Chicory will provide supplementary grazing into the second season, however will require topping a couple of times in the second season to reduce seed set and retain leaf and quality. Grazing should commence once 3-4 leaves have emerged and is approx 20 cm in height. Utilisation of pasture in a rotational grazing situation is excellent and will be approx 90%. Application of urea following grazing will increase production.

For more information on Choice chicory as a supplementary summer crop contact Smyth Seeds at: smythseeds@smythseeds.com.au or call (03) 5762 5288 to recieve a detailed technote.

Bolton Ryegrass Advert.

Check out the new Vic Seeds Bolton Perennial Ryegrass Advert.

Bolton Perennial Ryegrass is a mid heading perennial ryegrass suited to beef and sheep enterprises in areas that recieve greater than 550 mm/yr. It has excellent persistence, rust tolerance and will provide strong growth from autumn through to spring. It can be purchased alone, mixed in a custom blend or found in our TARGET Valley's 650 plus mix.

NEW Smyth Seeds Blog

Smyth Seeds are proud to launch our new blog. Our blog will feature news and information as the year progresses, giving updates on current activities, sowing options and how the season is progessing.

Feel free to visit our blog on a regular basis to see what products have been working well in your area and what insect pests and weeds to be monitoring. Smyth Seeds will also be posting results and information from our local pasture seed demonstrations and trials. So stay in touch to keep up to date with what's happening in the pasture seed industry!