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.