Grass and Fodder Crops - dlf-trifolium

DISTRIBUTORS OF HF SEED MIXTURES1 ORKNEY AND SHETLANDR F GROUNDWATERTELEPHONE 01856 872238Towerhill Farm, St Ola, Orkney2 CAITHNESS AND SUTHERLANDW & A GEDDES LTDTELEPHONE 01955 6022077 River Street, Wick, CaithnessANDTELEPHONE 01408 621220Victoria Road, Brora, Sutherland3 MORAY, INVERNESS ANDBLACK ISLESCOTGRAIN AGRICULTURE LTDTELEPHONE 01343 543281Pentland House, Grampian Road, Elgin, Moray4 NORTH EAST SCOTLANDSCOTGRAIN AGRICULTURE LTDTELEPHONE 01241 870341Elliot Industrial Estate, Arbroath,AngusUAP LTDTELEPHONE 01975 563200Prospect Building, Montgarrie, Alford,Aberdeenshire5 EASTERN CENTRAL SCOTLANDFRONTIER AGRICULTURE LTDTELEPHONE 01289 330303North Road Industrial Estate,Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland6 LOTHIANS, PEEBLES-SHIRE,BORDERS AND NORTHUMBERLANDR H MILLER (AGRICULTURAL) LTDTELEPHONE 0131 660 3921Fordel, Lauder Road, Dalkeith, MidlothianANDTELEPHONE 01721 720711Old Town, Peebles, Peebles-shireANDTELEPHONE 01450 37005010 Commercial Road, Hawick, RoxburghshireFRONTIER AGRICULTURE LTDTELEPHONE 01289 330303North Road Industrial Estate,Berwick-upon-Tweed, NorthumberlandCLARK & WEIR LTDTELEPHONE 01899 220096Glengonnar, Coulter Biggar, Lanarkshire7 CENTRAL, WEST AND SOUTHWEST SCOTLAND AND CUMBRIACARRS BILLINGTON AGRICULTURE LTDTELEPHONE 01577 862381Stirling Road, Milnathort, Kinross,Kinross-shireANDTELEPHONE 01768 862160Haweswater Road, Penrith Industrial Estate,Penrith, CumbriaANDTELEPHONE 01900 824105Lorton Street, Cockermouth, CumbriaBREMNER BLACK LTDTELEPHONE 01887 82061621 Dunkeld Street, Aberfeldy, PerthshireSOUTH WEST SEEDS LTDTELEPHONE 01848 331416Kilfaddoch, Closeburn,Thornhill, DumfriesshireNUTRISCOT LTDTELEPHONE 01292 28979716 Chapel Park Road, Ayr, AyrshireSOLWAY AGRICULTURE LTDTELEPHONE 01576 204124Glasgow Road, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire8 NORTHERN IRELANDNORTH DOWN GRAIN LTDTELEPHONE 028 4275 828416 Tullykevin Road, Ballywalter, Co. DownNORTHERN COUNTIES COOP LTDTELEPHONE 028 7940 1246Garvagh Road, Swatragh, Maghera,Co. DerryWM A PALMERTELEPHONE 028 7082 252911 Magherabuoy Road, Portrush,Co. AntrimANDTELEPHONE 028 2075 1819120a Ballinlea Road, Armoy, Co. AntrimTAGGART JACKTELEPHONE 028 8166 1271Ardstraw, Omagh, Co.TyroneTREVOR NEVILLETELEPHONE 028 3888 212016A Clanconnel Gardens, Waringstown,Co. ArmaghWILLIAM J ARRELLTELEPHONE 028 9447 37767 Kemmilhill Avenue, RandalstownCo. AntrimS MCCONNELL & SONSTELEPHONE 028 4176 3717184 Carginagh Road, Kilkeel,Co. Down98SCOTTS FEEDS LTDTELEPHONE 028 8224 3221Mountjoy Road, Omagh, Co.TyroneMONTGOMERYSTELEPHONE 028 2588 1022Cullybackey Livestock Market,Cullybackey, Co. AntrimC R SUPPLIESTELEPHONE 028 2827 8800143 Ballysnod Road, Larne, Co. AntrimULSTER LIVESTOCK CARETELEPHONE 028 8673 630311 Ballygoney Road West, Coagh, Co DerryMASONS ANIMAL FEEDSTELEPHONE 028 3887 1415122 Marlacoo Road, Portadown, Co ArmaghLOGAN McMASTER ENGINEERINGTELEPHONE 028 2586 130020 Roughan Road, Broughshane, Ballymena,Co Antrim9 EIRECLONLEIGH CO-OP SOCIETY LTDTELEPHONE 074 9146 151Castlefinn, Co DonegalANDTELEPHONE 074 9156 184Newton Stores, Newton CunninghamCo. DonegalPAUL MURRAY AGRI LTDTELEPHONE 042 9661543Rathans, Coolderry, Carrickmacross,Co Monaghan32751461Marketed by:Imperial DockThorn FarmLeith DocksInkberrowEdinburghWorcestershireEH6 7DRWR7 4LJTel: 0131 555 4044 Tel: 01386 791101Fax: 0131 555 4035 Fax: 01386 792216 www.dlf.co.ukCONTACT HF SEEDS ON 0131 555 4044 FOR ALL YOUR FORAGE SOLUTIONS

Grass and Fodder CropsI N T R O D U C T I O NGrass and Fodder CropsT H E C A S E F O R G R A S SAlthough HF Seeds can trace its roots back for overa century, the actual HF brand was first introducedto Scottish farmers in the 1960’s. Originally launchedas ‘Hi-Farming’ and abbreviated over the years, HFhas earned its rightful place as one of the UK’sleading seed brands and is synonymous with thehighest seed quality, the very best varieties andunrivalled performance in terms of productive and palatablegrass swards.Now part of DLF Trifolium, one of the world’s largest grassseed companies, HF Seeds has access to greater technical andcommercial resources than ever before. Based in Denmark,where the coastal climate is particularly well suited to producinggrass seed, DLF Trifolium has over 100 years experience in plantbreeding and seed production and currently has Europe’slargest research and development programme to breed new andimproved grass and clover varieties. This commitment toproducing new genetic material to meet the challenges of modernagriculture has resulted in DLF Trifolium having significantly moregrass and clover varieties on UK Recommended Lists than any ofits competitors.This strong position and technical approachtransfers directly to HF Seeds and throughoutits long history the HF brand has always beenat the forefront of developments in grass seedtechnology. Whether it is the introduction of a newand improved variety, the development of a newmixture to meet a specific need or simply wideningthe availability of organic grass seed, HF’s reputation for turninginnovation into sound agricultural practice is second to none.The HF total quality philosophy goes much further than justvarieties and mixture trials however, and extends as far as thefarm gate and the end user. All HF products are backed by acountry-wide network of in-house seed specialists andexperienced distributors who are capable of offering technical helpand advice on all aspects of mixture selection and establishment.As we move into another year, it is clear that recent UKfarm marketing initiatives based on quality and locallyproduced food are starting to bear fruit. From farmers marketsright through to Marks & Spencer organic adverts ontelevision and concerns about the contribution of food miles toglobal warming, the public is slowly getting the message thatlocally produced, seasonal, fresh food not only tastes better butis also much more environmentally friendly.SAS GroupIn the livestock sector, quality and traceability from the public’sperception means grass. Co-incidentally grass and otherhome produced forage is by far the cheapest and mostefficient way to produce meat and milk, making good wellmanaged grass the key to future success for the livestockfarmer.There are, of course, many different ways to manage grassand how it is managed and the degree of intensity will dependon stock numbers and the area available. As cereal prices riseit is possible that the grass area on some farms will declineand if stock numbers are to be maintained the reduced areamay need to be managed more intensively.Whatever the farming system whether organic, conventional,intensive or extensive, it is vital to ensure that the sward is capableof delivering what is required of it and the objective should be toproduce the right amount of grass, of the right quality and at theright time to suit the individual farm and enterprise. As themarketing emphasis changes this may require a review of existinggrass swards and the implementation of strategies to change thesward composition either by reseeding or using the newoverseeding techniques being developed by HF Seeds.Contents3 The Case for Grass4 Mixture Design5 Forage Quality6 The Clover Story7 Seed Quality8 Even Mixing9-10 HF Varieties12-19 The Mixtures20-21 Overseeding22-23 Organics24-25 Stewardship Mixtures26 Other Crops27-28 Root and Fodder Crops29-31 Game CropsIncreasing concerns about food miles are driving consumerstowards locally grown seasonal produceThe key to profitable farming in this increasingly qualityconscious market, lies in meeting the needs of the marketbut at the same time maintaining the delicate balancebetween supply and demand. Recent years are full of examplesof this basic marketing principle.The soaring farm gate priceof organic milk relative to conventional and the falling cerealarea pushing grain prices above £100 per tonne for the firsttime in many years, are just two examples of the effect ofdemand out-stripping supply, and undoubtedly both of thesewill have an influence on farmers’ decisions in 2007.Of course it will always be difficult to control the total supply ina structurally diverse industry like agriculture where productionis very dependent on weather conditions and where eachproducer, post single payment, is now freed from externalcontrol. However the quality and traceability increasinglybeing demanded by the market, is well within the bounds ofof each farm operation and potentially can have a hugeinfluence on final profitability.One area which offers not only potentially large financial benefitsbut also an opportunity to promote ‘natural’ methods ofproduction is clover. Interest in clover has increased dramatically inrecent years fuelled partly by the benefits it can bring in terms oflivestock performance but also by the spiralling cost of nitrogenfertiliser. Although clover is the natural solution for organic farmers,HF trials on conventional farms have shown that with modernmixture design, high forage yields can be achieved from cloverbased swards, even in intensively managed situations, without theuse of artificial nitrogen potentially unlocking substantial savings interms of fertiliser inputs.With many different scenarios emerging following decoupling andas a result of an increasingly quality conscious market, it is essentialto ensure that the mixture is designed to suit the requirements ofthe system which is being adopted.The concept of “one size fitsall” no longer applies and with its wealth of knowledge andexperience on varieties and mixture design, HF is well placed toensure that individual farm objectives are met.“With milk prices today we need as muchas we can possibly get from grass and Ihave found that HF mixtures produce moremilk than anything else I have tried. I knowwhen the cows go on to an HF mixturebecause the milk goes up. The swards arehigh yielding, dense and recover veryquickly and most importantly of all, thecows seem to like them which is reflected in the milk tank”Henry Hugh Henry, 6 Dreenan Road, Upperlands, Maghera, Co Derry(Seed supplied by Northern Counties Co-op Ltd).11 Mixture Selector23

Grass and Fodder Crops M I X T U R E D E S I G N Grass and Fodder CropsV A R I E T Y S U P P L YV A R I E T Y S U P P L YF O R A G E Q U A L I T YWhatever the intended use of the final sward, good mixture designbegins with the assessment of the characteristics of individualvarieties and then uses this information to combine varietiesin different proportions to produce the best possible mixturefor the intended purpose.Yield has traditionally been the most important measure of swardsuccess but other factors such as sugar content, forage quality,palatability, spring growth, sward density, disease resistance andclover content are all important to varying degrees depending onindividual circumstances and are rapidly coming to the fore infarmers’ buying decisions. With many different productionscenarios now a reality, characteristics considered essential underprevious management regimes may become less important. Forexample in situations where extensification is being considered,absolute yield may become less important and greater emphasismay be placed on these other more qualitative factors.Theultimate test of success is the ability of the sward to produce thedesired amount of meat or milk at the lowest possible costthroughout the intended life of the ley, in the area in which it issown and under the climatic and management conditions that itwill be subjected to.HF mixture design begins by clearly defining the sward priorities fordifferent situations and then draws on internal and external trialresults and a wealth of knowledge and expertise to choose thebest varieties for the job and combine them in the correctproportions to ensure that the sward objectives are met.Although extensification may change mixture priorities on somefarms, there is little doubt that total yield will remain of vitalimportance to most grassland farmers. Maximising grass yields willcontinue to be a mainstay of HF standard mixture design as can beseen in the table below which shows the latest yield figures of fiveHF varieties from the SAC and NIAB 2006/07 Recommended Listsexpressed as a percentage of control.Many different sward characteristics are includedin HF mixture design■■■■■■Total annual and seasonal yieldMaturity and heading dateSward purpose and management regimeThe need for early spring growthOverall sugar yieldForage quality and digestibilityThe achievement of top quality and palatable forage whether forcutting or grazing makes a huge difference to animal performanceand therefore HF variety evaluation and mixture design must alsotake into account the many factors which ultimately affect foragequality ranging from D-value and growth habit right through tosugar content and disease resistance.The benefit of high D-value forage is clearly recognised by mostfarmers and independent trials have shown that on average, eachadditional unit of D-value produces an extra 1.5% more milk, 5%extra LWG in beef cattle and up to 10% extra LWG in sheep. Infinancial terms these benefits translate into each additional unit ofD-value being worth £9 per acre per year in terms of theadditional meat or milk produced. HF’s emphasis on quality andthe use of high D-value varieties like Bree, Orantas, Calibra, Pastour,Romark and Meba ensures good digestibility in the final sward andimproved animal performance and profitability as a result.Other factors which must be included in the assessment of overallforage quality are sugar content and palatability. Recent researchwork in Northern Ireland has shown that some grass varieties yieldhigher levels of sugar than others leading to greater palatability,improved animal intake and faster more efficient conversion of foodinto meat or milk. Higher sugar levels in grass also allow rapidfermentation in the silage pit enhancing the quality and feeding valueof the conserved crop.The results of the trial work in Northern Ireland and at other siteshas clearly shown that it is the total quantity of sugar produced peracre and its availability to the animal which is important and thatthis is influenced by other factors including the total dry matteryield, the digestibility of that dry matter and how the sward ispresented to the grazing animal.The principles established in these trials have allowed HF Seeds tointroduce the concept of SugarMax, an approved standard forsugar production. Mixtures endorsed with the SugarMax stamphave been specially designed to maximise both the amount ofsugar produced per acre and its availability to the animal leading toimproved livestock performance as a result.“We won the 2006 North of ScotlandGrassland Society silage competition with anHF mixture. We have used HF mixtures formany years and every year they performconsistently well producing plenty bulk of goodquality grass for both cutting and grazing.”John Sim, Rorandle Farm, Monimusk,Aberdeenshire (Seed supplied by GrainfarmersUAP Ltd).MAGICIANGREENGOLDCuttingYield% ofcontrol108103SACGrazingYield% ofcontrol103104CuttingYield% ofcontrol105103NIABGrazingYield% ofcontrol106108■■■■■Animal intake factors including sward structureand palatabilityClover contentDisease resistanceSward densityPersistencyA third and often ignored variety characteristic which can have ahuge effect on forage quality is disease resistance. Grass foliardiseases can seriously reduce both yield and palatability anddiseases like Mildew and Crown Rust are increasingly becoming amajor problem in grass crops throughout the country. Crown Rustis a very serious grass disease and is particularly damaging inorganic and other low input situations where clover acts as themain source of nitrogen.GLENSTALFOXTROTPASTOUR107102104105108109107100101110103103This independent assessment of the annual yields of five HFvarieties clearly shows that yield benefits of around 5% areperfectly achievable by using the very best varieties.Simple arithmetic can convert this increased yield into a clear andsubstantial financial gain of £5 per acre per year for each 1% ofadditional yield. Thus the 5% yield benefit shown by HF varietiestranslates into a financial gain of around £25 per acre per year or£125 over the life of a five year ley.■Winter hardiness“With over 900 dairy cows to feed I needevery blade of grass I can get my hands on.We have been HF users for many years butoccasionally I am tempted to try somethingelse and I always regret it. Nothing beatsHF mixtures for production and flexibility.”Stuart Innes, Drumduan Farm, Nairn, Morayshire(Seed supplied by Scotgrain Agriculture Ltd).Crown Rust is increasingly becoming a major problem in grass cropsAs chemical fungicides are generally not cost effective on grass andare obviously not even an option to organic farmers, the onlysolution to potentially damaging foliar diseases is to incorporatedisease resistance into the sward. Recognising the importance ofgrass diseases, HF variety evaluation includes an assessment ofdisease resistance and in particular to Crown Rust, with resistantvarieties like Pastour, Romark, Lasso, Foxtrot, Delphin and Polimhelping to maintain both yield and forage quality.4 5

Grass and Fodder Crops T H E C L O V E R S T O R YGrass and Fodder CropsS E E D Q U A L I T YClover has always been an important component in UK grass seedmixtures but in recent years the usage of both Red and WhiteClover has increased dramatically, fuelled largely by a drive forgreater self-sufficiency in the light of spiralling prices of nitrogenfertiliser but also by the nutritional and environmental benefits thatclover can bring.Key Benefits of Clover• FREE NITROGEN – clover has the ability to fix atmosphericnitrogen providing up to 150 units N/acre/year• HIGHER FEED VALUE – clover has much better digestibilityand considerably higher protein and mineral levels than grassboosting the feed value of both grazed and conserved herbage• INCREASED INTAKE – the highly palatable nature of cloverensures that animals eat more and do better as a result• SEASONAL GROWTH – clover grows well and providesforage in mid summer when grass growth can be poorRed CloverModern varieties of Red Clover present a real opportunity toproduce high yields of forage and to significantly reduce the totalcost of protein in animal diets. It is essentially a crop for silageproduction and offers the opportunity of 3 – 4 cuts a year over itslife expectancy of 3 full production years. It is best sown with HybridRyegrass which has a compatible life-span and which, unlike PerennialRyegrass, is sufficiently aggressive to compete and survive in a swardcontaining Red Clover.Red Clover Silage FactsDigestibility 60 – 70%Dry Matter YieldDry Matter Content 25 – 30%Energy (ME)Crude Protein 15 – 20%10 – 15 t DM/ha (4 – 6 t DM/acre)10.0 – 11.5 MJ/kg DMAlthough primarily a cutting species which lacks persistency undergrazing, Red Clover aftermaths can be grazed in the autumn bybeef cattle or fattening lambs but due to the high oestrogen contentof some varieties which can decrease ovulation in ewes, grazing withbreeding sheep should be avoided.Some Red Clover varieties are susceptible to Stem Eelworm andClover Rot but control of these diseases can be aided by selectingresistant varieties and a break between Red Clover crops. The HFvarieties of Milvusand Amos showgenerally goodresistance todisease and inaddition Amos isrecognised as a lowoestrogen varietyminimising the riskof possible fertilityproblems.White CloverWhite Clover is less productive than Red but is much morepersistent and is therefore used in medium and long term mixtures.White Clover is split into three different groups based on leaf size :small leaved for sheep grazing and upland use, medium leaved forcattle grazing and dual purpose use and large leaved for cutting.There are many different White Clover varieties available withineach leaf size group and their performance varies enormously interms of yield, seasonality and persistency under differentmanagement regimes. It is important to choose a high yieldingvariety for the obvious benefit of increased forage production butalso because the highest yielding varieties have the ability to fix thegreatest amount of nitrogen which in turn leads to much higheryields of grass and clover. Early spring growth is also important,particularly for organic farmers, as slow growth in the spring meansless nitrogen fixation and consequently a much later start to grassgrowth. Lastly, persistency and the ability to survive under differentmanagement regimes is essential as the clover contribution isdramatically reduced by falling plant numbers.The following table compares the White Clover varieties in HFmixtures with other commonly used varieties and clearlydemonstrates the benefit of HF varieties, particularly Avoca which isoutstanding in all respects.Variety Early Total PersistencySpring Annual Under UnderGrowth Yield Cutting GrazingSMALL/MEDIUM LEAVEDKent 71 77 B AS184 103 96 B ADemand 124 114 A AAlberta 104 121 B BMEDIUM/LARGE LEAVEDHuia 100 100 B BAberdai 127 128 A BChieftain 120 133 A BAvoca 233 157 A ABarblanca 124 122 B BThe HF varieties highlighted in red show much better performancein all the important characteristics on the 2006-07 SACRecommended List for Grasses and Clovers and demonstrates thehuge variance which exists between clover varieties. As can be seenthe HF clover varieties show considerably better performance thanother varieties in common use. In particular Avoca, HF’s main clovervariety shows outstanding performance in all respects.Be sure to look for the HVS symbol on the official label14% more live seed in every bag is equivalent to a saving of over £5 per acre at 2007 pricesThere are two certification standards for all species of agriculturalseed within the UK.The lowest level is EU certification whichis statutory throughout the whole of the European Union andwhich guarantees minimum quality standards for germinationand purity below which seed cannot be sold.The secondstandard, which is unique to the UK, is HVS or Higher VoluntaryStandard: ‘Higher’ because it is higher than EU and ‘Voluntary’as it is not compulsory and is entirely at the discretion of theseed merchant.The level at which a grass seed mixture is certifiedcan only be ascertained by the information on the official label.If the label does not show the HVS emblem it means that theseed is only certified to the EU Minimum standard. Unfortunatelyfor the farmer as most of the grass seed sold in the UK isproduced in Europe to the EU Minimum standard, the higherquality standards of HVS are difficult to find. Even in a normalyear where the seed supply is good, an estimated 70% of grassmixtures are supplied at EU Minimum standard with only 30%at the Higher Quality Standard.Germination is one of the main criteria on which the UK seed certification schemes are based but the minimum levels required aresurprisingly low. The HF minimum germination standard for Perennial Ryegrass and Timothy is 10% higher than both EU and HVS andas shown in the table below, the actual germination achieved across all HF mixtures in 2006 resulted in around 14% more live seedin every bag producing better establishment and denser, more productive swards.SPECIES EU HVS HF HF BENEFITMINIMUM MINIMUM MINIMUM ACTUAL 2006 OF HFGERMINATION GERMINATION GERMINATION GERMINATIONSTANDARD STANDARD STANDARDItalian Ryegrass 75% 75% 90% 93.7% 18.7%Perennial Ryegrass 80% 80% 90% 94.8% 14.8%Timothy 80% 80% 90% 93.3% 13.3%In addition to low germination standards, UK grass seed certification also allows the presence of relatively high levels of serious grassweeds including both docks and couch grass.Thus grass mixtures certified at EU and even HVS, can introduce literally thousands of newweed seeds every time a field is reseeded. Recognising these potentially damaging levels of weed contamination, HF Seeds imposes itsown freedom from weed standards which are unequalled elsewhere.EU HVS HFDocks 1,250 1,250 0Couch 30,000 2,500 250Blackgrass 25,000 2,500 250The above table shows the potential number of serious weed seeds which can be sown per acre at different levels of certification andclearly demonstrates that HF quality standards offer huge advantages even over HVS, but when compared to EU, which accounts for over70% of UK grass mixture sales, the benefit of HF quality becomes even greater.6 7

Grass and Fodder Crops E V E N M I X I N G Grass and Fodder CropsH F V A R I E T I E SThe research and development which goes into grass mixturedesign is completely wasted if the mixture recipe cannot beaccurately replicated in every bag.As most farmers will appreciate it is very difficult to produce ahomogenous end product when mixing raw materials of differentsize, weight and density and no matter how thorough the mixingprocess larger, lighter materials tend to migrate to the top of the mixand the smaller and denser components tend to separate out to thebottom.Although perhaps not immediately apparent there are in fact hugedifferences in size, shape and density between the species that areincluded in grass seed mixtures. Clover is an obvious example withWhite Clover being a fraction of the size but very much denser thanTetraploid Perennial Ryegrass. Thus in conventional grass mixingplants where seed is mixed in large lots of up to several tonnes at atime, it is inevitable that there will be significant variation in themixture components between the first and the last bag packed.◆ White Clover◆ Timothy◆ Red Clover◆ Fescue◆ Diploid Perennial Ryegrass◆ Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass◆ Hybrid Ryegrass◆ Italian Ryegrass◆ Westerwolds RyegrassDiagrammatical representation of the HF mixing plantDecreasingseedsizeandincreasingdensityThis inability to produce a homogenous mix is particularly relevantas farmers turn their attention to higher levels of clover in theirmixtures. White Clover is the most expensive mixture componentand where the required percentage in the mixture is not beingachieved not only does this represent poor value for money but thefinal clover content in the sward will be significantly less thanexpected. Many farmers will have heard ‘good agronomic reasons’for poorer (or greater) than expected clover contents, when oftenin reality both can be attributed to uneven mixing.HF mixtures overcome this problem by using a totally unique andcomputerised mixing process whereby the components of everybag are weighed and mixed separately to ensure that every singlebag contains the correct proportion of each ingredient. The HFguarantee that the first bag is identical to the last, cannot be givenwith most conventional mixing plants and ensures the farmer getsnot only value for money and exactly what he ordered but moreimportantly that the final sward will perform as intended.Variation in sward clover content can often be explained by uneven mixingAll the varieties used in HF mixtures have beenselected on the basis of their performance intrials throughout the UK. In particular HF Seedsis a major participant in the schemes to financethe NIAB and SAC list of recommendedvarieties. This participation ensures that HFmixtures benefit from detailed up-to-dateinformation on the latest varieties.SAC grass variety trialsPERENNIAL RYEGRASSPerennial Ryegrass is the most widely sownspecies in the UK. It forms the basis of mostmixtures because of its combination of usefulcharacteristics. Perennial Ryegrasses aregrouped together according to theirmaturity or heading date.Early Maturing VarietiesEarly Perennial Ryegrass will start to grow upto two weeks earlier in the spring than latervarieties. They are particularly useful forearly growth for sheep grazing or in specialistsilage mixtures being cut in early to mid May.DONARDDonard is exceptionally high yielding under bothcutting and grazing with the highest yield of allthe Early Perennials on the SAC, NIAB andDARD Recommended Lists.Very good earlyspring growth and exceptionally good autumnproduction. Unlike many other Early PerennialsDonard does not produce stemmy regrowthafter heading and therefore has very goodmid-season digestibility. Good ground coverand resistance to mildew.KIMBERA relatively late heading Early Perennial Ryegrass,Kimber is recommended by SAC, NIAB andDARD and is high yielding under bothmanagements combined with good early springgrowth and excellent forage quality. Undoubtedlythe main advantage of Kimber is its late headingdate bringing all the benefits of Early PerennialRyegrass to later areas and/or mixtures for lateruse where earlier heading varieties would beunsuitable.Intermediate Maturing VarietiesIntermediate Perennial Ryegrass varietieswill head on average 7 to 10 days later thanEarly Perennials. They are high yielding andwith their later heading offer greaterflexibility of use making them well suited to awide range of grassland enterprises.BREE(also available as organic)Recommended by SAC and DARD, Bree hasexcellent potential for dual purpose use. Equallyhigh yielding under both cutting and grazing, Breehas exceptionally good mid-season growth, goodsward density and has the highest mid-seasonD-value of all the Intermediate PerennialRyegrasses.ORANTASA relatively new variety with the highestcombined cutting and grazing yield of all theIntermediate Diploid Perennials on the 2007SAC Recommended List. Orantas also has verygood sward density and very good first cutD-value.PREMIUM(also available as organic)Fully recommended by SAC and NIAB, Premiumis a high yielding variety under both cutting andgrazing with very good mid-season forage quality.Very good ground cover and excellent diseaseresistance.GREENGOLD (T)Recommended by SAC, NIAB andDARD, Greengold is a high sugar varietyand produces very high yields under both cuttingand grazing, with the highest grazing yield ofall the Intermediate Tetraploids on all threeRecommended Lists. Exceptionally good foragequality and its very high digestibility allowsdelayed cutting for high yields at 67D.Very good winter hardiness.CALIBRA (T)(also available as organic)Recommended by SAC, NIAB andDARD, Calibra is a high sugar variety showingvery high levels of water soluble carbohydrateper kg of dry matter produced. It performsequally well under both cutting and grazingproducing some of the highest yields in its class.Calibra also has excellent spring growth, verygood forage quality and good general diseaseresistance. An excellent variety in all theimportant characters.MAGICIAN (T)(also available as organic)Magician is recommended by SAC, NIAB andDARD and produces very high yields under bothcutting and grazing. With exceptionally goodearly spring growth Magician produces very highgrazing yields right though from spring to latesummer and is high yielding for both first andsecond cut silage. An excellent dual purposevariety and a valuable addition to the HF range.GLENSTAL (T) New for 2005Recommended by SAC, NIAB and DARD,Glenstal is extremely high yielding under bothcutting and grazing with very good spring andmid-season growth.Late Maturing VarietiesOn average Late Perennial Ryegrass varietieshead 10 - 14 days later than IntermediatePerennials. They are characterised by theirmore prostrate growth habit and providevery good density in the sward. They arehigh yielding with good persistence and willlast for many years.LASSO(also available as organic)With full recommendations from SAC and NIABLasso is an excellent variety in all respects.Veryhigh yielding particularly under conservation withvery good spring growth for a Late Perennial,Lasso is extremely dense and shows very goodwinter hardiness. It also has very good foragequality and good general disease resistanceincluding Crown Rust.FOXTROT(also available as organic)An excellent variety appearing on allthree UK Recommended Lists with veryhigh yields of high sugar forage under bothcutting and grazing. Foxtrot also has very goodseasonal growth distribution producing highmid-season yields with very good D-value.PASTOURRecommended by SAC, NIAB and DARD,Pastour shows the highest yields under bothmanagements of all the Diploid Late Perennials.It has good spring growth and is particularly highyielding in mid and late summer. With very goodresistance to Crown Rust completing itscredentials, Pastour meets all the criteria requiredfor a top HF variety.ROMARK(also available as organic)Recommended by SAC and NIAB, Romark isparticularly suited to grazing where it producesvery high yields. Very good ground cover andexcellent mid-season forage quality and digestibility.Romark is also very resistant to Crown Rust.TIVOLI (T)(also available as organic)Highly recommended by SAC, NIAB and DARD,Tivoli is high yielding under both cutting andgrazing. It produces good yields at first cut at67D and has very good winter hardiness.MEBA (T)Recommended by SAC and with similar yields,density and winter hardiness to Tivoli, the mainadvantage of Meba is its excellent forage qualityand D-value.GLENCAR (T)Glencar is recommended by SAC, NIAB andDARD and is the highest yielding Late PerennialRyegrass on all three lists. It has exceptionallygood early spring growth producing massive firstcut yields at 67D.8 9

Grass and Fodder CropsH F V A R I E T I E SGrass and Fodder CropsM I X T U R E S E L E C T O RDELPHIN (T) NEW FOR 2007Recommended by all three testing authoritiesDelphin has exceptional early spring growth andshows good yields under grazing but is veryhigh yielding under conservation particularlyat first cut. In addition to its yield benefit, Delphinhas excellent disease resistance and receives a 9for resistance to Crown Rust from NIAB, thehighest possible rating and unequalled by anyother Perennial Ryegrass on the 2006/07Recommended List.POLIM (T)A new variety only in its second year ofcommercial availability, Polim has very high yieldsunder grazing management combined with verygood early spring growth. It also shows highyields under conservation with a very high yieldat first cut at 67D. Exceptionally good resistanceto Crown Rust.MAURICE (T) NEW FOR 2007A very late heading Tetraploid Perennial withgood ground cover especially suited to long termmixtures. Good yields under both cutting andgrazing which improve over the first three years.ITALIAN RYEGRASSItalian Ryegrass is relatively short lived andis therefore only used in one to three yearleys. It has a long growing season andproduces heavy crops of hay or silage.Italian has very good early spring growthand combined with its relatively lateheading date, it will produce a leafy silagecut after early grazing.FOX NEW FOR 2007Fox is a brand new variety in its first year ofcommercial availability.Very high yielding withexcellent spring growth and good mid-seasondigestibility, Fox is an excellent new addition tothe HF range.DANERGO (T) NEW FOR 2007The latest heading of all the Tetraploid Italians,Danergo consequently produces very high yieldsat first cut at 67DHYBRID RYEGRASSHybrid Ryegrasses are bred from a crossbetween Italian and Perennial Ryegrassparents. The objective is to combine theproduction of Italian Ryegrass with thepersistency and forage quality of PerennialRyegrass and recent breeding advances haveproduced new varieties with thesecharacteristics making them an idealconstituent in leys of up to five yearsduration.CITELIAC (T)Citeliac has very high annual yields under bothconservation and grazing. It has excellent earlyspring growth leading to a very high yield at firstcut at 67D. Good resistance to both CrownRust and mildew.SOLID (T)(also available as organic)Fully recommended by NIAB, Solid is a truePerennial type Hybrid producing high yields withexceptionally good mid-season digestibility andforage quality. Its Perennial characteristics ensureoutstanding persistence and sward density asdemonstrated in HF field trials throughout thecountry. Solid also has excellent general diseaseresistance with excellent resistance to Crown Rust.STORM (T)(also available as organic)Storm is recommended by NIAB and producesvery high yields under conservation and highyields under grazing. It has very good earlyspring growth and good all round diseaseresistance. Storm is specially recommended forsituations where yield is the top priority.TIMOTHYTimothy is an under-rated species as itbrings many desirable features to a grassmixture. It has excellent early springgrowth and is late heading producing alarge bulk of forage at first cut. It is verypalatable, extremely winter hardy andthrives under cool wet conditions. Timothyis generally better suited to cutting, howeverits early spring growth can be very usefulfor early bite.DOLINA(also available as organic)A new Timothy variety which appears onall three Recommended Lists, Dolina is very highyielding and is the highest yielding Timothy onboth the NIAB and DARD Recommended Lists.It performs particularly well under grazing andhas excellent early spring growth and very goodyield distribution throughout the growing season.PROMESSE NEW FOR 2007Promesse is an excellent Timothy variety withhigh yields under both cutting and grazing.However its main benefits are very good foragequality and exceptionally good sward density andground cover.COCKSFOOTCocksfoot is very persistent and deeprootingand is therefore suited to lightgravelly soils where mid-summer droughtmay reduce yields. It is extremely winterhardy with good early spring growth and italso yields well in late summer and autumn.Cocksfoot needs to be managed tightly inmid-season as it can become stemmy andunpalatable.SPARTAA later heading Cocksfoot, Sparta has goodground cover and produces high yields undergrazing. It has good early spring growth and hasthe highest mid-season digestibility of all theCocksfoot varieties.WHITE CLOVERWhite Clover varieties are classified by leaf size.The smaller leaved varieties have a prostratecreeping growth habit and persist well undergrazing whereas the larger leaved varieties aremore erect and better suited to cutting.REISLINGA large leaved high yielding varietyrecommended by NIAB and well suited tocutting. Reisling has good persistence andmaintains high yields and good ground coverunder cutting management.AVOCAAvoca is an outstanding medium leaved varietyrecommended by all three testing bodies. It isextremely high yielding with excellent seasonalyield distribution and particularly good earlyspring growth compared to many other clovervarieties. It is also very persistent under bothcutting and grazing.CHIEFTAINAt the large end of the medium leaved category,Chieftain is a new high yielding varietyrecommended by SAC, NIAB and DARDwhich performs particularly well in spring andlate summer. With its high yield and relativelylarge leaf size Chieftain is an excellent dualpurpose variety.ALBERTAWith a leaf size on the borderline betweenmedium and small leaved clovers, Alberta is fullyrecommended by both SAC and NIABproducing high yields of clover. An excellentgeneral purpose variety with good ground coverand persistency.GRASSLANDS DEMANDThe largest of the small leaved varieties and,Grasslands Demand produces high clover yieldsand has very good ground cover and persistenceparticularly under grazing.RED CLOVERRed Clover is an aggressive and very highyielding but relatively short-lived specieswith a maximum life expectancy of around3 years. It is primarily used in short termconservation mixtures. Resistance to theSclerotinia and Stem Eelworm both ofwhich are very damaging to the persistencyof Red Clover and are important factors toconsider in the evaluation of varieties.RAJAH(only available as organic)An intermediate to late flowering variety, Rajah isa diploid variety with high yields with goodpersistency and general disease resistance. Rajahalso shows good resistance to both Sclerotiniaand Stem Eelworm.AMOSA very high yielding tetraploid variety withintermediate earliness. Amos has good generaldisease resistance relative to other varieties buthas much better persistency and maintains highyields over a longer period.MILVUS NEW FOR 2007High annual yields with good ground cover andpersistency over three harvest years.HF mixtures are designed and formulated to meet specific sward uses. Significant differences between mixtures are not always obviousbut even small differences can change the way in which the final sward behaves. Selection of the wrong mixture will inevitably mean thatthe sward will not perform up to expectations simply because it is the wrong mix for the job.The HF mixture selector is designed to help answer many of the common questions in mixture selection, however it is not possible tocater for every situation and if in doubt contact HF Seeds for further advice.First Cutin MayHFSuper SilagePage 14New ReseedHF OrganicsPages 22-23One toTwo YearsHF BonusPage 12Mainly CuttingFirst Cutin JuneHFCutswardPage 14Type of ReseedOrganic Conventional OverseedingGrassRejuvenationHF OrganicRejuvenatorPage 23Two toFour YearsHF SurecropPage 12Cattle GrazingHFSuper GrazePage 15Four toEight YearsHow will itbe used?Early Bitefor SheepRequiredHFProspectPage 13New ReseedHow longwill the mix be down?Cutting &GrazingNoEarly BiteRequiredHF 11Page 13HayHFScotshayPage 17Up to1,000 feetHF PDPage 15HFGrassMaxPage 20-21As longas possibleHeight aboveSea Level?For specialist mixtures such asOver1,000 feetHFHigh HillPage 16Horse Paddock and Dry Land see pages 17 - 1910 11

Grass and Fodder Crops T H E M I X T U R E S Grass and Fodder CropsT H E M I X T U R E SONE TO TWO YEAR MIXTUREHFB●NUSA mixture designed for intensive use and maximum yield over twofull production years. Suitable for intensive cutting and/or grazingand the standard mix can be undersown or direct seeded. A RedClover inclusion option is available if required but this mix is notsuitable for undersowing.FOXItalian RyegrassCITELIACTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassSOLIDTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassGLENSTALTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassGREENGOLDTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 14 KG/ACRE (32 - 35 KG/HECTARE)❚ Optimum cutting date - first week in June❚ Excellent yield potential from Glenstal, which has veryhigh yields under both cutting and grazing on the 2007SAC Recommended List❚ Includes the brand new Hybrid Ryegrass, Citeliac,bringing high yields and very good forage quality❚ Specially formulated with the correct proportions of thehighest yielding varieties for maximum yield andpersistency over two full production years❚ Only contains aggressive grass species capable ofestablishment and survival in a very competitive andproductive sward. HF trials have shown that slowergrowing and less aggressive grasses such asIntermediate Diploid Perennials and all types of LatePerennial will not survive in such a competitiveenvironment❚ Exceptional early spring growth from the Italian andHybrid Ryegrasses❚ Varieties specially selected for forage quality,palatability and mid-season digestibility❚ Suitable for early bite followed by first cut silage asrelatively late heading and good D-values allow delayedcutting and high silage yields at 67D❚ High Tetraploid content for grazing palatability andhigh sugar levels for rapid silage fermentation❚ Red Clover option where the mix is intended primarilyfor cuttingHF BONUS - RELIABLE BULK AND QUALITY OVER TWOYEARSOVERSEED WITHTHREE YEAR MIXTUREHFA high performance three year mixture including Hybrid andPerennial Ryegrasses and White Clover. HF Surecrop is suitable forintensive cutting and/or grazing and can be either undersown ordirect seeded. A Red Clover inclusion option which is unsuitable forundersowing is available if required. For optimum performance HFSurecrop is best grazed in its first year.SOLIDTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassCITELIACTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassORANTASIntermediate Perennial RyegrassGLENSTALTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassMAGICIANTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassMEBATetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassHF INTENSIVE CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 14 KG/ACRE (32 - 35 KG/HECTARE)❚ Optimum cutting date - first week in June❚ Varieties chosen for their high yields particularlyGlenstal and Magician which have exceptionally highyields under both cutting and grazing❚ Contains a high proportion of Orantas, the highestyielding Diploid Perennial Ryegrass on the 2007 SACRecommended List❚ Hybrid content gives the production of Italian Ryegrassand the persistency of Perennial❚ Excellent winter hardiness ensures reliable productionfor three full years❚ Very good early spring growth for high yields at first cutfrom the Hybrids, Glenstal and Magician❚ High Tetraploid content ensures high sugar levels forrapid silage fermentation and grazing palatability❚ Only contains varieties capable of establishment,survival and high yields in a very productive sward❚ Good disease resistance improves yield potential❚ Unique blend of highly productive White Clovervarieties designed to maximise production, herbagequality and livestock performance and to achieve cloverpersistence under intensive management❚ Red Clover option where the mix is intended primarilyfor cuttingHF SURECROP - CONSISTENT HIGH YIELDS FOR CUTTINGOR GRAZING OVER THREE YEARSOVERSEED WITH“We are intensivelystocked with sucklercows and HF 11 andHF PD have alwaysprovided us withparticularly denseswards which resistpoaching in thefrequently wetconditions of Caithness. Both mixturesperform well under high or low nitrogenapplications but the main plus point for us ofHF compared to other mixtures we havetried, is that if grass supply is becomingscarce, HF mixtures respond almostimmediately to high levels of fertiliser andthat is extremely important to us.”John Anderson, Broynach Farm,Thurso, Caithness(Seed supplied by W & A Geddes Ltd).HF Prospect being cut by Raymond and Peter Richardsonat Woodhall Farm, Cockermouth, Cumbria.(Seed supplied by Carrs Billington Agriculture Ltd)“With suckler cowsand breeding ewesin the north east ofScotland we needlater maturingvarieties that bulkwell and hold theirquality. Our farmingsystem needs flexibledual purpose mixtures and we have beenusing HF 11 for both cutting and grazingand are very pleased with the results. Itsback end performance has been particularlygood and has allowed us to graze our springcalves right through until December whichreally helps to shorten the winter.”Allan Johnston, Crossbrae Farm, Boyndie,Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire (Seed supplied byGrainfarmers UAP Ltd).“I am reallyimpressed with thedensity of SuperGraze which weneed in our swardsto help thepoaching problembut what I havenoticed most is itsquick regrowth. No sooner are the cows off itand it is ready for grazing again. I amcertainly delighted with its performance.”Ivor Harbinson (pictured with Tim Montgomery),11 Tullyreagh Road, Glarryford, Ballynena, CoAntrim (Seed supplied by Montgomerys).“Over the last 6years most ofMonteith Househas been opencastand we havere-instated all ofthe grassland usingHF 11 with extraclover and aredelighted with how it has performed underboth cutting and grazing. Monteith Housesits at 750 feet and despite the short growingseason HF 11 provides an early bite for thecows in the spring, high yields of grass forsilage and aftermath grazing well into thebackend.”Grant Ritchie, Monteith House Farm, Gorebridge,Midlothian (Seed supplied by R H Miller(Agricultural) Ltd).DUAL PURPOSE MIXTURESHFScotland’s best selling dual purpose mixture, tried andtested across the country and renowned for its yield andperformance under different management regimes. HF 11 is aflexible, rotational mixture suitable for both cutting and grazingand will last from five to eight years.BREEIntermediate Perennial RyegrassORANTASIntermediate Perennial RyegrassMAGICIANTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassGREENGOLDTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassFOXTROTLate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassMEBATetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassDOLINATimothyHF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37 KG/HECTARE)❚ Optimum cutting date - end of first week in June❚ Achieves SugarMax status with high proportions of thetop sugar yielding varieties Greengold and Foxtrot❚ High sugar yield per acre ensures maximum feeding value,excellent palatability and rapid silage fermentation❚ Includes a high proportion of Orantas, the highest yieldingDiploid Perennial Ryegrass under both cutting and grazingon the 2007 SAC Recommended List❚ Contains Magician and Pastour, the highest yieldingIntermediate and Late Perennials under both cutting andgrazing on the 2007 SAC Recommended List❚ Very good spring growth but with later heading ensuringhigh yields of quality forage at first cut❚ Varieties specially selected for top forage quality and highD-value❚ A superbly dense sward able to withstand hard grazingincorporating the top grazing varieties Orantas, Bree,Greengold and Pastour❚ Contains HF’s unique Dual Purpose White Clover Blenddesigned to achieve maximum clover content and persistencyunder both cutting and grazing❚ Clover Blend based on the most productive clover varietiesincluding Avoca the highest yielding and most persistentvariety on the SAC Recommended ListHF 11 - THE HIGH PERFORMANCE FLEXIBLE DUAL PURPOSEMIXTUREOVERSEED WITHHFA dual purpose rotational mixture, similar to HF 11 in many ways,but containing Early Perennial Ryegrass to give early spring growthfor early bite for ewes and lambs. In a cutting situation HF Prospectis earlier heading than HF 11 but with its better early season growthit is the ideal mix on beef and sheep farms where early bite isrequired before first cut silage.DONARDEarly Perennial RyegrassGLENSTALTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassBREEIntermediate Perennial RyegrassORANTASIntermediate Perennial RyegrassCALIBRATetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassMEBATetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassDOLINATimothyPROMESSETimothyHF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37 KG/HECTARE)❚ Optimum cutting date - last week in May❚ Specially formulated for high sugar forage including Calibrathe highest yielding SugarMax variety❚ Includes a high proportion of Orantas, the highest yieldingDiploid Perennial Ryegrass under both cutting and grazing onthe 2007 SAC Recommended List❚ Exceptional early spring growth for early bite from Donard,Glenstal and Calibra❚ Superb grazing performance from Donard, Bree, Orantas,Glenstal and Calibra❚ Good Timothy content provides early bite and maintainsproduction under cold and wet conditions❚ Mid-season forage quality is improved with the use of Donardwhich demonstrates substantially reduced mid-seasonheading relative to other Early Perennials❚ Contains HF’s unique Dual Purpose White Clover Blenddesigned to achieve maximum clover content and productionin a sward which is likely to be grazed in early spring andlate summer in addition to being cut for silageHF PROSPECT - THE DUAL PURPOSE MIXTURE WITHOUTSTANDING EARLINESSOVERSEED WITH1312

Grass and Fodder Crops T H E M I X T U R E S Grass and Fodder CropsT H E M I X T U R E SINTENSIVE CUTTING MIXTURESINTENSIVE GRAZING MIXTUREPERMANENT MIXTUREHFA specialist high yielding silage mixture of medium term durationwith delayed heading for late areas or where first cut is taken inearly June.ORANTASIntermediate Perennial RyegrassBREEIntermediate Perennial RyegrassMAGICIANTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassGREENGOLDTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassFOXTROTLate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassDELPHINTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassDOLINATimothyHF CUTTING CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37 KG/HECTARE)❚ Optimum cutting date - end of first week in June❚ Achieves SugarMax status with high proportions of thetop sugar yielding varieties Greengold and Foxtrot❚ Includes a high proportion of Orantas which is very highyielding under cutting and has excellent forage quality❚ Contains later heading varieties with the highestconservation yields on the 2007 SAC Recommended Listspecially selected to maximise silage yields❚ Superb forage quality and D-value particularly fromBree, Orantas and Greengold❚ Good spring growth with later heading ensures highyields of quality forage at first cut❚ Not just a first cut mixture with varieties chosen forrapid regrowth and high second cut yields❚ The relatively high Timothy content makes the mixturean ideal choice for conservation on colder sites and inlater areas❚ Excellent winter hardiness❚ Clover content based entirely on HF’s unique CuttingClover Blend to ensure good clover production andsurvival under intensive silage managementHF CUTSWARD - THE SPECIALIST MEDIUM TERM CUTTINGMIXTURE FOR LATER AREASOVERSEED WITHHFHFA medium term silage mixture specifically designed for three cutsystems. The mixture recipe and variety split ensures the very goodearly spring growth which is necessary to produce high yields atearly first cut dates.CITELIACTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassBREEIntermediate Perennial RyegrassMAGICIANTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassGREENGOLDTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassFOXTROTLate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassDELPHINTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassHF CUTTING CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 14 KG/ACRE (32 - 35 KG/HECTARE)❚ Optimum cutting date - last week in May❚ Formulated with varieties specially chosen to providemaximum bulk of high quality silage at earlier cuttingdates❚ Yield potential substantially improved for 2007 with theaddition of Citeliac and Delphin❚ Achieves SugarMax status with high proportionsof the top sugar yielding varieties Greengold andFoxtrot❚ High sugar yield per acre ensures maximum feedingvalue, excellent palatability and rapid silagefermentation❚ Contains Magician, Delphin and Pastour the highestyielding Perennial Ryegrasses on the 2007 SACRecommended List❚ Based on varieties which have shown good persistenceunder intensive cutting❚ Good mid-season growth and digestibility for secondand subsequent cuts❚ Excellent forage quality from Citeliac, Greengold andPastour❚ Clover content based entirely on HF’s unique CuttingClover Blend to ensure good clover production andsurvival under intensive silage managementHF SUPER SILAGE - THE SPECIALIST MIXTURE FORINTENSIVE SILAGE PRODUCTIONOVERSEED WITH“We are milkingcows and makeour own silagefrom HF SuperSilage but wealso do aconsiderableacreage of silagecontracting andnothing I see anywhere else yields likeSuper Silage. We have sown over 100 acresof this mixture and it produces a massivebulk of really good quality palatable silageat every cut and I have completeconfidence that it will fill the pit year inyear out”Keith McRoberts, Blackskull Road, Dromore,Co Down (Seed supplied by Trevor Neville).An HF mixture being cut at Lour Farms, Forfar, Angus.(Seed supplied by Frontier Agriculture Ltd)“HF grass seedmixtures haveconsistentlydelivered in termsof yield, palatabilityand durabilityfor us over manyyears.We have foundboth HF 11 and HF PD particularly wellsuited to our breeding and finishing livestockenterprises. Most of our breeding stockgraze north facing land at between 700 and900 feet and PD takes a bit of beating forupland permanent pasture. Equally for adual purpose mixture which grazes well andwhich produces big cuts of quality silagewith good aftermath regrowth, we wouldstruggle to go past HF 11”Dave Mitchell, Pairney Farm, Auchterarder,Perthshire (Seed supplied by Carrs BillingtonAgriculture Ltd).“HF Super Grazeis my firstexperienceof an HF mixtureand I have neverseen grassperform like itbefore. It justgrows and growsand the harder I am on it the better itseems to do. I am now completely sold onthe HF quality story which has certainlyworked at Morayscairn”Mike Anderson, Morayscairn Farm, Alves, Forres,Morayshire (Seed supplied by ScotgrainAgriculture Ltd).“We have nowgot 60 acres ofthe farm down toHF PD and weare absolutelydelighted with itsproduction, itssward density andparticularly theclover content which is excellent. I doa bit of work for a contractor and sowa lot of grass seed and PD definitelyproduces the best swards I have ever seen.With the performance to date we can’twait to get the rest of the farm down tothe same mixture.”Craig Hall and Callum, Harelaw Hill Farm,Canonbie, Dumfriesshire (Seed supplied bySolway Agriculture Ltd).HFSpecially designed for intensive cattle grazing. Based on shortgrowing, high tillering and long lived grasses and producing a verydense, highly productive sward of great persistence. Suitable formedium to long term use.BREEIntermediate Perennial RyegrassORANTASIntermediate Perennial RyegrassGREENGOLDTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassFOXTROTLate Perennial RyegrassROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassMEBATetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassHF GRAZING CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37 KG/HECTARE)❚ Achieves SugarMax status with high proportionsof the top sugar yielding varieties Greengold and Foxtrot❚ High sugar yields ensure excellent palatability andimproved animal performance❚ Contains the new variety Orantas included for its highgrazing yield, very good sward density and excellent fullseason D-value❚ All varieties selected on the basis of their grazing yieldsin SAC trials❚ Extreme sward density able to withstand heavy grazingand poaching in high rainfall areas❚ Based on a unique blend of Perennial Ryegrass varietiesdesigned to provide predictable grazing yield andquality throughout the entire season❚ Formulated to have grass at the right stage for grazingat cattle turnout❚ Even grass growth throughout the season allows ease ofgrazing management❚ Contains the best possible White Clover varieties forproduction and persistence under intensive cattlegrazing including Avoca, the highest yielding and mostpersistent variety on the SAC Recommended ListHF SUPER GRAZE - THE SPECIALIST MIXTURE FORINTENSIVE GRAZINGOVERSEED WITHHFA versatile permanent mixture with extreme sward densityconsisting of a blend of grasses and clovers that will produce a wellbalanced sward giving even growth of quality herbage for manyyears.DONARDEarly Perennial RyegrassGLENSTALTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassBREEIntermediate Perennial RyegrassORANTASIntermediate Perennial RyegrassGREENGOLDTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassFOXTROTLate Perennial RyegrassROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassMEBATetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassDOLINATimothyPROMESSETimothyMAXIMACreeping Red FescueHF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE14 - 16 KG/ACRE (35 - 40 KG/HECTARE)❚ Broad spread of varieties provides a versatile mixturesuitable for grazing and/or cutting❚ Includes Orantas, which has excellent sward density andis very high yielding under both cutting and grazing❚ Superb early spring growth from Donard and laterheading varieties like Glenstal and Dolina, ensures earlybite for ewes and lambs but also high yields of qualityfodder at first cut❚ Very persistent and winter hardy varieties for longevityof the sward❚ Extreme sward density from a high proportion of LatePerennial Ryegrass and also from a low inclusion ofCreeping Red Fescue❚ Excellent mid and late season growth maintains summerproduction and extends the grazing season❚ High inclusion of HF’s unique Dual Purpose Clover Blenddesigned to maximise the clover content for production,palatability and livestock performance❚ Clover blend improved for 2007 with an increasedproportion of Avoca, the highest yielding and mostpersistent clover variety on the SAC Recommended ListHF PD - SIMPLY THE BEST LONG TERM MIXTUREAVAILABLE TODAYOVERSEED WITH14 15

Grass and Fodder CropsT H E M I X T U R E SGrass and Fodder CropsT H E M I X T U R E SPERMANENT MIXTURESPECIALIST MIXTURESSPECIALIST MIXTURESHFA long term traditional mixture containing Cocksfoot designed formore extensive use and to improve production on land which isprone to drought.DONARDEarly Perennial RyegrassGLENSTALTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassORANTASIntermediate Perennial RyegrassGREENGOLDTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassMEBATetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassPROMESSETimothyDOLINATimothySPARTACocksfootMAXIMACreeping Red FescueHF GRAZING CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE14 - 16 KG/ACRE (35 - 40 KG/HECTARE)❚ Contains Cocksfoot for early spring growth and droughttolerance❚ Excellent early bite for ewes and lambs from Donard,Glenstal, Timothy and Cocksfoot❚ Blend of grasses formulated to provide consistentproduction from early spring to late autumn❚ Good sward density❚ Will perform equally well under cutting or grazing❚ Creeping Red Fescue with its creeping growth habitbinds the sward together and aids recovery afterpoaching or over-grazing❚ Contains HF’s highly productive Grazing Clover Blendto maximise production, herbage quality and livestockperformanceHF RELIANT - A TRADITIONAL LONG TERM MIXTURE FORDRIER CONDITIONSOVERSEED WITHHFA long term hill mixture specially designed for sheep grazing and tosuit the harsher conditions of upland pastures. Ideal for reseedinghills or reclaiming marginal land. Contains grasses suited to thepoorer soils and shorter growing season typical of hill ground.ORANTASIntermediate Perennial RyegrassPREMIUMIntermediate Perennial RyegrassROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassLASSOLate Perennial RyegrassMAURICETetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassPROMESSETimothyDOLINATimothyMAXIMACreeping Red FescueHF GRAZING CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE14 - 16 KG/ACRE (35 - 40 KG/HECTARE)❚ Based on later heading varieties to ensure goodgrowth in later areas before the production of seedheads❚ Early bite provided by a high Timothy content and ahigh proportion of grazing tolerant Perennial Ryegrassvarieties❚ Very good winter hardiness for longevity under harsherupland conditions❚ Excellent sward density with over 80% of the total mixgetting an ‘A’ for sward density❚ A high proportion of persistent Late Perennials ensuresgood production over many years❚ The unique combination of grazing PerennialRyegrasses produces short dense growth ideal forgrazing❚ Will also provide a cut of hay or silage if required❚ Creeping Red Fescue with its creeping growth habitbinds the sward together and aids recovery afterpoaching or over-grazing❚ All ingredients selected for cold and snow tolerance❚ High content of HF’s unique Grazing Clover Blendspecially designed for production and persistency inan upland situationHF HIGH HILL - THE PERFECT MIXTUREFOR HILL LANDOVERSEED WITHHFA modern mixture for traditional hay making, specially designedwith varieties to produce a large bulk of the type of forage typicallyrequired for hay.KIMBEREarly Perennial RyegrassORANTASIntermediate Perennial RyegrassBREEIntermediate Perennial RyegrassFOXTROTLate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassMAXIMACreeping Red FescuePROMESSETimothyDOLINATimothyHF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 14 KG/ACRE (32 - 35 KG/HECTARE)❚ Specially designed to produce top yields of easilymade hay❚ Contains the new Early Perennial Ryegrass variety,Kimber, which with its later heading date, is much bettersuited to a hay mixture than earlier heading varieties❚ Contains a high percentage of Pastour the highestyielding late Perennial Ryegrass on the 2007 SACRecommended List❚ High Timothy content ideal for hay mixtures❚ Varieties selected on the basis of their growth patternand maturity to provide the right sward characteristicsfor quality hay production❚ Very good sward density despite a high Timothycontent❚ Contains leafy albeit relatively stemmy varieties and noTetraploids for ease of hay-making❚ Good winter hardiness and persistency ensuresconsistent bulk over many yearsHF SCOTSHAY - THE PURPOSE BUILT MIXTURE FORQUALITY HAYHFHORSEPaddockA custom built mix using species and varieties specially selectedto produce a very dense and hard wearing sward suitable forhorses and ponies. Designed to provide palatable grazingthroughout the growing season but also suitable for hayproduction.PREMIUMIntermediate Perennial RyegrassLASSOLate Perennial RyegrassROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassPROMESSETimothyMAXIMACreeping Red FescueRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE15 KG/ACRE (37 KG/HECTARE)❚ Based on the densest Perennial Ryegrass and Timothyvarieties for an exceptionally dense damage resistantsward with 80% of the mixture getting an ‘A’ for swarddensity on the 2007 SAC Recommended List❚ High Timothy content ideal for horses and ponies❚ Designed to produce palatable grazing throughout theentire season❚ Creeping Red Fescue with its creeping growth habitbinds the sward together and quickly repairs swarddamage caused by hooves❚ Offers the option of horse hay production if requiredHF HORSE PADDOCK - THE SPECIALIST MIXTURE FORHORSES AND PONIES“We usedifferent HFmixtures forcutting andgrazing andthey allperformreally well.HF 11 forcutting, consistently produces huge yields ofgood quality silage and HF Super Grazeensures we always have plenty grass in frontof the cows from a really dense andpalatable sward. Having used HF mixturesfor several years now we would be veryreluctant to change.”Robert & Richard Arnold, 15 Browndod Road,Larne, Co Antrim (Seed supplied by CR Supplies).16 17

Grass and Fodder Crops T H E M I X T U R E S Grass and Fodder CropsT H E M I X T U R E SSPECIALIST MIXTURESLOW MAINTENANCE MIXTURESSHEEP FEED MIXTURESHFDryLANDA specialist mixture for very dry conditions using deep rooted grasseswith excellent resistance to drought. Formulated using species notcommonly found in UK agricultural mixtures, HF Dry Land isdesigned to produce fodder in extremely dry situations whereconventional mixtures are likely to fail.KORATall FescueHYKORFestuloliumSPARTACocksfootDELPHINTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassPOLIMTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE15 KG/ACRE (37 KG/HECTARE)❚ A unique solution to fodder production in very dryconditions❚ Contains Tall Fescue and Festulolium, two species usedfor forage production in hot, dry counties specifically fortheir drought resistance❚ All components selected for their deep rooting ability❚ Suitable for cutting or grazing❚ The high sugar content of the Tetraploid Perennials andHykor balance the lower sugar levels in Cocksfoot❚ Good palatability and digestibility❚ Excellent disease resistance particularly to Crown Rustwhich can be a major problem in dry areas and whichcan seriously affect both yield and palatabilityHF DRY LAND - A UNIQUE SOLUTION TO FODDERPRODUCTION IN DROUGHT CONDITIONS“I haveusedHF grassseedfor 25 yearsand havealwaysfoundit to beproductivefor both cutting and grazing. Grass is amajor part of my farm business and I needto use the best grass seed possible to ensuremy stock performs well and to allow me tomake quality silage. Over the years I havealways found that HF mixtures have metthese requirements really well.”Colin & James Telfer, Little Raith Farm, Lochgelly,Fife (Seed supplied by Carrs BillingtonAgriculture Ltd).HFSUMMERHERBWith greater emphasis on the environment in recent years and areturn to more traditional methods of animal production, therehas been increasing interest in the use of herbs to improve animalperformance and to add botanical diversity to grass swards. Herbsare extremely palatable and can provide a rich source of mineralsto the grazing animal. They are very deep rooted and as a resultare very drought resistant and can improve drainage and soilstructure.YARROWAchillea millefoliumRIBGRASSPlantago lanceolataSAINFOINOnobrychis viciifoliaSHEEP’S PARSLEYPetroselinum sativumSHEEP’S BURNETSanguisorba minorCHICORYCichorium intybusRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE0.5 – 1.0 KG/ACRE (1.25 – 2.5 KG/HECTARE)❚ Contains a wide variety of herb species for increasedmineral intake and palatability❚ Deep rooting herbs are drought resistance and can helpto improve drainage and soil structure❚ Balanced percentages in the mixture to reflect seed sizeand achieve equal proportions of each species in thefinal sward❚ Can be mixed with grass mixtures or sown as a singlemix in stripsHF SUMMER HERB – FOR SPECIES DIVERSITY, GRAZINGINTEREST AND A RICH SOURCE OF MINERALSHFLONGTERMGREENCOVERA mixture specially designed for long term low maintenance grasscover and suitable for both set-aside and other situations whereproduction is not required.LASSOLate Perennial RyegrassROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassMAXIMACreeping Red FescueALBERTAWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE12 – 14 KG/ACRE (30 – 35 KG/HECTARE)❚ Suitable for all low maintenance situations where grassproduction is not required❚ Based on very late heading Perennial Ryegrass with poorspring growth to minimise maintenance during thespring months when conventional grass production is atits highest level❚ Meets set-aside regulations❚ Uses very dense varieties to ensure good ground coverand effective competition against weeds at relatively lowsowing rates❚ Clover content set to achieve the correct balance ofgrass and clover in a set-aside or low maintenancesituation❚ Can be extensively grazed throughout the season orfrom 1 September after the set-aside period❚ Suitable for low maintenance fertility buildingHF LONG TERM GREEN COVER – THE MIXTURE FOR ALLLOW MAINTENANCE SITUATIONSHFCCA highly productive catch cropping mix including white turnipsdesigned to produce autumn grazing for sheep and fatteninglambs.FOXItalian RyegrassHOBSONForage RapeGREEN GLOBEWhite TurnipRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE9 KG/ACRE (22 KG/HECTARE)HFCDA highly productive catch cropping mix similar to HF CC but withoutwhite turnips.FOXItalian RyegrassHOBSONForage RapeRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE9 KG/ACRE (22 KG/HECTARE)HF CC and CD are balanced mixturesdesigned to produce an Italian Ryegrasssward with a brassica cover crop therebyproviding both autumn grazing from thecombination of species and winter and earlyspring grazing from the Italian Ryegrass.Inevitably this compromise will not producethe short term bulk of a single brassica butwill provide a lower level of keep for alonger period of time. In the management ofthese mixtures it should be rememberedthat both rape and turnips are aggressivespecies and if allowed to grow too tall theycan smother the Italian Ryegrass. Thesemixtures should therefore be grazed earlyto allow the Italian to thrive.‘On a stock farm like ours we grow a widerange of different crops including grass,autumn fodder for the ewes and lambs andlast but not least game crops to supportshooting on the farm. We are delighted withthe help and advice we get from HF inselecting the right crops for ourcircumstances which has helped us toachieve excellent results in all of thedifferent crops we grow.’Chris Blyth, Crops Manager for Peter Gascoigne,Harehope Farm, Peebles (Seed supplied by R HMiller (Agricultural) Ltd).18 19

Grass and Fodder Crops O V E R S E E D I N G Grass and Fodder CropsO V E R S E E D I N GOVERSEEDING MIXTURESOVERSEEDING MIXTURESHFHFHFHFGrassMax Base has been specifically designed for new reseeds wheresubsequent overseeding is routinely intended. This principle allowsthe use of significantly higher yielding grasses and can increaseannual yields by up to 30% compared to more traditional mixtures.Routine overseeding will be required however to maintain plantnumbers at the necessary levels to achieve these yield benefits.SOLIDTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassCITELIACTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassGLENSTALTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassMAGICIANTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE14 KG/ACRE (35 KG/HECTARE)❚ Varieties specially selected for their high yields underboth cutting and grazing❚ 100% Tetraploid content ensures high sugar levels forsilage fermentation and grazing palatability❚ The use of very high yielding but open grasses meansthat overseeding will be required after 2 to 3 years tomaintain plant numbers and sward density❚ The mix for overseeding should be selected from theGrassMax range on the basis of sward use ie cutting,grazing or dual purposeHF GRASSMAX BASE – THE FOUNDATION FOR HIGHYIELDING SWARDSA mixture specially designed for overseeding fields which will bemainly cut for silage.SOLIDTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassCITELIACTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassMAGICIANTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE10 KG/ACRE (25 KG/HECTARE)❚ 100% Tetraploid grasses which are ideal for overseedingas they have the largest seeds and are aggressiveestablishers❚ Based entirely on Hybrid and Perennial Ryegrasses withthe highest conservation yields on UK recommended lists❚ Very good forage quality from Solid and Citeliac❚ Varieties chosen for good spring growth to ensure highyields at first cutHF GRASSMAX CUT - THE SPECIALIST MIX FOROVERSEEDING SILAGE FIELDSGuidelines for Successful OverseedingField Preparation• Remove all surplus grass growth bycutting or hard grazing• Scarify the area in opposite directionsusing a wire tine grass scarifying harrowTiming• Minimise competition from the existingsward by sowing immediately after thelast silage cut of the season or aftera hard graze in spring or autumnA mixture specially designed for overseeding fields which will bepredominantly grazed.MAGICIANTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassCALIBRATetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassDELPHINTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassPOLIMTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE10 KG/ACRE (25 KG/HECTARE)❚ Achieves SugarMax status with a high proportion ofthe top sugar yielding variety Calibra❚ High sugar yields ensure excellent palatability andimproved animal performance❚ 100% Tetraploid grasses which are ideal for overseedingas they have large seeds and are aggressive establishers❚ Based entirely on Perennial Ryegrass varieties with thehighest grazing yields on UK Recommended Lists❚ Very good Crown Rust resistance from both Polim andDelphin both of which receive very high resistanceratings from NIABHF GRASSMAX GRAZE – THE SPECIALIST MIX FOROVERSEEDING GRAZING FIELDSA mixture specially designed for overseeding fields which will beboth cut and grazed.SOLIDTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassCALIBRATetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassDELPHINTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassGLENCARTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE10 KG/ACRE (25 KG/HECTARE)❚ 100% Tetraploid grasses which are ideal for overseedingas they have the largest seeds and are aggressiveestablishers❚ Achieves SugarMax status with a high proportion of thetop sugar yielding variety Calibra❚ Based on Hybrid and Perennial Ryegrass varieties withhigh yields under both cutting and grazing❚ Exceptionally good Crown Rust resistance fromDelphin which receives the highest possible resistancerating on the 2007 NIAB Recommended List❚ HF Dual Purpose White Clover blend can be added ifrequiredHF GRASSMAX DUAL PURPOSE – THE SPECIALIST MIX FOROVERSEEDING FIELDS THAT WILL BE BOTH CUT AND GRAZEDSowing• Sow at the same time as scarifying with10 kg/acre (25 kg/hectare) of theappropriatemixture• Roll immediately after sowingto consolidate the ground, conservemoisture and ensure good seed tosoil contactFertiliser• Minimise competition from the existingsward by delaying fertiliser applicationuntil at least 10 – 15 days after sowingLivestock Re-introduction• After cutting wait until aftermathshave fully recovered• After grazing leave stock on for 10 daysthen remove and allow sward to recover20 21

Grass and Fodder Crops O R G A N I C S Grass and Fodder CropsO R G A N I C SHF 60%ORGANICSHORT TERMA highly productive two to three year mixture based primarily onhigh yielding Hybrid Ryegrasses and containing a high proportionof Red Clover designed for two cuts per year followed by aftermathgrazing.STORMTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassSOLIDTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassCITELIACTetraploid Hybrid RyegrassCALIBRATetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassAMOSRed CloverRAJAHRed CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE12 - 14 KG/ACRE (30 - 34 KG/HECTARE)❚ Contains 60% organically produced seed to meet2007 organic certification regulations❚ Optimum cutting date - first week in June❚ Specially formulated for high sugar forage includingCalibra the highest yielding SugarMax variety❚ Contains Citeliac a new Hybrid variety which is veryhigh yielding under both cutting and grazing withgood forage quality and excellent disease resistance❚ Contains a high proportion of Hybrid Ryegrassvarieties for their yield potential over two to threeyears❚ Very good spring growth and late heading ensures highyields of quality forage at first cut❚ Companion grasses chosen for their open growth habitallowing clover to thrive❚ Organic content from three different varieties❚ 25% Red Clover content established as the optimumlevel in extensive HF trials❚ Strong vigorous regrowth for second cut and aftermathgrazing❚ Excellent disease resistanceHF ORGANIC SHORT TERM - THE SHORT TERM ROTATIONALMIX FOR ORGANIC SILAGE PRODUCTION“I have used HFOrganic DualPurpose for severalyears now and Ihave never beendisappointed. Everysow out hasestablished reallywell with loads ofclover and itconsistently produces plentybulk for both cutting and grazing. Itcertainly seems to do very well in this area.”Alistair Wilson, Hutlerburn Farm, Ettrick, Selkirkshire(Seed supplied by Clark & Weir Ltd).HF 60%ORGANICDUAL PURPOSEA high sugar mixture specially designed for a dual purpose mediumterm cutting and/or grazing ley for organicmanagement.MAGICIANTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassCALIBRATetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassLASSOLate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassFOXTROTLate Perennial RyegrassDELPHINTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassDOLINATimothyPROMESSETimothyAMOSRed CloverHF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37 KG/HECTARE)❚ Contains 60% organically produced seed to meet2007 organic certification regulations❚ Optimum cutting date - first week in June❚ Contains Pastour the highest yielding Late PerennialRyegrass on the SAC and NIAB Recommended Lists❚ Achieves SugarMax status with high proportions ofthe top sugar yielding varieties Calibra and Foxtrot❚ High sugar yield per acre ensures maximum feedingvalue, excellent palatability and rapid silagefermentation❚ Formulated with Tetraploid and Diploid Perennials andTimothy to ensure the correct balance between grass andclover❚ Excellent Crown Rust resistance from Lasso, Pastour,Foxtrot and Delphin which receives the highest possibleCrown Rust rating on the 2007 NIAB Recommended List❚ Red Clover inclusion for high clover yields and nitrogenfixation in the early stages of establishment❚ High White Clover content of HF’s unique Dual PurposeClover Blend to ensure the optimum clover content inthe final sward❚ Clover varieties selected for both yield and early springgrowth to ensure early season nitrogen fixation andgrass growthHF ORGANIC DUAL PURPOSE - A HIGH PERFORMANCEFLEXIBLE MIXTURE FOR DUAL PURPOSE ORGANICMANAGEMENTAs the market for organic produce in theUK continues to develop, HF’scommitment to developing the very bestmixtures for the organic farmer continuesinto 2007.This includes the introductionof new and improved varieties to meetchallenges of organic farming and whichare capable of maximizing both yield andforage quality under the pressures oforganic management.The requirement for grass mixtures tohave a 60% organically produced contentwhich has been in place for the last twoyears will remain for 2007 but will rise to65% and 70% for 2008 and 2009respectively.“When I went intoorganic conversiontwo years ago HFSeeds were veryhelpful with theiradvice and theorganic mixturesthey supplied havecertainly lived up toexpectations. Theyare very productive andfull of clover and I am delighted with theway they are performing. Good advice andgood mixtures what more could you ask for.”Dick Dobson, Ruchlaw Farm, Stenton, East Lothian(Seed supplied by Frontier Agriculture Ltd).For 2007 all HF 60% organic mixtureshave been designed on the basis oftheir technical performance underorganic conditions to meet the followingkey criteria• The optimum clover content ofvarieties best suited for organicproduction• Companion grasses which allow cloverto thrive but at the same time maintaintotal forage yields• The achievement of high sugar yieldsand maximum feeding value from theinclusion of SugarMax varieties• The production of top quality highD-value and palatable forage• Seasonal growth patterns suited toorganic management, particularly goodearly spring growth with late heading• Appropriate disease resistance, inparticular against Crown Rust whichcan be a major problem in organicallymanaged swards affecting production,palatability and forage qualityHF 60%ORGANIC•GRAZE•A medium to long term grazing mixture produced from persistentgrazing varieties of both grass and clover and specially formulatedto ensure good clover development and survival under organicgrazing management.CALIBRATetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassPREMIUMIntermediate Perennial RyegrassFOXTROTLate Perennial RyegrassPASTOURLate Perennial RyegrassROMARKLate Perennial RyegrassDELPHINTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassTIVOLITetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassHF GRAZING CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE13 - 15 KG/ACRE (32 - 37 KG/HECTARE)❚ Contains 60% organically produced seed to meet 2007organic certification regulations❚ Achieves SugarMax status with high proportions ofthe top sugar yielding varieties Calibra and Foxtrot❚ High sugar yield per acre ensures maximum feedingvalue and excellent grazing palatability❚ Based on late heading Pasture Perennial Ryegrassvarieties which are ideal for grazing❚ Varieties chosen for their high grazing yields❚ Excellent Crown Rust resistance from Premium, Pastour,Romark and Delphin which receives the highest possibleCrown Rust rating on the 2007 NIAB Recommended List❚ Formulated with Diploid and Tetraploid varieties toensure the correct balance between grass and clover ina grazing situation❚ Very persistent varieties capable of withstanding heavygrazing pressure❚ Clover varieties chosen for maximum spring growth toensure early nitrogen fixation and grass growth❚ High White Clover content of grazing tolerant includinga high proportion of Avoca, simply the best and mostpersistent White Clover availableHF ORGANIC GRAZE - THE LONG TERM MIXTURE FORORGANIC GRAZINGHF 60%ORGANIC_____________REJUVENATORSpecially formulated to meet demand for a mixture to rejuvenategrass and establish clover in pastures intended for organicproduction. This practice is no substitute for a full reseed but withthe right mix and attention to detail, it can increase clover levelsand breathe new life into tired swards. The key to success lies inthe correct sward preparation before over-sowing and selecting amixture containing varieties with the best possible establishmentvigour.MAGICIANTetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassCALIBRATetraploid Intermediate Perennial RyegrassDELPHINTetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassTIVOLITetraploid Late Perennial RyegrassRAJAHRed CloverHF DUAL PURPOSE CLOVER BLENDWhite CloverRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE10 - 12 KG/ACRE (25 - 30KG/HECTARE)❚ Contains 60% organically produced seed to meet 2007organic certification regulations❚ Achieves SugarMax status with a high proportionof the top sugar yielding variety Calibra❚ The most effective way to introduce both new grass andhigh sugar into existing pastures❚ Grasses based entirely on Tetraploids which have thelargest seeds and greatest establishment vigour❚ Spread of varieties for early, mid and late seasongrowth❚ Includes Delphin for its excellent Crown Rust Resistance❚ Small inclusion of Red Clover for rapid cloverestablishment❚ Clover varieties chosen for maximum spring growth toensure early spring nitrogen fixation and grass growth❚ Contains a high proportion of persistent and flexibleWhite Clover varietiesHF ORGANIC REJUVENATOR – THE SOLUTION TOINCREASING CLOVER LEVELS AND TO BREATHING NEW‘I have been fullyorganic for severalyears now and havebeen using HForganic mixturessince I started. Theamount of clover inthe swards isfantastic but it is notthere at the expense of grass and yields inboth cutting and grazing fields are excellent.As a result we always seem to have plenty oflush, palatable grass in front of the stock.’Andrew Bayliss, Newton of Millfield,Cuminestown, Aberdeenshire (Seed supplied byGrainfarmers UAP Ltd).22 23

Grass and Fodder Crops S T E W A R D S H I P S E L E C T O R Grass and Fodder CropsS T E W A R D S H I P M I X T U R E SIn recent years several different schemes have been launched to encourage farmers and land owners to manage their businesses in theinterests of conservation and the environment.The various schemes all have the same basic objectives and use similar seed mixtures toachieve them, however the terminology of each scheme is different and as a result complicates the selection of a suitable seed mixture.The HF Stewardship Selector identifies the various options associated with the Rural Stewardship Scheme and the Land ManagementContract Menu Scheme and is cross-referenced with the terminology of each scheme to allow easy selection of an appropriate mixturefor each option.Rural StewardshipSchemePrescriptions for Field MarginsBeetlebank andConservation HeadlandsSection 21-22Prescriptions for Species-Rich AreasCreation of Species-Rich GrasslandsSection 8HF Species Rich plusWild FlowersAvailable with different nativewild flower contentsPrescriptions for Arable AreasUnharvested CropsSection 28Without CocksfootWith CocksfootHF Wild Bird CoverHF WBS 2Available as a full mix withcereal and forage components(packed separately), but forfarmers who wish to usetheir own cereals, the smallseed component (Kale, Quinoaand Yellow Blossom Clover) canbe supplied separately.Land Management ContractMenu SchemeWild Bird Seed MixtureOption 12With CocksfootHF BeetlebankHF BGM1Buffer AreasOption 6Without CocksfootHF ConservationHeadlandsHF BGM2HF Mixture Ref : HF BGM 1Beetle BankThis mixture is suitable for all the grass margin options but willform a very tussocky sward.MEADOW FESCUEFestuca pratensisCREEPING RED FESCUEFestuca rubra rubraCOCKSFOOTDactylus glomeratusTIMOTHYPhleum pratenseTALL FESCUEFestuca arundinaceaRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE8 KG/ACRE (20 KG/HECTARE)The Cocksfoot included in HF Beetle Bank will forma tussocky swardHF Mixture Ref : HF BGM 2ConservationHeadlandsThis mixture is suitable for all grass margin options and willprovide a more open sward with fewer tussocks. Wild flowers canbe included, adding both colour and a source of nectar to theheadlands but species need to be compatible with long grassconditions such as Knapweed, Oxeye Daisy, Yarrow and Vetches.MEADOW FESCUEFestuca pratensisCREEPING RED FESCUEFestuca rubra rubraCHEWINGS FESCUEFestuca rubra commutataTIMOTHYPhleum pratenseSHEEP’S FESCUEFestuca ovinaRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE8 KG/ACRE (20 KG/HECTARE)HF Mixture Ref : HF WBS 2Wild BirdCoverThis mixture is designed to meet the unharvested crops option andwill provide a continuing and varied source of food for seed eatingbirds over a two year period.SPRING TRITICALECerealSPRING WHEATCerealKALEBrassicaQUINOAChenopodiumYELLOW BLOSSOM CLOVERLegumeRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE16 KG/ACRE (40 KG/HECTARE)The addition of wild flowers to margin mixes adds both colourand a source of nectar to headlands24 25HFSpeciesRichMixtures for this option should comprise 80-85% non-aggressivegrasses and 15-20% native wild flowers. To allow flexibility thegrass and wild flower mixtures are detailed separately and can becombined together in any proportion to suit different needs andrequirements.GRASS COMPONENT (80-85%)SHEEP’S FESCUEFestuca ovinaCREEPING RED FESCUEFestuca rubra rubraMEADOW FESCUEFestuca pratensisSMOOTH STALKED MEADOW GRASSPoa pratensisCRESTED DOGSTAILCynosurus cristatusROUGH STALKED MEADOW GRASSPoa trivialisCOMMON BENTAgrostis capillarisWILD FLOWER COMPONENT (15-20%)RIBWORT PLANTAINPlantago lanceolataMEADOW BUTTERCUPRanunculus acrisBLACK KNAPWEEDCentaurea nigraBIRDSFOOT TREFOILLotus corniculatusOXEYE DAISYLeucanthemum vulgareSELF HEALPrunella vulgarisYARROWAchillea millefoliumCOMMON SORRELRumex acetosaYELLOW RATTLERhinanthus minorRECOMMENDED SOWING RATE OF COMBINED GRASSAND WILD FLOWER MIXTURE8 KG/ACRE (20 KG/HECTARE)

Grass and Fodder CropsO T H E R C R O P SGrass and Fodder CropsR O O T A N D F O D D E R C R O P SAs farmers strive for greater self-sufficiency in all aspect of their business, crops which offer the potential to reduce purchased feed andfertiliser costs are increasing in popularity. Sales of wholecrop mixtures, particularly those offering a source of home grown protein, haveincreased dramatically in recent years and there is rapidly developing interest in both green manuring and crops such as rye, which canbe used to reduce the expensive winter months by extending the grazing season.HFWholecropHF Seeds offers a wide range of both standard and custom wholecropmixtures including barley, oats, wheat, triticale, peas, lupins andvetches. All HF wholecrop options are available with a 60%organically produced content for organic farmers.One relatively new development in the area of wholecropping is theuse of lupins as a protein source. Grown as an integral mix withTriticale, both yellow and white lupins are suitable for this purpose.White lupins will produce a greater bulk of green forage due to theirincreased branching habit but the best variety for gross output ofhigh quality protein is a yellow lupin called WODJIL. WODJIL isearlier maturing and contains a higher level of protein that any ofthe white lupin varieties. In addition all WODJIL supplied by HF Seedsis pre-inoculated thereby avoiding the need for dry mixing peatbased inoculants at sowing time.Wodjil Yellow LupinsFor further information onavailability of lupins and otherwholecrop mixtures contact yourHF distributor or telephoneHF Seeds direct on 0131 555 4044.HFGREENM A N U R I N GGreen manure crops are used to improve soil structure, toaccumulate organic matter, to break pest and disease cycles and tomanage soil nitrogen levels. They can be categorised into nitrogenremovers (non legumes) which act as a break crop, add organicmatter and mop up surplus soil nitrogen and nitrogen fixers(legumes) which offer similar soil structure and break crop benefitsas nitrogen lifters but which add to rather than reduce soil nitrogenlevels.MUSTARDMustard is easy to establish, and growsvery rapidly producing a large bulk of greenmaterial in 8 – 10 weeks. It is a nitrogenremover and is used to produce organicmatter but should be ploughed in beforebecoming too mature. Sowing rate 8 – 10kgs/acre.PHACELIAPhacelia is very quick to establish andmatures in 10 – 12 weeks. It producesorganic matter for ploughing in and itsattractive flowers are beneficial to insectsbut it must be incorporated beforeproducing seed or it may reappear as aweed. Sowing rate 4 kgs/acre.VETCHAvailable in both winter and spring forms,vetches are capable of fixing high levels ofnitrogen for subsequent crops. Sowing rate30 - 40 kgs/acre.YELLOW BLOSSOM CLOVERAn excellent nitrogen fixer, Yellow Blossomor Sweet Clover is deep rooted andproduces large amounts of organic matterfor incorporation. Sowing rate 6 kgs/acre.RED CLOVERA prolific nitrogen fixer, Red Clover, hasdeep tap roots and is ideal for addingnitrogen and improving soil structure.Sowing rate 6 kgs/acre.HFE X T E N D E Dg r a z i n gGrazing rye is one way to reduce the long winter months by providingearly bite from late February onwards. Most of the varieties beingsold for this purpose have been bred for grain production butPROTECTOR is a true forage rye which has been bred specifically forits rapid establishment, early growth and its ability to produce largebulks of green material for early grazing. PROTECTOR is sown inearly autumn at 60 – 70 kgs/acre for grazing from late Februaryonwards.Strip grazing with rye or other forage crops can reduce the longwinter feeding periodPhacelia is very attractive to insects in addition to providing a goodsource of organic matterFODDER BEETFodder beet has the capacity to producehigh fresh and dry matter yields and is bestgrown in early districts on well drainedsoils. It has a high energy content butrelatively low protein content. Mediumdry matter varieties have a greaterpercentage of root above the ground andconsequently are easier to lift and have alower dirt tare. Higher dry mattervarieties tend to sit further into theground, require a specialist beet harvesterand have a higher dirt tare.ALPESAlpes is a relatively new variety and hasproduced the highest fresh and dry matteryields in UK trials. Alpes produces yellowroots of medium dry matter content andwith 67% of the root in the ground itachieved the highest score for cleanliness inUK trials and offers clean easy lifting atharvest.KYROSSOWING RATES, RELATIVE YIELD AND ENERGY LEVELS OF FODDER CROPSCrop Sowing Rate Sowing Utilisation Fresh Yield Dry Matter DM Yield DM Energy Energy Yieldper acre period period tonnes/acre content % tonnes/acre content MJ/kg per acre ‘000MJFodder Beet 50,000 seeds March - April Harvested 25 - 35 17 4.2 - 6.0 12.5 52 - 75and clampedOctober onwardsSwedes see table May October - March 28 - 35 11 3.0 - 3.8 12.9 35 - 49belowsee varietiesTurnips see table May - June October - January 24 - 30 9 2.2 - 2.7 11.2 25 - 30belowKale 3 kg broadcast May - June October - February 20 - 30 14 2.8 - 4.2 11.0 31 - 462 kg drilledForage Rape 4 - 5 kg broadcast June - August Sept - December 12 - 15 12 1.5 - 1.8 10.5 16 - 193 - 4 kg drilledStubble Turnips 3 kg broadcast May - August 12 weeks after 15 - 18 9.5 1.5 - 1.8 11.6 17 - 212 kg drilled sowingKyros is a well established and consistentlyhigh yielding variety producing very palatableand easily digested roots of medium drymatter content. Kyros has goodestablishment and produces clean roots atharvest.AlpesKyrosDry Matter Yield (100 = 15.2 t/ha) 107 99Fresh Yield (100 = 100.4 t/ha) 105 100Dry Matter Content % 17.3 16.8Establishment (9 = good 1 = poor) 6.9 7.0Bolting 0.3 0.2% of root in ground 67 67Cleanliness (9 = best 1 = worst) 7.0 6.7Based on data from trials 1995-1999RowWidthSWEDESSwedes grow on a wide range of soil typesand can be grazed in situ or lifted forstockfeed or as a cash crop. Whatever theintended use, the dry matter content is oneof the most important characters toconsider. Low dry matter types are softerand are more suitable for early usewhereas the high dry matter types aremore winter hardy and therefore bettersuited to later utilisation. For cashcropping fresh yield, shape and colour andimportant considerations with purpleskinned, globe shaped roots generallyconsidered the most marketable type.For 2007 all graded swede seed is availablewith flea beetle treatmentAIRLIESOWING RATES FOR GRADED SWEDE AND TURNIP SEEDFor early to intermediate use Airlieproduces high fresh yields of uniform globeshaped roots with good colour. Goodgeneral disease resistance.RUTA OTOFTEA very popular purple skinned variety withSeed Spacing2’’ 4’’ 6’’ 8’’gms/acre no of pelleted gms/acre no of pelleted gms/acre no of pelleted gms/acre no of pelletedseeds/acre seeds/acre seeds/acre seeds/acre20’’ 325 157,000 275 78,000 225 52,000 200 37,00024’’ 300 131,000 250 65,000 200 44,000 150 32,00026’’ 275 121,000 225 60,000 175 40,000 125 30,00028’’ 250 112,000 200 56,000 150 37,000 100 28,000cream coloured flesh suitable for bothfodder use and shopping. A medium drymatter variety with good winter hardinessand mildew resistance.MARIANA good shopping variety with an attractivepurple globe and cream coloured flesh.With its medium dry matter content Marianis suitable for intermediate use but hasslightly lower yield potential than othervarieties.BRORAA variety specially bred for the culinarymarket, Brora has an attractive dark purpleskin colour and cream coloured flesh makingit ideal for shopping. Medium dry mattercontent but best used before the end ofJanuary.KENMOREA bronze skinned, white fleshed variety withvery high fresh yields. Kenmore is earlymaturing and with its medium dry mattercontent and very good winter hardiness, itallows for a very wide window of utilisation.26 27

Grass and Fodder Crops R O O T A N D F O D D E R C R O P S Grass and Fodder CropsG A M E C R O P SINVITATIONA high yielding purple/bronze skinnedvariety with a high dry matter content andvery good winter hardiness making itsuitable for late use. Invitation has excellentresistance to both club root and mildew andit also produces large leaves for extra grazingpotential.TURNIPSTurnips differ from swedes due to theirlower dry matter content. They are fastergrowing but lack winter hardiness andkeeping quality and are therefore bestsuited for early use.GREEN GLOBEA quick growing variety for utilisation12 - 15 weeks after sowing, Green Globeproduces white fleshed, globe shaped rootswith good anchorage suitable for grazing byall types of livestock. Its low dry matter andconsequent poor winter hardiness however,means that Green Globe is best utilisedbefore Christmas.KALEKale is the highest yielding of all the leafyforage brassicas and has excellent feedingvalue and a high crude protein content. Itcan provide a long and flexible period ofutilisation and can be grazed in situ, cutand carted to housed livestock or ensiledas big bale kaleage. There are however bigdifferences in terms of winter hardiness(traditional marrowstem varieties tend tohave poorer winter hardiness) andvarieties should be chosen to suit theutilisation period. For maximum yields kalerequires good fertility and a pH of at least6.0.CALEDONIANCaledonian is a very high yieldingmarrowstem type with good winterhardiness and excellent club root resistance.Its high yield and good lodging resistancemakes it ideal for utilisation by dairy or beefcattle from September to February and itcan be strip or zero grazed.BITTERNA very leafy, high yielding hybrid variety withgood digestibility and palatability due to itshigh sugar content. Bittern can be usedthroughout the autumn and winter but itsoutstanding winter hardiness makes it anideal choice for late use.MARIS KESTRELA short, leafy, hybrid variety that is high indigestible dry matter particularly in the stem.Maris Kestrel has good frost resistance,excellent leaf retention and is not susceptibleto lodging.KEEPERKeeper is a short variety ideal for sheepgrazing. It is very palatable and stands welland its excellent winter hardiness makes itideal for late use.PINFOLDA very high yielding variety with a low leaf tostem ratio and a high proportion of the yieldin the stem. Pinfold is suitable for both sheepand cattle and is highly palatable with verygood grazing qualities.FORAGE RAPERape is fast growing and will toleratepoorer fertility conditions than Kale. Whensown as a catch crop between June andAugust it will provide valuable autumn andwinter grazing. It has a wide sowingwindow and utilisation period andproduces a digestible and high energy cropideal for finishing lambs.HOBSONA very leafy and high yielding variety withgood digestibility. Hobson has excellentresistance to mildew which can oftenseriously reduce yield and affect palatability.EMERALDA rapidly establishing, medium to tall,palatable variety with above average drymatter yields and good general diseaseresistance.STUBBLE TURNIPSStubble turnips provide palatable anddigestible fodder for grazing 10 – 12 weeksafter sowing. They can be sown at anytime with the required utilisation perioddetermining the sowing date. Stubbleturnips are less winter hardy than otherbrassicas and should be used beforeChristmas. Varieties differ in their leaf toroot ratio with leafy types providing betteranchorage and winter hardiness than bulbtypes which produce larger but relativelylow dry matter rootsTYFONA fast growing leafy type with someregrowth potential but it can be susceptibleto bolting when sown too early. Tyfon hassmall bulbs and produces approximately80% of its yield from leaf. Good rootanchorage and reasonable frost tolerance.RONDOA high yielding leafy type but with a higherproportion of root and larger bulbs thanTyfon. Rondo has good disease resistance,excellent root anchorage, and above averagewinter hardiness for a stubble turnip.PASJAPasja is a new highly productive turnip rapehybrid which produces a large amount ofleaf and small bulb. It is very fast growingand can be grazed 6 – 8 weeks after sowing.The bulb is well anchored in the soil and hasa crown which enables the plant to regrowafter defoliation provided it is notovergrazed.SAMSONSamson is a high yielding, bulbing variety witha high proportion of its total yield producedby large, purple topped, palatable rootswhich grow well out of the ground forbetter utilisation.VOLLENDAA highly digestible, late tetraploid varietynoted for its speed of growth, overall yieldand resistance to bolting. Vollenda is abulbing type with a leaf to bulb ratio in theregion 30 : 70.BARKANTProducing slightly smaller roots thanVollenda, Barkant is a bulbing varietyproducing very high yields of digestible drymatter. Reasonably winter hardy for astubble turnip.The single most important factor in selecting a game crop is the location in which it is to be sown. Almost by definition, game cropsare usually required in less fertile, exposed and often shady areas which are unsuitable for many of the more exotic game crop species.Other factors which need to be considered are the purpose of the crop (cover only, cover and food, brood rearing etc), the time of sowingand the intended duration of the crop, the climatic conditions it will be subjected to and lastly, whether the area to be sown is included inany government schemes as the scheme regulations may have an impact on crop choice.As a general principle game crops are best sown as individual species thereby allowing the most appropriate management in terms of sowingdepth, fertiliser and weed control, however it is possible to sow combinations of some crop groups to achieve diversity in the final stand.KALEKale can provide excellent cover although it is very sensitive toadverse conditions. The varieties Bittern and Keeper are the mostsuitable as they both have outstanding winter hardiness and allowgame to move freely under the leaf canopy. The variety Caledonianwill provide some club root resistance where brassicas are beinggrown repeatedly but continuous brassicas over many years shouldbe avoided where possible. Lower than normal sowing rates shouldbe used to avoid thick crops which restrict game movement anddrilling is preferable to broadcasting as rows allow both easy accessfor game and the opportunity to control birds on a shoot day.In fertile conditions Kale can provide excellent coverFORAGE RAPEForage rape is a versatile, easy to grow cover crop and is a goodalternative where Kale has been unsuccessful or for sowing later inthe season. Although it still needs a reasonable pH, it will grow onmore acidic soils than Kale and with its rapid growth, it is betterequipped to withstand rabbit and pigeon damage.TEXSEL GREENSTexsel Greens is similar to mustard but has much better frosttolerance and will last considerably longer for winter holding anddriving. It produces a canopy on sturdy stems up to 5 feet tall butalthough it shows some frost hardiness it is not suited to harsher,more northern climates.JONTYJonty is a rapidly bolting brassica providing rapid cover within 6 to 8weeks of sowing and is therefore ideal for late sowings. It will producea canopy approximately 3 feet high with an open bottom allowingeasy movement of game, however, it is not particularly frost hardy andshould not be relied on to provide cover beyond New Year.QUINOAQuinoa is an excellent break crop from brassicas and can provideboth good cover and a very palatable and nutritious food source asit is a prolific seed producer capable of shedding over 1 tonne ofseed per acre during the shooting season. For successfulestablishment quinoa requires a minimum pH in the range 6.0 to 6.5.An excellent combination of both cover and game food can beachieved by sowing alternate strips of Quinoa and Kale or bycombining them together in a single mixture.TRITICALECereals are a valuable food source in game mixtures but Triticale isparticularly useful as it will tolerate poorer fertility and can survivewhere other cereals will not. It is also the most suitable cereal whererabbits are a problem as due to its early prostrate growth it growsunnoticed by rabbits and once established and growing strongly, it canoften outpace rabbit damage. No game crop will survive a heavyrabbit burden however and in these cases netting may be the onlypractical solution.Triticale is available in both winter and spring forms.Winter varieties which are more commonly available, need tovernalise after sowing or they will not produce seed heads. Wintervarieties are therefore only suitable for more northern climates andshould be sown by the end of February. In southern climates or forlater sowing dates only spring varieties should be considered. LikeQuinoa, the role of Triticale is best as a food crop in a strip adjacentto a cover crop such as Kale or Rape but the difference in sowingdates and fertility tolerance may make this impractical. In this caseTriticale alone can provide adequate cover to hold pheasants andpartridges until Christmas.28 29

Grass and Fodder Crops G A M E C R O P S Grass and Fodder CropsG A M E C R O P SSORGHUMAvailable in dwarf and giant forms growing to 2 and 3 metres tallrespectively, both types of Sorghum are used to provide a warmholding area for birds adjacent to food crops like maize. GiantSorghum is particularly useful in dry areas as it is very deep rooting.CANARY GRASSHoldfast Canary Grass (Phalaris Aquatica) and its native versionReed Canary Grass (Phalaris Arundinacia) are strong growing hardyperennials with vigorous creeping rhizomes. The native Reed CanaryGrass is better suited to harsher climates. Both are deep rootingand capable of withstanding a wide range of conditions and onceestablished can provide long term game cover for up to 10 years.Both types of Canary Grass are slow in establishment particularly incold conditions and can suffer badly in their first year fromcompetition from weeds and weed grasses. As a result both typesshould be sown in 30 to 36 inch rows allowing inter-row weedcontrol. Once established topping will encourage vigorous tillering.MILLETMillet has long been recognised as a valuable game food crop and isavailable in three different forms:White, Red and Strong Reed Millet.Each has different characteristics in terms of maturity, growth habit,winter hardiness and seed production. White Millet is the mostprolific seed producer but has relatively poor winter hardinesswhereas Reed Millet has poor seed production but is very winterhardy with Red Millet falling somewhere between the two. Toexploit the benefits of the different types, game millet is supplied inthree different forms: White Millet on its own for seed productionin warm southern climates, a Red and White Millet Blend for generalpurpose use and a White and Reed Millet blend for seed productionand good winter hardiness in colder areas.CATCH CROPS FOR LATE SOWINGLate sowings of game crops severely restrict crop choice and are only suitable for cover as there is insufficient time for seed productionbefore the onset of winter. Fast growing crops such as Mustard, Stubble Turnips and Fodder Radish can be sown as late as September andwill provide cover within 8 weeks.These crops however are generally not winter hardy and should not be relied on to provide cover beyondChristmas.The suitability of each of these crops varies for different situations and advice should be sought on the most appropriate choice.GAME COVER MIXTURESWhilst the above species have been considered individually, it ispossible to mix different combinations together to provide bothcover and an attractive food source in one game crop. As with thesingle species the choice of mixture components will depend entirelyon location, climate and soil fertility and where there is any doubt, amixture which is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditionsshould be selected.MAIZEMaize is an excellent cover and food crop with a good canopy andopen area underneath. It is also ideal for rotating with brassicas toreduce the build up of Club Root and it will thrive throughout mostof England and Wales albeit it should not be sown over 350 metresabove sea level. Game Maize is supplied as a blend of three varietiesto provide good standing power, low cob carriage allowing easyaccess by birds and a spread of maturity, ensuring cob availabilitythroughout the season. Additional appeal can be added by sowingan adjacent crop of Millet counteracting draughtiness later in theseason and also providing an additional food source.BUCKWHEATBuckwheat is a thick, bushy, seed producing plant often sown inconjunction with other crops to provide both food and cover. It isparticularly appealing to deer, pheasants, partridges and bees andother insects and grows best in warm, sunny, south facing conditions.It should not be sown until all risk of frost has passed. Maturity isreached in around three months and seed will be shed over a periodof several weeks with the remaining stubble capable of holding birdsuntil well into January.YELLOW BLOSSOM CLOVERYellow Blossom Clover is a self-generating legume that will last up tothree years and as such can be sown on its own or included as avery useful component in Wild Bird Cover mixtures which areintended for two years duration. It has excellent early vigour withgood seed production and can reach heights of up to 6 feet with stiffwoody stems which allow easy bird movement below its densecanopy.Crop Optimum Sowing Rate (kgs/acre) CommentsSowing Period Drilled BroadcastKale May / June 1.5 2.0 Requires good fertility and high pHForage Rape July / September 2.5 3.5 More tolerant of poorer fertility than kaleTexsel Greens May - July 2.5 - Not suitable for northern climatesJonty August / September 1.5 2.5 Fast growing but not winter hardyQuinoa May / June 2.0 - Requires minimum pH of 6.0Quinoa + Kale May /June 2.5 - Requires good fertility and high pHWinter Triticale Before end February 75 - Only suitable for early sowing in more northern climates whereseed will vernaliseSpring Triticale March / April 75 - Use in milder climates or for later sowing to ensure seedproductionHoldfast Canary Grass April / May 2.5 - Very slow establishmentReed Canary Grass April / May 2.5 - Suited to more northern climatesTriple Maize Blend April 45,000 seeds per acre Not suited for Scotland or over 350 metres above sea levelWhite Millet April / May 10 - Most suited to warm southern climatesMillgame Millet Mix April / May 10 - General purpose throughout England & Wales(White + Red Millet)Ambush Millet Mix April / May 5 - Good winter hardiness and better suited to northern areas(White + Reed Millet)Buckwheat May 20 50 Requires warm and sunny growing conditionsGiant Sorghum April / May 12 - Useful cover and shelter crop in warm, dry areasDwarf Sorghum April / May 8 - Used as shelter cropYellow Blossom Clover April to July 4 - Useful on its own or in mixtures for 2 years or moreMustard August / September 3 5 Not winter hardy, for late sowing or emergency useStubble Turnips August / September 2 3 Not winter hardy, for late sowing or emergency useFodder Radish August / September 3 - Not winter hardy, for late sowing or emergency useHF Standard Game April 50 - General purpose useCover Mix30 31