Value for money and quality winter feed

This article is sponsored by Pasture Genetics.

Trevor and Barry Donovan, of Donovan Brothers Farms, located in Wildes Meadow and Laggan, New South Wales, have been growing Pasture Genetics’ Tetrone Tetraploid Annual Italian Ryegrass within their farming system for the past four years.

Trevor and Barry grow potatoes, as well as run a steer trading operation. Young stock are bought in between 270-300 kilograms and turned off at 500-560 kilograms, with up to 1,000 steers being backgrounded annually.

Over their two properties approximately 50 hectares of Tetrone Tetraploid Annual Italian Ryegrass is planted each autumn. Trevor ensures that the seed is treated with XLR8™, which includes Poncho® Plus insecticide, to provide adequate protection against soil pests, such as Black Beatle.

Trevor said that in previous years they have had to replant significant areas when using seed that had not been treated with XLR8™.

However, since adopting the insecticide treatment damage from pests in the establishment phase is now negligible.

Sown at 25 kilograms per hectare in late February or early March, Trevor says that Tetrone Tetraploid Annual Italian Ryegrass is quick to establish and provides exceptional early vigour; also commenting that it demonstrates excellent winter production that sustains a minimum of two grazings throughout winter, followed by a silage cut in October.

With adequate moisture and a nitrogen application post silage cut, the Tetrone Tetraploid Annual Italian Ryegrass can then be utilised for grazing until mid-December.

Trevor says that if the livestock can be gaining one to one and a half kilograms per day, then you are doing well.

Since growing Tetrone Tetraploid Annual Italian Ryegrass, Trevor and Barry have consistently been able to achieve these results.

Each year they plant a small area to alternative varieties as a comparison, however, they are always impressed with the high-quality standard of seed they receive from Pasture Genetics.

Tetrone Tetraploid Annual Italian Ryegrass stacks up as the best value for money, and provides an excellent quality winter feed.

This article is sponsored by Pasture Genetics.