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Published: February 2023
Increase yield at first and second grazing by increasing sowing rates, with Mantas’ explosive speed of establishment (for quick feed now), good cool season growth, high yields, and quality feed for 1-2 years (for a higher ROI compared to an annual ryegrass).
Whilst annual ryegrasses are traditionally seen as one of the main quick feed options, sowing an Italian ryegrass with an optimised sowing rate instead of an annual ryegrass this autumn will provide quick feed early and, produce feed at the end of the season (which can increase profitability under different farming systems).
Blair McCormick, DLF Seeds National Technical Service Manager explains “Annual ryegrass usually persists for 1 year, are suited to areas with 500mm+ of annual rainfall/irrigation, withstand wet feet and are generally sown for quick winter feed, silage and hay production. The downside is regrowth potential through the late spring and early summer is limited compared to Italian ryegrasses and aside from the seed cost, an Italian in many cases, will end up more economical."
What really sets Italian ryegrasses apart from annual ryegrasses in many instances is the late season quality and growth they can provide after an annual ryegrass has finished and put up a seed head.
Depending on location, an annual ryegrass can finish growing in October/November, whereas an Italian ryegrass could still grow quality feed into November/December, depending on seasons, weather and stresses.
As the highest yielding diploid within DLF Seeds Agricom range and with outstanding dry matter production, Manta is a fantastic example of a diploid Italian ryegrass that has late season quality and growth that will ultimately provide farmers with a higher return on investment compared to an annual ryegrass. On top of late season quality and growth, Manta’s explosive speed of establishment allows farmers to plant with confidence, growing quick feed before winter sets in – negating the need for a “quick feed option” such as oats or an annual ryegrass.
An independently run short term ryegrass trial near Scone, NSW, sown in 2020 showed that by sowing Manta Italian ryegrass instead of an annual ryegrass an extra 3200kgDM/ha can be produced. The trial was sown in autumn and measurements were taken until the end of December 2020. On farm this can translate into another silage/hay cut or 1-2 grazings if conditions are favourable.
Feed at this time of year is very valuable with the Forage Value Index (FVI) indicating the value of feed between $300-$400 per tonne of dry matter. With all Italians on average showing an increase of around 2.5-3tDM/ha, the extra seed cost of planting an Italian can easily be paid off with the extra value of $900/ha
“Many farmers are finding that Italian ryegrasses such as Manta, are providing the best balance between quick winter feed, quality spring options for grazing, hay or silage, then late season growth. Italian ryegrasses such as Manta, Concord® II, Feast® II, Mona and Jackpot are providing more flexibility than annual ryegrasses for many and if managed correctly/seasons allow, will provide quality feed for longer and a higher return on investment” explains Blair.
“Italian ryegrass is a growing market in Australia year on year. Generally, an Italian’s pasture life is 1–3 years (a third year is sometimes possible with mild conditions, quality genetics, AR37 endophyte and correct management) and are able to give enormous growth over a short period. They are ideal for silage and hay making and, offer bulk winter feed and excellent regrowth potential late in the season if conditions are favourable. Most varieties are best suited to high rainfall areas of 600mm+ of annual rainfall/irrigation, with good fertility” says Blair.
Optimising the sowing rates of an Italian ryegrass can also make a big difference on your return of investment. The trial discussed below demonstrate the ideal sowing rate to improve and grow more feed in to winter.
Throughout the trial, it was determined that farmers could increase their return on investment and achieve an extra $120/ha, by increasing their sowing rate from 25kg/ha to 35kg/ha.
At first harvest, yield was directly linked to increased sowing rates. For example, Feast® II yield increased from 1221kgDM/ha at 20kg/ha to 1620kgDM/ha at 40kg/ha. By the third harvest there was no significant difference between the sowing rates. This confirms that the sowing rate directly affects autumn and/or winter growth rates in Italian ryegrass.
Blair explains that “Based on this trial, we recommend sowing Italian ryegrass pastures at 35kg/ha if you are looking for more early seasoned growth, which can achieve a positive change in profit referenced in this article.”
Consider Italian ryegrass instead of an annual ryegrass for your farming system to provide flexibility of options from providing quality feed for longer, throughout the season.
To find out more about DLF Seeds varieties or for the full set of the trial data and economic analysis, contact your local DLF Seeds Sales Agronomist here.
