Growers can get the most of their grazing and increase their return on investment by optimising sowing rates and sowing an Italian ryegrass instead of an annual ryegrass this autumn.
Both annual and Italian ryegrasses have an important fit into agricultural pasture feed systems, says DLF Seeds national technical service manager Blair McCormick.
“Whilst annual ryegrasses are 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 also produce feed at the end of the season, which can increase profitability under different farming systems.
“Annual ryegrass usually persists for one 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.”
Mr McCormick said 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,” he said.
“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.
“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, and then late season growth.
“Italian ryegrasses such as Manta, Concord II, Feast II, Mona, Jackpot and Knight are providing more flexibility than annual ryegrasses for many – and if managed correctly and seasons allow, will provide quality feed for longer and a higher return on investment.
“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 is able to give enormous growth over a short period.
“It is ideal for silage and hay making and, offers 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 or irrigation, with good fertility.”
Mr McCormick optimising the sowing rates of an Italian ryegrass can also make a big difference on return of investment.
Throughout an Italian ryegrass trial (featuring Feast II), it was determined that farmers could increase their return on investment and achieve an extra $120/ha, by increasing their sowing rate from 25 kg/ha to 35 kg/ha.
At first harvest, yield was directly linked to increased sowing rates. For example, Feast II yield increased from 1221kg DM/ha at 20 kg/ha to 1620kg DM/ha at 40 kg/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.
“Based on this trial, we recommend sowing Italian ryegrass pastures at 35 kg/ha if you are looking for more early seasoned growth, which can achieve a positive change in profit.
“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.”
