2021 FORAGE GUIDE - BrettYoung
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2021 FORAGE GUIDE
ALFALFA I GRASS I ANNUALS I BLENDS I SEED PRODUCTION
1
2021 PRODUCT GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NEW AT BRETTYOUNG
2021 PRODUCT GUIDE
BrettYoung Preferred Retailer Locator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
FORAGE AGRONOMY
Regional Account Manager Territory Map . . . . . . . . . . . 3
FORAGE AGRONOMY
How to Establish a Productive Forage Stand . . . . . . . . . . 6
Selecting Forage Species & Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
BLENDS & SEED ENHANCEMENTS
Stock Blend Selector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Stock Blend Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SecurusTM Seed Enhancement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
ENHANCEMENTS
BLENDS & SEED
Turf Grass Blends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
ALFALFA & LEGUMES
At BrettYoung, we strive to be a company like no growers to produce the highest quality forage Alfalfa Featured Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
other. We are proud of our strategic partnerships seed available. Through our seed processing and Alfalfa Variety Selector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
with world-class organizations through which we warehousing facilities in Winnipeg, MB, Calmar Alfalfa Variety Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
source leading technologies and genetics. and Rycroft, AB, and Gormley and Clifford, ON, Legume Variety Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
We are passionate about bringing choice we process, treat and package forage seed for
ALFALFA & LEGUMES
through distinct and leading products that help growers not only in Canada, but around the
GRASSES & ANNUAL FORAGES
keep your business profitable while backing them globe.
Forage Grass Varieties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
with knowledge and experience.
Our Regional Account Managers are trained to Annual Forages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
The ag industry has undergone significant help provide you with the forage solutions that
change as consolidation continues and the are best suited to your operation and goals –
SEED PRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
number of choices declines. Yet BrettYoung whether you choose one of our stock blends or
FORAGE ESTABLISHMENT GUARANTEE . . . . . . . . . . . 48
remains a family-owned company. We have a custom blend tailored to your needs.
strong connections to local markets where, along
with investment in innovation and infrastructure, Canada’s Best Managed
we continue to grow our presence. Lastly, we’re proud to announce BrettYoung has
GRASSES & ANNUAL
We succeed in our markets by bringing distinct earned the designation as one of Canada’s Best
choices that deliver performance and value. Managed Companies for the third consecutive
FORAGES
By design, our success is deeply rooted within year. The award continues to validate all the
your success; the two are intertwined and grow hard work the entire BrettYoung team does to
together. We are Distinct By Design and we serve the needs of our amazing customers. It
wouldn’t have it any other way. also acknowledges the world-class suppliers who
are an integral part of the value we deliver to the
We Know Forages field. We especially thank all our customers who
Forage seed is the foundation of BrettYoung. choose to do business with BrettYoung as part of
It was our primary business for many decades your work in feeding the world.
and is still at the core of who we are today.
SEED PRODUCTION
We access forage seed genetics from industry-
leading breeders in Canada, Europe and the
United States. Our team of Seed Production
Specialists partner with Western Canadian
2 3
2021 PRODUCT GUIDE
PREFERRED RETAILER LOCATOR REGIONAL TERRITORY MAP
BrettYoung has a Prairie-wide dealer network and, in most areas, you Regional Account Managers (RAMs) are spread out across the Prairies to service the needs of growers.
While BrettYoung’s head office is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, RAMs work directly with growers in
don’t need to look any further than your local crop inputs retailer to find
their own communities – helping with product selection or providing agronomic support. BrettYoung
our products. BrettYoung products are carried at most locations of: RAMs can help solve issues and answer product inquiries directly.
• Cargill Ltd.* • Independent retailers • Paterson Grain For the most up-to-date RAM territory map, please visit brettyoung.ca/RegionalTerritoryMap.
• Co-op Agro Centre • Parrish & Heimbecker, Ltd. • Richardson Pioneer
For the most up-to-date product information, agronomic support and competitive pricing, we recommend that you
visit a BrettYoung Preferred Retailer. Use the mapping tool on our website to learn more about which retailers in your
area are BrettYoung Preferred Retailers.
Locating your nearest retailer is as easy as 1-2-3!
1. Go to brettyoung.ca/PreferredRetailer
2. Type in your postal code or city/town
3. Click on one of the radius buttons (25 km, 50 km or 100 km) to narrow or widen your search
* Please note, Cargill retail locations do not carry Forages.
Al VanCaeseele Allan Varjassy Carl Wehrle
Regional Account Manager (Central SK) & SK Sales Manager Regional Account Manager (S SK) Regional Account Manager (E MB)
Allan.VanCaeseele@brettyoung.ca Allan.Varjassy@brettyoung.ca Carl.Wehrle@brettyoung.ca
306-660-7763 306-230-4387 204-293-4897
Chad Abrams Chad Barnett Ryan Leonzio
Regional Account Manager (NW MB/NE SK) & MB Sales Manager Regional Account Manager (NE AB/NW SK) Regional Account Manager (SW MB)
Chad.Abrams@brettyoung.ca Chad.Barnett@brettyoung.ca Ryan.Leonzio@brettyoung.ca
204-648-4322 780-870-0823 204-396-4381
Devin Bryant Kyle Slobodian Mark Hagen
Regional Account Manager (S AB/SE BC) Regional Account Manager (Saskatoon W) Regional Account Manager (Central AB + Peace) & AB Sales Manager
Devin.Bryant@brettyoung.ca Kyle.Slobodian@brettyoung.ca Mark.Hagen@brettyoung.ca
403-607-2907 306-291-5256 780-808-9794
Steve Schmidt Cole Zacharias Kent Price
Regional Account Manager (AB)
Regional Account Manager (Saskatoon E) Regional Account Manager (NW AB)
Kent.Price@brettyoung.ca
Steve.Schmidt@brettyoung.ca Cole.Zacharias@brettyoung.ca
403-803-0182
306-916-7701 780-886-0799
Harley Bell
National Sales Manager
1-800-665-5015
4 5
FORAGE AGRONOMY
FORAGE AGRONOMY
A successful forage stand depends on several key factors
that can be identified and tailored to your forage production
needs. In this section, you will find both requirements and tips
for maximizing your forage seed investment.
6 7
FORAGE AGRONOMY Fertility
Soil test and fertilize accordingly. Remember that the most cost-effective time to fertilize a forage crop is usually at seeding.
Consider the use of higher rates of phosphorus or elemental sulphur to provide a stable nutrition base for the following
years. Fifteen pounds per acre of P2O5 can be safely seed-placed. Higher rates must be banded away from the seed row to
avoid seedling damage.
How to Establish a Productive
FORAGE AGRONOMY
General Fertility Guidelines for Forage
FORAGE AGRONOMY
Forage Stand Low-Medium
Yield Potential Soils
Medium-High
Yield Potential Soils
High
Yield Potential Soils
The establishment phase is the critical first step in a productive and Stand
Composition
Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium Sulphur Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium Sulphur
(P2O5) (K2O) (P2O5) (K2O) (P2O5) (K2O)
healthy forage stand. To improve your likelihood of establishment Grass
60%
0–30 30–50 10–30 0–30 40–70 60–150 15–30 0–50 60–100 80–200 20–30
Legume
are suitable times for seeding forages. Spring seeding provides the best chance for adequate moisture
Source: www.agriculture.alberta.ca
levels and successful germination. Summer seeding provides less weed competition and a greater
likelihood of less moisture. Fall dormant seeding can run risks of early spring runoff or freeze/thaw
patterns harming seedlings. Companion Crops
Many growers choose to plant forages with a companion crop such as barley or oats to provide production in the
Seedbed Preparation establishment year. Companion or nurse crops compete with new forage seedlings for sunlight, nutrients and moisture.
A firm, well prepared seedbed is required for good forage establishment. This results in proper A companion crop can reduce seedling establishment and plant populations adversely affecting forage yield and stand
seed-to-soil contact, adds control to seeding depth and reduces surface drying. Walking on a firm longevity. The benefits of using companion crops include reduction of wind and water erosion and reduction of weed
seedbed should not leave footprints deeper than one-quarter inch. infiltration. If using a companion crop, the following tips will reduce the competition and aid in forage stand establishment.
Weed Control
Weed control is essential for good forage establishment. A seedbed free of perennial weeds is critical
to minimize seedling and in-crop competition. Control weeds prior to seeding as well as during the
year of establishment.
Quality Seed and Seed Coatings
Certified seed guarantees quality including varietal purity, germination and weed-free seed. The agronomic
benefits of certified seed are seen in the field through defined varietal characteristics and quality assurance,
strong seedling germination, improved plant populations and reduced weed competition. Consider a seed Companion crop (left and right), vs. no companion crop (centre) Companion crop (left) vs. no companion crop (right)
coating to improve handling, visibility in the soil and to protect your investment from seed- and soil-borne
diseases. All legumes, if possible, should be inoculated to ensure proper nitrogen fixation.
Tips for Using Companion Crops in Establishment
Seeding Depth
Tip #1 – Seed the companion crop at one-third to one-half Tip #5 – If harvesting the companion crop for grain (not
Proper depth of seeding cannot be stressed enough. Many forage establishment failures are due to seeding of normal seeding rate, (when using cereals, recommended), remove all straw from the field. If that is
0.5-0.75 bu/acre is ideal). not an option, chop and spread the straw thoroughly
too deep. All forage species should be seeded no deeper than one-half inch. Most forage seeds will do well
across the field. If straw is left in a windrow, it will
Tip #2 – Seed forage in a separate pass at an angle to
planted at about one-quarter inch or less. Always err on seeding shallow rather than deep. smother the emerging forage seedlings.
your companion crop to reduce competition and
to aid in depth control. Tip #6 – If seeding forage where soil erosion is prominent, it is
Seeding Rates Tip #3 – Increase forage seeding rate to achieve desired
recommended that a companion crop is used. The
companion crop will aid in covering and protecting the
plant densities in the stand to compensate for
Use the proper seeding rates calculated by number of seeds per square foot. Seeding rates depend on the companion crop.
soil during the establishment year.
species, seed size, seed quality, seeding method, row spacing and annual precipitation. Because most Tip #4 – Remove the companion crop as early as possible
forage seeds are small, light and often chaffy, it can be useful to mix the seed with cracked grain, (silage or greenfeed) rather than harvesting the grain.
companion crop seed or use coated seed to improve seed flow.
8 9
SELECTING FORAGE SPECIES & BLENDS
FORAGE AGRONOMY
Forage Crop Use Recommendations
Consider the following factors
Production Timing Crop Use Recommendation Rest, Regrowth
when selecting forage species. Forage Species
Period of Continuous Rotational Stored Stockpiled Grazing Pasture
Major Production Grazing Grazing Feed Forage Tolerance Regrowth
Intended Use and Alfalfa (2010) Spring to fall Poor Good Excellent Poor Good Fair
Alfalfa (3010) Spring to fall Poor Good Excellent Poor Good Good
Management System Alfalfa (Other Varieties) Spring to fall Poor Good Excellent Poor Fair Excellent
• Is the intended use hay or pasture? Birdsfoot Trefoil Spring to fall Poor Good Good Fair Fair Good
• I n hay stands, how many cuts do you expect to Cicer Milkvetch Late spring to fall Poor Good Fair Good Good Fair
take each year? Red Clover (Single Cut) Spring Poor Good Good Poor Good Fair
Red Clover (Double Cut) Spring Poor Good Good Poor Good Excellent
• In pasture, how intensely will the forage crop
White Clover Spring Good Good Poor Poor Excellent Excellent
be grazed?
Alsike Clover Spring Fair Fair Fair Poor Good Good
• Are you rotational or continuous grazing?
Sweet Clover Spring Fair Fair Good Poor Fair Poor
Sainfoin Spring Poor Fair Good Poor Poor Poor
Forage Timing Bromegrass (Smooth) Spring Good Fair Excellent Fair Good Poor
• When would you like your forage to be available? Bromegrass (Hybrid) Spring, fall Good Good Excellent Good Good Good
Bromegrass (Meadow) Spring, fall Good Excellent Good Good Excellent Excellent
Environmental Conditions Timothy Spring through summer Poor Good Excellent Good Fair Poor
Reed Canarygrass Spring through summer Fair Fair Good Fair Good Good
•H
ow much annual precipitation does your Orchardgrass Spring through fall Good Excellent Good Good Excellent Excellent
area receive? Annual Ryegrass Late summer and fall Good Excellent Fair Good Excellent Excellent
• How harsh are your winters? Italian Ryegrass Late summer and fall Good Excellent Fair Good Excellent Excellent
Perennial Ryegrass Spring, summer and fall Good Excellent Poor Good Excellent Excellent
Soil Type Tall Fescue Spring through fall Good Excellent Good Excellent Good Excellent
Meadow Fescue Spring through fall Fair Good Good Good Good Good
• What is your soil type (sand, clay, loam)?
Creeping Red Fescue Spring, fall Excellent Good Poor Good Good Excellent
• How well does your soil drain? Meadow Foxtail Spring Good Good Fair Fair Excellent Good
• Is there a problem with saline or alkaline soils? Kentucky Bluegrass Spring, fall Excellent Good Poor Fair Excellent Excellent
• Is the organic matter content high or low? Crested Wheatgrass Spring, fall Good Fair Good Good Excellent Poor
Intermediate Wheatgrass Spring, summer and fall Fair Fair Excellent Good Fair Fair
Pubescent Wheatgrass Spring, summer and fall Fair Fair Excellent Good Fair Fair
Northern Wheatgrass Late spring Fair Fair Poor Fair Fair Fair
Slender Wheatgrass Spring and early summer Fair Fair Good Good Fair Fair
Tall Wheatgrass Late spring Fair Fair Good Fair Fair Poor
Western Wheatgrass Late spring Fair Fair Good Fair Good Fair
Altai Wildrye Late spring Fair Fair Poor Fair Good Fair
Dahurian Wildrye Late spring Good Good Good Good Good Good
Russian Wildrye Spring, fall Good Good Poor Good Good Fair
For information on variety and species characteristics with respect to environmental conditions and soil type,
see the detailed tables on pages 28 to 31 and 36 to 41 of this guide.
10 11
BLENDS & SEED
ENHANCEMENTS
ENHANCEMENTS
BLENDS & SEED
Every field is different. The specialists at BrettYoung offer a wide
range of stock blends built for Western Canadian conditions and
customizable options to meet any need.
12 13
BLENDS & SEED ENHANCEMENTS
FORAGE BLENDS
Your field is not the same as your neighbour’s, so why settle for
FORAGE AGRONOMY
the same forage blend? At BrettYoung, we will custom-build a
blend to suit your specific needs or recommend a stock blend
that will achieve your production goals.
Custom Blends Stock Blends
Although we put a lot of thought into creating BrettYoung has carefully crafted its stock
the stock blends presented on the following blends to provide a high level of productivity
ENHANCEMENTS
pages, in some instances a forage blend should over a wide range of environments and
BLENDS & SEED
be custom-built to fit your needs if they are not uses that are tailored for Western Canadian
met by a stock blend. conditions. To find the stock blend best suited
to your needs, use the stock blend selector on
Our team of experienced Regional Account
pages 14 and 15 or visit our online stock blend
Managers can help you determine what species
selector tool at brettyoung.ca/Stock-Blend-
and varietal characteristics are best suited to
Selector for a recommendation.
achieving your forage production goals.
Visit brettyoung.ca/Forages to learn
more about our extensive portfolio of
forage products.
Our stock blend
selector will help you
select the right blend
for your soil,
environment and
management system.
Find your perfect stock blend by
visiting brettyoung.ca/Stock-
Blend-Selector.
14 15
STOCK BLEND SELECTOR
Factors to Consider
FORAGE AGRONOMY
BrettYoung has carefully crafted its stock blends to provide a high level of productivity over a wide
range of environments and uses in Western Canada. Follow this stock blend selector to find the blend
best suited for your soil, environment and management system.
Primary Use Hay/Dairy Quality Hay/
Pasture
of Stand High Tonnage Beef Quality
ENHANCEMENTS
BLENDS & SEED
Management Rotational Continuous
Multi-Cut Multi-Cut Single Cut
System/Intensity Grazing Grazing
Primarily Primarily Primarily Primarily Includes No Includes No
Component Mix Bloat Safe Bloat Safe
Alfalfa Alfalfa Grass Grass Alfalfa Legumes Alfalfa Legumes
Moisture Adequate Adequate Adequate Low to Adequate Adequate Adequate
Dry Adequate Adequate Adequate Adequate
Conditions to Good to Good to Good Adequate to Good to Good to Good
#2. #1. #5. #3. #6. #6. #8. #7. #12. #8. #7. #12.
Maxi-Ton Super Super Dryland Super Super Parkland Bloat Grassland Parkland Bloat Grassland
Blend Hay Pasture Hay Hay Pasture Pasture Pasture Safe Blend Pasture Safe Blend
#1. #4. #9. #10. #11. #18. #10. #15.
Blend Super Super Dryland All Purpose Cattleman’s Annual All Purpose Horse
Recommendation* Hay Haymaker Pasture Pasture Choice/ Pasture Pasture**
Premium Forage
Horse Hay EXT
#10. #11. #11. #18.
All Cattleman’s Cattleman’s Annual
Choice/ Choice/
Purpose Premium Premium Forage
Pasture Horse Hay Horse Hay EXT
* See pages 16 to 18 for more information on the stock blends and their compositions. Land conditions, such as salinity or flooding, will impact your choice of blends.
** White clover can cause bloat in cattle. Use the flow chart below to select an appropriate stock blend when challenged with these conditions.
Special Soil Condition
Stock Blend Seeding Rates by Soil Zone
Recommended forage blend seeding rates. Generally, plant populations and consequently, seeding rates, should increase with
#13. Saline Flood Prone #14.
increasing soil quality and availability of moisture. Saline Lowland
Brown soil: 8 - 10 lbs. per acre Considerations:
Dark brown soil: 10 - 12 lbs. per acre • All rates assume Canada #1 Grade for purity and germination #17.
All Grass Saline
Black soil: 12 - 14 lbs. per acre hen broadcasting, seeding rate should increase by
• W
Grey wooded soil: 10 - 14 lbs. per acre approximately 30%
Irrigation: 14 - 16 lbs. per acre
16 17
STOCK BLEND DESCRIPTIONS
Pasture Blends
BrettYoung offers a wide variety of stock blends built for Western
FORAGE AGRONOMY
Canadian conditions and management practices. The following #6. Super Pasture #11. Cattleman’s Choice/Premium
Excellent early spring pasture, produces well Horse Hay
pages provide more details on blend components, intended use under stress High-protein pasture with superb regrowth, quick to
and management system. • 50% Fleet Meadow Bromegrass Securus establish and ideal for horses
• 25% Kirk Crested Wheatgrass • 40% Fleet Meadow Bromegrass Securus
• 15% Cowgirl Tall Fescue • 20% Cowgirl Tall Fescue
• 10% 3010 Alfalfa Securus • 20% 3010 Alfalfa Securus
• 15% Trailburst Orchardgrass
#7. Bloat Safe • 5% Catapult Timothy
ENHANCEMENTS
BLENDS & SEED
Increased quality with no risk of bloat
• 45% Fleet Meadow Bromegrass Securus #12. Grassland Blend
• 30% Cicer Milkevich Maximize regrowth and quality with no risk of bloat,
• 20% Cowgirl Tall Fescue suitable for variable topographies
• 5% Boreal Creeping Red Fescue • 30% Fleet Meadow Bromegrass Securus
• 20% Cowgirl Tall Fescue
#8. Parkland Pasture • 20% Boreal Creeping Red Fescue
High-yielding pasture, works well • 20% Trailburst Orchardgrass
in high-traffic areas and aggressive • 10% Catapult Timothy
grazing systems
• 50% Fleet Meadow Bromegrass Securus
• 25% Trailburst Orchardgrass
• 10% 3010 Alfalfa Securus
Hay Blends • 10% Boreal Creeping Red Fescue
• 5% Tirem Kentucky Bluegrass
#1. Super Hay #4. Super Haymaker
Excellent 2-cut alfalfa/grass mix Ideal for 1- or 2-cut systems across most production areas #9. Dryland Pasture
• 65% Blend 4440 Alfalfa Securus • 75% Blend 4440 Alfalfa Securus Long-lived productive pasture blend for
• 25% Fleet Meadow Bromegrass Securus • 25% Fleet Meadow Bromegrass Securus very dry areas
• 10% Catapult Timothy • 50% Kirk Crested Wheatgrass
#5. Super Pasture Hay • 35% Fleet Meadow Bromegrass Securus
#2. Maxi-Ton Quick drydown time in a swath • 10% Russian Wildrye
Maximum tonnage and protein • 50% Fleet Meadow Bromegrass Securus • 5% 2010 Alfalfa Securus
• 90% Blend 4440 Alfalfa Securus • 35% Trailburst Orchardgrass
• 10% Catapult Timothy • 10% Catapult Timothy #10. All Purpose Pasture
• 5% Blend 4440 Alfalfa Securus Widely adapted for most pasture needs with easy
establishment and quality regrowth
#3. Dryland Hay
• 55% Fleet Meadow Bromegrass Securus
Aggressive growth in dryland regions
• 20% Cowgirl Tall Fescue
• 40% Kirk Crested Wheatgrass
• 20% Intermediate Wheatgrass
• 40% Carlton Smooth Bromegrass Securus
• 5% 2010 Alfalfa Securus
• 20% 2010 Alfalfa Securus
18 19STOCK BLEND DESCRIPTIONS NEW for 2021
FORAGE AGRONOMY
Miscellaneous Blends
#13. Saline #14. Lowland Securus™ is a proprietary seed coating that improves the appearance, handling and agronomics of our top alfalfas and
Quick establishment in saline areas with good Excellent blend to reclaim areas prone to flooding, bromegrasses. The benefits of Securus start with a specially formulated granule that is dissolved in-house to form a
longevity, helps reclaim saline areas over time aggressive root systems will help utilize moisture dense polymer solution, delivering market-leading durability. These improvements in durability have contributed to
• 25% Slender Wheatgrass • 30% Rival Reed Canarygrass more uniform coverage as the coating is bonded to the seed at application and will suffer less damage during handling.
• 25% Cowgirl Tall Fescue • 20% Riding Brand Tall Fescue The Securus carrier is talc which is a naturally occurring mineral that is highly stable, chemically inert and odorless. Talc
• 20% Tall Wheatgrass • 20% Catapult Timothy has a plate-like cellular structure that more effectively adheres to seed. Better adhesion means improved flowability
• 10% Barricade SLT Alfalfa Securus • 15% Boreal Creeping Red Fescue and less dust-off. The Securus polymer is bacteria friendly and pH neutral, supporting high rhizobia levels and ensuring
ENHANCEMENTS
optimum on-seed survival. Securus includes precise layering of Apron XL® fungicide and OMRI-certified Nitragin®
BLENDS & SEED
• 10% Dahurian Wildrye • 15% Alsike Clover
• 10% Sweet Clover Gold inoculant on alfalfa. Apron XL guards against diseases that can inhibit emergence, plant stand, plant health and
#15. Horse Pasture ultimately yield potential. Nitragin Gold consistently delivers high levels of nitrogen fixation through specially selected
Easy to establish, low-maintenance blend, excellent natural rhizobia strains.
for acreages, farmyards, high-traffic areas
and horse pastures Benefits of Securus
• 50% Boreal Creeping Red Fescue • Helps with flowability and accurate
• 20% Catapult Timothy seed placement
• 15% Bigbang Annual Ryegrass
• Consistent seed appearance and improved
• 10% Tirem Kentucky Bluegrass
visibility in the soil
• 5% Grasslands Huia White Clover
• Seed environment conducive to improved
germination and seedling survival
#17. All Grass Saline
Rapid establishment in saline areas, good longevity • Fungicide and inoculant are layered on alfalfa
and no risk of bloat to aid in seedling health, nitrogen fixation and
• 40% Cowgirl Tall Fescue plant growth Securus bromegrass Securus alfalfa
• 20% Carlton Smooth Bromegrass Securus
• 15% Pubescent Wheatgrass
• 15% Slender Wheatgrass Seed Coating
• 10% Dahurian Wildrye
BrettYoung seed coating gives your seed every chance
to succeed. The precise layering of inoculant, fungicide
#18. Annual Forage EXT and other growth promoting additives on-seed provides
Long-season, cocktail crop grazing applications with
value-added benefits. At our state-of-the-art computer-
soil improvement benefits
automated seed coating facility, we enhance the
• 50% Fabio Italian Ryegrass
appearance, handling and agronomics of our top seed
• 15% Purebred Brand Radish
products with Securus.
• 15% Purple Top Turnip
• 10% Hairy Vetch
• 10% Forage Brassica
20 19TURF GRASS BLENDS
BrettYoung is a major producer of cool-season turf grasses. Our portfolio of
FORAGE AGRONOMY
improved turf grass varieties is designed to offer the utmost in quality, disease
and insect resistance, wear and drought tolerance and unique growth habits
that will deliver a distinct performance advantage. Whatever turf application
you have, BrettYoung stocks several turf blends to meet your needs.
Executive Blend (T8) Drought Tolerant Turf Blend (T9)
ENHANCEMENTS
BLENDS & SEED
Kentucky bluegrass has long been a popular turf grass Drought Tolerant Turf Blend includes improved varieties
in temperate zones around the world. Executive Blend of creeping red fescue, sheep fescue, chewings fescue
is a mixture of BrettYoung’s best semi-dwarf Kentucky and hard fescue. The result is a mixture that will provide
bluegrass varieties that combine fine leaves, less vertical a dense, high-quality turf that has reduced regrowth and
growth, persistence, heat tolerance, disease resistance and requires less water than other turf mixtures.
excellent turf quality.
• 35% Aberdeen Creeping Red Fescue
• 100% Premium Kentucky Bluegrass Varieties • 2 5% Shadow III Chewings Fescue
• 20% Common Sheep Fescue
• 2 0% Improved Hard Fescue Variety
Deluxe Turf Blend (T12)
Deluxe Turf Blend combines the benefits of Kentucky Recommended Use
bluegrass with additional shade tolerance from Aberdeen, Playground/Rural Lawn Mix (T3) Sports Perfect Economy Sun Shade
Playgrounds
Low
Drought
a creeping red fescue with improved turf characteristics. For areas that require less maintenance, can experience Fields Lawn Lawn Mixture Mixture Maintenance
Deluxe Turf Blend also includes 10% improved perennial drought and do not require the look of a high-quality turf, Executive Blend (T8) P P P
ryegrass to get your lawn off to a faster start. Playground/Rural Lawn Mix is an excellent option. It will do Deluxe Turf Blend (T12) P P P P
60% Babe Kentucky Bluegrass well in sun or shade, but in extreme drought, the Fairway
•
crested wheatgrass will become more dominant.
All Purpose Mix (T6) P P P P
• 3 0% Aberdeen Creeping Red Fescue
Drought Tolerant
• 10% Dominator Perennial Ryegrass • 35% Common Kentucky Bluegrass Turf Blend (T9) P P P P P
• 35% Common Creeping Red Fescue
Playground/Rural
• 10% Fairway Crested Wheatgrass
Lawn Mix (T3) P P P
All Purpose Mix (T6) • 10% Deputy Tall Fescue
All Purpose Mix is well-suited to sun or shade and • 10% Diploid Annual Ryegrass
has annual ryegrass to germinate quicker and aid in
establishment. All Purpose Mix does not use improved
Establishing Your Lawn
turf varieties, which reduces turf quality and provides a Here are some tips to make sure your lawn establishes:
more economical option for establishing your lawn. • Seed at four pounds per 1,000 square feet.
• 40% Common Kentucky Bluegrass • Use a high-quality starter fertilizer: 18-24-12 with 50% slow-release nitrogen is ideal at a rate of 10 pounds per
• 4 0% Common Creeping Red Fescue 1,000 square feet.
• 20% Tetraploid Annual Ryegrass • Grass seed needs water and light to germinate. Seed shallow and frequently water at low rates for three to four
weeks until full germination is reached.
22 23ALFALFA & LEGUMES
BrettYoung’s complete portfolio of high-performance alfalfas will
meet any need. Excellent forage yield potential, outstanding
quality and a mixture of rooting habits and special characteristics
make these varieties the best option for your farm.
ALFALFA & LEGUMES
24 25ALFALFA FEATURED PRODUCTS
Move milk production to the next level − introducing Surge HG
FORAGE AGRONOMY
with Hi-Gest™ Alfalfa Technology. Improve fibre digestibility and
ALFALFA & LEGUMES
forage quality while maintaining yield, persistence and multiple
pest resistance.
Agronomic Traits
Fall Dormancy 4.0
Winterhardiness 1.7
Multifoliate Leaf Expression 93%
Improved Fibre Digestibility Disease Resistance Index 34/35
Lignin is a complex organic compound that
hardens and strengthens plant cell walls. In Surge HG Description
mature plants, lignin negatively affects forage
Surge HG is medium height with a dense,
quality and interferes with animal digestion.
leafy canopy and high leaf-to-stem ratio. As
Through focused breeding, Hi-Gest varieties
a non-transgenic variety, Surge HG does not
offer high yield and improved fibre digestibility,
require special stewardship management
which can improve animal intake by five to ten
considerations. Surge HG has the flexibility
per cent, the extent of fibre digestion by five to
ALFALFA & LEGUMES
to adjust to aggressive harvest systems to
ten per cent, and crude protein by three to five
maximize yield and quality or to more relaxed
per cent.* The net impact can be 2.5 pounds or
schedules focused on tonnage. Lodging
more of milk per cow per day.
tolerance is comparable to other high-yielding
competitive varieties.
Introducing Surge HG
• Elite genetics through conventional
plant breeding
The Premier Certified Alfalfa Blend for the Canadian Prairies
• Improved fibre digestibility when compared Blend 4440 is a mixture of premium, certified alfalfas that combine the strengths of our
to other conventional dormant varieties for best varieties: high yield, superior winterhardiness, disease resistance, salt and traffic
enhanced animal performance tolerance, multifoliate expression and unique rooting habits such as branch and creeping
root characteristics. The combination of these unique characteristics are suitable for a wide
• Management flexibility to work around the
range of growing conditions. Demand the best varietal alfalfa in the prairies − choose
weather or manage tonnage and quality to
Blend 4440 alfalfa.
maximize return per acre
• Patent pending variety Blend Composition Description
Competitor Surge HG Root system that is up to 80% branched for optimum performance in
4010 BR (Branch Root)
Fine stems and leafy poorly drained soils.
High multifoliate expression resulting in higher, softer-leaved
4020 MF (Multifoliate)
feed value.
Deep-set crown protects from harsh winters, heavy machinery and
3010 (Sunken Crown)
* The increased rate of fibre digestion, extent of digestion and crude protein data was developed from replicated research and on-farm testing.
animal traffic.
During the 2015 growing season at West Salem, WI and Woodland, CA, the following commercial dormant, semi-dormant and non-dormant alfalfa
varieties were compared head-to-head with Hi-Gest alfalfa for rate of digestion, extent of digestion and percent crude protein; America’s Alfalfa Brand Barricade SLT Salt tolerant tap root has an outstanding disease package with high
Ameristand 427TQ, Croplan Brands LegenDairy XHD and Artesia Sunrise, Fertizona Brand Fertilac, S&W Seeds Brands SW6330, SW7410 and SW10, (Salt Tolerant Tap Root) yields and is more persistent in salinity.
and WL Brands WL 319HQ and WL 354HQ. Also during the 2015 growing season, 32 on-farm Hi-Gest hay and silage samples were submitted to Rock
River Laboratory, Inc. for forage analysis. The results for rate of digestion, extent of digestion and percent crude protein were averaged and compared Strong dormancy with exceptional winterhardiness and improved
to the 60-day and four-year running averages for alfalfa in the Rock River database, which included approximately 1,700 alfalfa hay and 3,800 silage 2010 (Creeping Root)
60-day test results and 23,000 hay and 62,000 silage tests results in the four-year average.
disease resistance. Prostrate growth habit tends to fill in bare ground.
26 27ALFALFA VARIETY SELECTOR
Factors to Consider
FORAGE AGRONOMY
BrettYoung’s complete portfolio of high-performance alfalfa will meet any need.
Follow this alfalfa selector to find the variety best suited for your management
system and environment to achieve your production goals.
Primary Use
Hay/Haylage Pasture
of Stand
Management Continuous Managed
Multi-Cut Single-Cut
System/Intensity Grazing Grazing
Stand/Production Maximum High-Quality Long-Term Long-Term Long-Term Long-Term Withstand
Goal Yield (Multifoliate) Stand Stand Stand Stand High Traffic
Typical Moisture High Water Moderate High Water
Adequate Variable Adequate Dry Dry Dry Dry Variable Dry Adequate
Conditions Table to Good Table
ALFALFA & LEGUMES
HybriForce-
4010 BR Blend 4440 4020 MF 3010 Spyder 2010 3010 2010 4010 BR Blend 4440 2010 3010
3400
Barricade
4030 SLT Stronghold Foothold 2010 Spyder Foothold Spyder
Spyder Foothold
Variety
Recommendation
Stronghold Surge HG
Surge HG
For detailed descriptions and features of all alfalfa varieties, see pages 28 to 31.
Special Soil Condition
Pure Stand Alfalfa Seeding Rates by Soil Zone
Generally, plant populations and consequently, seeding rates, should increase with increasing soil quality and availability of moisture.
Saline Barricade SLT
Brown soil: 8 - 10 lbs. per acre Considerations:
Dark brown soil: 10 - 12 lbs. per acre • All rates assume Canada #1 Grade for purity and germination
Black soil: 12 - 15 lbs. per acre • When broadcasting, seeding rate should increase by
Grey wooded soil: 10 - 15 lbs. per acre approximately 30%
Irrigation: 14 - 18 lbs. per acre
28 29ALFALFA VARIETY SUMMARY
Environmental Tolerances
Preferred Fall Disease
FORAGE AGRONOMY
Intended Rooting Species Production Winter- Optimum Approx.
Group Variety Plant Type Growing Variety Key Features Dormancy Resistance Drought Flooding Acidity Alkalinity Salinity
Use Habit Limitations Period hardiness pH Seeds/lb
Conditions Rating Index
• High yield potential • Bloat hazard
Widely Spring – Low to Moderate Low to
4030 Tap root Upright adapted
• Excellent digestibility • Needs good 4.0 1.6 30 Good Low 6.0–7.8 225,000
Fall Moderate to High Moderate
• Fast recovery and regrowth drainage
• igh multifoliate expression
H • Bloat hazard
Upright Widely Spring – Low to Moderate Low to
4020 MF Tap root
adapted
• Fast recovery • Needs good 4.0 1.8 30 Good Low 6.0–7.8 225,000
Multifoliate Fall Moderate to High Moderate
• Good winterhardiness drainage
• Branch root tolerates
Widely wet soils
Branch adapted; does • High forage yield Spring – Low to Low to Moderate Low to
4010 BR Upright well • Bloat hazard 3.6 1.6 30 Good 6.0–7.8 225,000
root with higher • Persistent Fall Moderate Moderate to High Moderate
water table • Highly resistant to
major diseases
• Blend of certified varieties
• Widely adapted • Bloat hazard
Widely Spring – Low to Moderate Low to
Blend 4440 Mixed Upright adapted
• High yield potential • Needs good 3.5 1.8 30 Good Low 6.0–7.8 225,000
Fall Moderate to High Moderate
• Excellent winterhardiness drainage
• Disease resistance
Widely • Improved salt tolerance
Hay
adapted; • Excellent forage • Bloat hazard
Barricade suitable for Spring – Low to Moderate
Tap root Upright moderately yield potential • Needs good 4.0 2.0 30 Good Low 6.0–7.8 Moderate 225,000
SLT Fall Moderate to High
saline • Broad disease and drainage
conditions pest resistance
ALFALFA & LEGUMES
• Highest forage
Widely yield potential
• Bloat hazard
HybriForce- Rapid recovery Spring – Low to Moderate Low to
Upright Hybrid adapted;
•
Tap root • Needs good 4.0 1.8 33 Good Low 6.0–7.8 225,000
3400 top yield • Excellent disease resistance Fall Moderate to High Moderate
and quality drainage
Dense, persistent stands
Alfalfa
•
• Fine stems and high quality
Widely • Excellent yield and quality • Bloat hazard
Upright adapted; • Superior winterhardiness, Spring – Low to Low to Low to
Stronghold Tap root winterhardiness
• Needs good 3.0 1.3 30 Good Low 6.0–7.8 225,000
Multifoliate with low dormancy Fall Moderate Moderate High
and quality drainage
• Excellent disease resistance
• Hi-Gest Alfalfa Technology
Widely
• Improved fibre digestion • Bloat hazard
Upright Spring – Low to Moderate Low to
Surge HG Tap root and crude protein • Needs good 4.0 1.7 34 Good Low 6.0–7.8 225,000
Multifoliate adapted Fall Moderate to High Moderate
• More pounds of milk drainage
per cow
Widely • igh traffic tolerance
H
adapted; due to deep-set crown • Bloat hazard
Deep-set Spring – Low to Moderate Low to
3010 Upright suitable • High forage yield • Needs good 2.5 1.8 30 Good Low 6.0–7.8 225,000
crown to pasture Fall Moderate to High Moderate
• Excellent disease- drainage
production resistance package
Widely • High traffic tolerance due to
Hay & Pasture
adapted; oversized crown • Bloat hazard
Prostrate Spring – Low to Moderate Low to
Foothold Spreader suitable to • High leaf-to-stem ratio • Needs good 2.0 1.7 30 Good Low 6.0–7.8 225,000
Multifoliate Fall Moderate to High Moderate
pasture or long- • Excellent winterhardiness drainage
lived hay and disease resistance
• Excellent winterhardiness • Bloat hazard
Creeping Drier Spring – Low to Moderate Low to
2010 Upright regions
• Creeping-rooted type • Needs good 2.4 1.9 29 Good Low 6.0–7.8 225,000
root Fall Moderate to High Moderate
• Good regrowth drainage
• Excellent winterhardiness • Bloat hazard
Creeping Drier Spring – Low to Moderate Low to
Spyder Upright regions
• Creeping-rooted type • Needs good 1.0 1.0 27 Good Low 6.0–7.8 225,000
root Fall Moderate to High Moderate
• Good regrowth drainage
* Disease Resistance Index is a scale that quantifies a variety's level of resistance to the major diseases affecting alfalfa. Score is out of 30 or 35.
30 31LEGUME VARIETY SUMMARY
Environmental Tolerances
FORAGE AGRONOMY
Preferred Pure Stand
Intended Rooting Plant Species Production Winter- Optimum Approx.
Group Species Variety Growing Variety Key Features Drought Flooding Acidity Alkalinity Salinity Seeding Rate
Use Habit Type Limitations Period hardiness pH Seeds/lb
Conditions lb/ac
Tap root Adapted to • Good winterhardiness
Birdsfoot Low- • Difficult to Spring – Moderate to Moderate Low to
Leo with areas with • High flood tolerance Moderate High 6.2–6.5 Moderate 370,000 7
Trefoil growing establish Fall Good to High Moderate
branches higher moisture • Bloat-free legume
Bloat-Free Legume
• Widely adapted
Widely adapted;
Cicer Creeping
• oderately tolerant
M Late Spring – Very Moderate Low to Low to
creeps best • Difficult to
Upright to salinity Low 6.0–7.8 Moderate 120,000 10-12
Pasture
Milkvetch root in coarser, establish Fall High to High Moderate Moderate
• Ideal pasture legume
textured soils
• Bloat-free legume
• Good drought tolerance
• Good to excellent
Widely adapted
winterhardiness • Limited Spring – Moderate
Sainfoin Tap root Upright to well-drained Good Low 6.0–7.8 Low Moderate Low 25,000 40
• Good tolerance to regrowth Summer to High
soils
alkaline soils
• Bloat-free legume
• Tolerant to poorly
drained soils • Bloat hazard
Alsike Branch Low- Low-lying • Excellent winterhardiness • Risk for Poor to Moderate Low to
Aurora Spring Excellent 5.7–7.0 Moderate Low 680,000 5
Clover root growing moist areas • Flood tolerance grazing Moderate to High Moderate
7–14 days horses
ALFALFA & LEGUMES
• Fits shorter-term stands
Best suited to
Tap root areas with good
Double-Cut
• Top-yielding red clover • Bloat hazard
moisture and
Wildcat with Upright • Strong winterhardiness • Short-lived Spring Strong Low Moderate 5.5–7.5 Moderate Moderate Low 240,000 6-8
Red Clover good drainage;
Hay & Pasture
branches • High moisture tolerance
tolerates lower
pH soils
Best suited to
Clover
Tap root areas with good
Red Clover
• Excellent emergence • Bloat hazard Low to
moisture and
with Upright • Tolerates acidic soils • Short-lived Spring Good Moderate 5.5–7.5 Moderate Moderate Low 275,000 6-8
Single-Cut good drainage; Moderate
branches • Short-lived perennial
tolerates lower
pH soils
• L ow coumarin for
Yellow Widely adapted; reduced risk of bleeding Spring of
very productive diseases in cattle Moderate
Blossom Norgold Tap root Upright • Biennial second Good Low 6.5–7.5 Low Moderate Moderate 250,000 8-10
on well-drained, • ommonly used as a
C to High
Sweet Clover fertile soils (biennial)
soil builder
• Good winterhardiness
Pasture
Grasslands Rhizo- Low-
• Low-growing Spring – Low to
Prefers heavier,
White Clover • olerant to close mowing
T • Bloat hazard Good Poor 5.5–7.0 Moderate Low Low 775,000 5
Huia matous growing moist soils Fall Moderate
and grazing
32 33GRASSES &
ANNUAL FORAGES
Give your stand the boost it needs with BrettYoung’s full line of
perennial grasses or annuals. Whether you are seeking higher
productivity, rapid regrowth or disease resistance, the specialists
at BrettYoung will supply the seed you need for a successful hay,
grazing, or cover crop stand.
GRASSES & ANNUAL
FORAGES
34 35NEW
GRASSES & ANNUAL FORAGES
FORAGE GRASSES
SWAJ Tall Fescue
Outstanding Winterhardiness and
Whether you are looking for high productivity, rapid regrowth or Soft-Leaved Palatability
FORAGE AGRONOMY
disease resistance, when it comes to a successful hay or pasture SWAJ is a Nordic tall fescue bred for its winterhardiness,
specifically its tolerance to harsh winter conditions
stand, don‘t settle for anything less than BrettYoung‘s full line of characterized by frost, snow and ice. Selected for soft-
leaved palatability and improved feed quality, SWAJ
premium forage grasses.
enhances digestibility and pounds of gain. Its ideal
maturity provides complementary timing and blend
Full Line of Forage Grasses Forage Grass Species compatibility with most hay and pasture uses.
Improved grass varieties are an important • Ryegrass SWAJ has a bunch-type growth habit, average flag leaf
component in most hay and pasture stands. • Bromegrass size and tall plant height delivering more biomass. A
They add to the productivity, yield, quality and strong disease package includes resistance to crown rust.
• Fescue
production timing of most mixtures. BrettYoung
is constantly working with plant breeders to offer
• Orchardgrass Features
a complete portfolio of improved varieties to
• Timothy
Soft-leaved palatability Crown rust resistance
meet Western Canadian production needs. • Wheatgrass
Outstanding winterhardiness High yield
• Wildrye
Selecting the right grass for your operation is critical Endophyte free
• Native seed
to achieving your production goals. Our Regional
Account Managers will work with you to make
the best choices for your farm. Our guide offers a
number of tools to help you learn about our grass
species, improved varieties and their adaptation. NEW
Catapult Timothy
Explosive Spring Vigour and
Summer Regrowth
Catapult is an aggressive growing, early maturity timothy.
GRASSES & ANNUAL
A semi-erect growth habit, medium to dark green colour,
and taller plant height are characteristic of this variety.
FORAGES
Bred for spring vigour and summer regrowth, Catapult
comes out of the ground fast with rapid recovery after
cutting. Its superior stand persistence lasts all season and
continues year after year. Ideal companion for legumes
and other forage grasses or as a pure stand.
Features
Excellent Summer
Strong Seedling Vigour Regrowth
Stand Persistence Exceptional Yield
Tall Plant Height
36 37FORAGE GRASS VARIETIES
FORAGE AGRONOMY
Environmental Tolerances
Pure Stand
Intended Rooting Plant Preferred Growing Species Production Winter- Optimum Approx.
Group Species Variety Variety Key Features Drought Flooding Acidity Alkalinity Salinity Seeding
Use Habit Type Conditions Limitations Period hardiness pH Seeds/lb
Rate lb/ac
Widely adapted; • Excellent pasture variety • Poor Very
Meadow Bunch- Early Spring – Moderate Low to
Fleet Basal prefers well- • Widely adapted tolerance Good to Low 6.0–7.5 Moderate Moderate 90,000 18–28
Brome grass Late Summer to High Moderate
Excellent regrowth
Bromegrass
drained soils • to flooding Excellent
• Excellent winterhardiness • Considered
Aggressive • Aggressive sod-forming roots an invasive
Smooth Mid Spring – Moderate Low to
Carlton Sod- Elongating Widely adapted • Slow regrowth species Excellent Moderate 6.0–7.5 Moderate Moderate 142,000 12–16
Brome Mid Summer to High Moderate
forming • Widely adapted in many
• Exhibits disease resistance range areas
• Does well with wide range of soil types
• Low
Widely adapted; • Is most productive under
Creeping Sod- Moderate Moderate Low to
Hay & Pasture
production
Boreal Basal does best in high high-moisture conditions Spring – Fall Excellent Moderate 5.5–7.5 Moderate 375,000 3–6
Red Fescue forming under drier to High to High Moderate
rainfall areas • Tolerates close grazing and
conditions
survives drought
Prefers soils with • Not always
Meadow Bunch- • Basal leaf growth suitable for grazing Fair to Moderate
Basal good moisture and winter- Spring – Fall Moderate 5.5–6.5 Moderate Moderate Moderate 230,000 8–12
Fescue grass • Tolerant to acidity Good to High
good drainage hardy
NEW • Soft-leaved palatability • Widely
Excellent tolerance
Fescues
• Outstanding winterhardiness adapted;
Tall Bunch- to harsh winter Very Moderate Moderate
SWAJ Basal • Crown rust resistance does best on Spring – Fall Moderate 5.5–6.5 High Moderate 205,000 8–12
Fescue grass conditions (frost, Good to High to High
• High yield moist, heavy-
snow and ice)
• Endophyte free textured soils
Widely adapted; does • Soft-leaved • Not always
Tall Bunch- Fair to Moderate Moderate
Cowgirl Basal best in moist, heavy- • Improved palatability winter- Spring – Fall Moderate 5.5–6.5 High Moderate 205,000 8–12
Fescue grass Good to High to High
textured soils • Endophyte free hardy
• Excellent heat and drought tolerance
Widely adapted; does • Not always
Tall Riding Bunch- • Endophyte free Moderate Moderate
Basal best in moist, heavy- winter- Spring – Fall Good Moderate 5.5–6.5 High Moderate 205,000 8–12
Fescue Brand grass • Good seedling vigour to High to High
textured soils hardy
• Adapted to a variety of soil types
GRASSES & ANNUAL
FORAGES
38 39FORAGE GRASS VARIETIES
FORAGE AGRONOMY
Environmental Tolerances
Pure Stand
Intended Rooting Plant Preferred Growing Species Production Winter- Optimum Approx.
Group Species Variety Variety Key Features Drought Flooding Acidity Alkalinity Salinity Seeding
Use Habit Type Conditions Limitations Period hardiness pH Seeds/lb
Rate lb/ac
Creeping Sod- Adapted to soils with • Difficult to Very Moderate Low to
Basal • Excellent flood tolerance Spring – Fall Poor High 5.5–7.5 Low 785,000 3–6
Foxtail forming continuous moisture handle seed Good to High Moderate
• Long-lived
Does best on well- • Does not
Kentucky Sod- • Highly palatable Low to Low to Low to
Tirem Basal drained, highly tolerate Spring – Fall Excellent Moderate 5.5–7.5 Low 2,100,000 4–6
Bluegrass forming • Tolerance to flooding and Moderate Moderate Moderate
productive soils drought
Pasture
close grazing
Miscellaneous
Prefers cool
Meadow Bunch- • Difficult to Early Spring Moderate
Basal conditions and high • Excellent flood tolerance Good Low High 5.5–7.5 Moderate Low 410,000 3–6
Foxtail grass handle seed – Fall to High
water tables
NEW • Very leafy bunchgrass
Medium- to high- • Very Mid to Late
Perennial Bunch- • High-quality forage Low to Low to
Tribal Basal fertility soils with susceptible Summer, Poor Low Moderate 5.5–7.5 Moderate 240,000 8–12
Ryegrass grass • Susceptible to winterkill Moderate Moderate
adequate moisture to winterkill Fall
• Requires high fertility
• Low alkaloid variety
Reed Grows well on poorly
Sod- • Can be subjected to temporary • Not saline Spring –
Canary- Rival Elongating drained soils prone Excellent Moderate Excellent 5.5–7.5 Moderate Moderate Low 535,000 4–8
forming flooding up to 8 weeks tolerant Summer
grass to flooding
• Excellent winterhardiness
Prefers medium • Good winterhardiness
Orchard- AC Bunch- textured well-drained • Not always Low to Low to
Basal • Late maturity Spring – Fall Good Moderate 6.0–7.5 Moderate Low 425,000 3–7
Orchardgrass
grass Killarney grass soils with good winter-hardy Moderate Moderate
• Dense leafy production
moisture
Prefers medium • Selected for vigour and plant health
Orchard- Bunch- textured, well-drained • High forage quality and palatability Not always Fair to Low to
Hay & Pasture
•
Trailburst Basal Spring – Fall Moderate Moderate 6.0–7.5 Moderate Low 425,000 3–7
grass grass soils with good • Disease and stem rust resistance winter-hardy Good Moderate
moisture • High yields
• Strong seedling vigour • Not saline or
NEW Adapted to cool, Excellent summer regrowth
• drought tolerant Very
Bunch- moist areas; good Spring –
Timothy Catapult Basal • Stand persistence • Not tolerant Good to Low High 5.6–7.3 High Low Low 1,200,000 3–10
grass tolerance to Summer
• Exceptional yield Excellent
GRASSES & ANNUAL
waterlogged soils to continuous
• Tall plant height grazing
Timothy
FORAGES
• Medium maturity • Not saline or
Adapted to cool,
• High yields drought tolerant Very
Bunch- moist areas; good Spring –
Timothy Summergraze Basal • Very good to excellent • Not tolerant Good to Low High 5.6–7.3 High Low Low 1,200,000 3–10
grass tolerance to Summer
winterhardiness to continuous Excellent
waterlogged soils
• Excellent stand density grazing
40 41FORAGE GRASS VARIETIES
FORAGE AGRONOMY
Environmental Tolerances
Pure Stand
Intended Rooting Preferred Growing Species Production Winter- Optimum Approx.
Group Species Variety Plant Type Variety Key Features Drought Flooding Acidity Alkalinity Salinity Seeding
Use Habit Conditions Limitations Period hardiness pH Seeds/lb
Rate lb/ac
Widely adapted; does
Crested
best in medium to Diploid type
Wheat- • • Forage
coarse, well-drained Moderate Low to
grass Fairway Bunchgrass Basal • Finer-stemmed quality drops Early Spring Excellent Excellent Low 6.6–8.4 Low 300,000 10–15
soils; does better than to High Moderate
(Fairway • Tolerates more moisture after heading
standard types under
Type)
more moist conditions
Crested
Widely adapted; Tetraploid type
Wheat- • • Forage
does best in Moderate Low to
grass Kirk Bunchgrass Basal • Tolerant to heavy grazing quality drops Early Spring Excellent Excellent Low 6.6–8.4 Low 195,000 10–15
medium to coarse, to High Moderate
(Standard • Aggressive vigour and high yields after heading
well-drained soils
Type)
Inter- Widely adapted; • Deep-feeding root system • Shorter-
mediate Slow sod- prefers well-drained lived under Late Spring – Very Moderate Low to
Elongating • Produces excellent pasture yields Low 6.0–8.4 Low Moderate 80,000 18–24
Wheat- forming soils with adequate intensive Mid Summer Good to High Moderate
• Short-lived under intensive use
grass moisture management
Northern Prefers dry,
• Cures well on stem; suitable for late Mid Spring – Very Low to Moderate
Wheat- Sod-forming Elongating medium to coarse Very High Moderate 6.6–8.4 Moderate 145,000 12–16
season or winter pasture Mid Summer Good Moderate to High
grass textured soils
Wheatgrass
Widely adapted; Widely adapted • Shorter-
Pubescent •
Slow sod- prefers well-drained lived under Spring – Very Moderate Low to
Wheat- Greenleaf Elongating • Moderately tolerant to salinity Low 6.0–8.4 Low Moderate 80,000 16–22
forming soils with adequate intensive Summer Good to High Moderate
grass • Good in mixtures with alfalfa
moisture management
Hay & Pasture
• Dewater saline areas and
spread out
Hybrid Rhizomatous,
AC Adapted to saline and • Palatable and nutritious hay • Fair to good Early Spring - Moderate Moderate
Wheat- creeping Elongating Excellent 6.6–8.4 Low High Very High 111,000 5–10
Saltlander alkaline soils or pasture forage quality Late Summer to High to High
grass root
• Competes with foxtail barley
and downy brome
Adapted to a wide
Slender
range of soils; • Saline tolerant • Short-lived Mid Spring – Low to Moderate
Wheat- Bunchgrass Elongating Good Moderate Moderate 6.6–8.4 High 135,000 10–14
prefers well-drained • Spring flood tolerant perennial Summer Moderate to High
grass
GRASSES & ANNUAL
loam soils
Adapted to poorly • Excellent winterhardiness
Tall
drained alkali soils; Good flood tolerance Lower Late Spring – Moderate Low to
FORAGES
• •
Wheat- Bunchgrass Basal Excellent High 6.6–8.4 High Very High 75,000 20–30
prefers a high • Very tolerant to saline palatability Mid Summer to High Moderate
grass
water table soil conditions
Western
Widely adapted; • Drought tolerant Moderate Moderate Low to Moderate
Wheat- Sod-forming Elongating Spring – Fall Excellent 6.6–8.4 High 115,000 16–22
prefers heavy soils • Saline tolerant to High to High Moderate to High
grass
• Very vigorous seedlings
Dahurian Widely adapted • Short-lived
Bunchgrass Basal • Used in hay and pasture Spring – Fall Good Moderate Low 6.0–8.4 Low Moderate High 80,000 12–16
Wildrye but short-lived perennial
mixes for establishment
Wildrye
• xcellent pasture grass,
E
Widely adapted; most
good for winter grazing
productive on fertile • Poor
Russian • Good early growth Early Spring – Low to Moderate
Bunchgrass Basal loam soils; most seedling Excellent Very High Low 6.6–8.4 High 150,000 8–12
Wildrye • Salt tolerant Mid Summer Moderate to High
commonly used in vigour
• Excellent drought tolerance
drier regions
when established
42 43ANNUAL FORAGES
Annual forages provide quick establishment, soil improvement
FORAGE AGRONOMY
properties and high biomass yield over the course of one growing
season. Annual production increases flexibility due to the short-
term nature of the stand and can provide a compliment to perennial
forages to extend the duration and quality of forage availability.
Annuals have been used in various applications in Western Canada
including hay, grazing, winter stockpiling, companion crops, and
cover crops.
Common Definitions
Term Definition
Crops that are planted with the intent to build and improve the soil,
Cover Crop
including managing soil erosion, soil fertility and soil quality.
The planting of annual and perennial forages in combination to
Companion Crop
provide a production increase in the seedling year.
The practice of saving certain hay or pasture fields for grazing in the
Stockpiling
fall, and winter, after forage growth has stopped.
Cover Crops
GRASSES & ANNUAL
In a cover crop application, sometimes referred to as cocktail crops, forages are planted primarily for
soil improvement benefits such as erosion control, soil health and biodiversity. Most cover crop blends
FORAGES
are comprised of multi-species annual forages including ryegrass, brassicas, and legumes such as vetch
or clover to fix nitrogen. Many of these species have been selected for their nutrient dense profiles and
digestibility. The management of the resulting biomass is an important consideration if you are planting a
cover crop, preferred methods are grazing and plough down.
Try the #18 Annual Forage EXT stock blend for mid-to-late season cocktail crop grazing and stockpiled
forage applications.
Note: Snow cover and frost can affect availability of stockpiled forage.
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