Quality Without Compromise - Watson Seeds
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2020 Quality Without Compromise
CONTACT US
SEED SPECIALISTS
JOHNNY WATSON ALEX EGGO
07831 352799 07595 120898
jwatson@watsonseeds.com aeggo@watsonseeds.com
Angus, East Perthshire,
Kincardineshire & Aberdeenshire
ANDREW BEST ANDREW JOHN BEST
07967 395588 07500 859274
andrewbest@watsonseeds.com abest@watsonseeds.com
West Scotland, North West Lothians, Stirlingshire, Fife, Borders
England, Northern Ireland & Northumberland
KENNY LIDDELL EUAN CAMPBELL
07798 668214 07393 699522
kliddell@watsonseeds.com ecampbell@watsonseeds.com
North of Scotland North of Scotland
OFFICE
01368 840655
enquiries@watsonseeds.com
2 Lauderside, Lauder Place, East Linton, East Lothian, EH40 3DB
www.watsonseeds.com
A RESILIENT FARMING INDUSTRY
I have written a foreword for our seeds catalogue My first week here was spent attending their annual
for thirty years and this is the first time that I have grass conference, which covered a range of topics
written it from overseas. I am currently in New including a day of presentations on grass measuring
Zealand as summer just appears here. I continue technology to help deliver more efficient grass
to be truly inspired by the agricultural science and utilisation. They are several steps ahead of us in this
farming as I travel across the country. My last visit field and we, at Watson Seeds, are looking in to how
to New Zealand was in the mid 1980’s when all the we can take this forward at home, with particular
subsidies had been removed. Two key figures spring reference to on farm grass variety and mixture
to mind - lambs were selling for as little as $1 each evaluation.
to reluctant buyers and interest rates were up to
24%. Yesterday I saw a lorry load of lambs heading I have visited a great many plant breeders, research
off Doug Avery’s farm, in the Marlborough region, centres and seed merchants who all play a key role in
destined for the Chinese market. These lambs killed identifying and developing new species and varieties
out at around 20kgs for around $9 per kilo. They for the farmers. One example is the evaluation,
had solely been fed on a grass and forage based diet. understanding and uptake of forage herb varieties
that has increased greatly. Chicory, Plantain and
Those farmers that dug deep and survived that very Lucerne, for example, are now sown as the primary
challenging period are very resilient characters and or sole forage species. Whilst we have to appreciate
many have gone on to create exceptional farming our very different farming conditions at home their
operations. appetite to improve on farm feed production is to be
admired. A one size fits all has never worked when it
It’s a very different industry I see now with great comes to helping you, the customer, decide what to
opportunities and new challenges. sow and we, at Watson Seeds, fully appreciate that.
Like us, it’s a predominantly grass based livestock Our business continues to develop as new blood
industry being misrepresented in many quarters joins the team with all the enthusiasm and energy
that is having to fight its corner using science to every business needs in these challenging times of
justify its many merits. We have a shared challenge change.
to enlighten many of our consumers.
Well managed grass, legume and forage crops will
continue to provide the cheapest form of feeding
in the livestock sector, be it in New Zealand or at
home.
Many thanks for your continued support, it is greatly
appreciated,
Johnny Watson F.R.Ag.S
Photo (left): Johnny with Doug Avery, Bonavarre
Farm, Marlborough Region, New Zealand.
Cover photo: Scalpsie Farm, Isle of Bute
CONTENTS 5 Reasons to Reseed 6/7 Variety Assessment 8 Spoilt for First Choice 9 Castle Mixtures & Sowing Rates 10 Balvenie 11 Tantallon 12 Red Tantallon 13 Red Clover 14 Airlie 15 Carrick 16/17 Duart 18 Edzell 19 Greenan 20/21 Dundas 22/23 Mingary 24 Hermitage 25 Castle Herbal Ley 26 Fyvie 27 Rejuvenation 28 CAST clover 29 Organic Mixtures 30/31 Watson Seeds Demonstrations 32/33 Agri-Environmental Mixtures 34/35 Watson Seeds Out & About 36 groGreen - Amenity TURN TO THE 'BACK' FOR THE Forage & Root Crop Guide
REASONS TO RESEED
100
WHY 90
88%
OVERSEED? 80
PRESENT IN SWARD
70
Over time a sown
WEED SPECIES
60
51%
pasture deteriates 50
reducing the amount of 38%
40
highly productive grasses 32%
with less valuable 30 24%
18%
grasses increasing. 20
10
0 1 2 3 4 8 20+
YEARS AFTER RESEEDING
GRASS QUALITY HIGHER QUALITY FROM SOWN SPECIES
D value has a direct 74 73
relationship to energy, 72
which is profit, by 70
68 68
increasing litres of milk
PERENNIAL RYEGRASS
68
or live weight gain 66
rates. Therefore, the 64
YORKSHIRE FOG
64
higher a D Value the 62 61 61
more profitable your
grass feed will be. For
TIMOTHY
60
58
instance a 1% increase 58
FSMG
SSMG
BENT
CRF
in D Value equates to 56
20g/day while fattening DMOD 3 YEAR MEAN Source: J Frame 1991
lambs!
MANAGING FOR MORE LEAF
BEST
UTILISATION
Rotational and paddock
TROUGH
TROUGH
TROUGH
TROUGH
grazing is enabling
grassland managers to
gain the best utilisation
from the pastures at
higher D Values which,
again, turns into profit. ANNUAL USEABLE
Putting livestock on to STRATEGY YIELD UTILISATION YIELD %
pastures of 2,500kg DM/ (T DM/ha) (%) (T DM/ha) INCREASE
ha and leaving a residual
of 1,500kg DM/ha is ideal. SET STOCKING 6.0 50 4.3
With new methods of
CONTINUOUS
measuring grass available, (variable) 8.5 60 5.1 20%
it is becoming far more
achievable to work in a ROTATIONAL 10.2 65 6.6 56%
managed rotational or
paddock system. PADDOCK 10.2 80 8.2 92%
Source: Germinal
Reseeding 5
VARIETY
ASSESSMENT
NIAB Recommended
AFBI / PPI Rated
SRUC 1st Choice
Ground Cover
All varieties contained in our Castle Mixtures are ‘First Choice’ as
published in the Grass and Clover Varieties for Scotland 2019-2020.
REE
ITALIAN RYEGRASS
Very high yielding with great D values and ground cover
MERIBEL A 32
for an Italian.
Capable of producing high D values for first and second
GEMINI (T) B 30
cuts.
HYBRID RYEGRASS
A high sugar hybrid with particularly good D value in
ABEREDGE (T) B 34
the second cut.
Good spring growth. Yields particularly well at the first
HYMER (T) A 33
silage cut.
INTERMEDIATE PERENNIAL RYEGRASS
Excellent mid season D value in second cut and spring
ABERGREEN A 43
growth under grazing.
Outstanding yield and quality under both cutting and
ABERMAGIC A 42
grazing.
A high sugar variety which produces good yields under
ABERWOLF A 40
both managements.
Excellent yields under both managements in particular
ABERZEUS A 40
late season grazing.
Very good early season growth of high quality especially
ASTONCONQUEROR A 37
under grazing.
Good late season grazing yields and good for
GUSTO B 44
conservation management.
Excellent spring growth with high total yields under
RODRIGO B 41
conservation.
A high yielding variety with good spring growth. High
ABERCLYDE (T) C 37
D value rating.
Very good mid season D value. High yields under
DIWAN (T) C 43
conservation.
Good spring and autumn growth. Exceptional variety for
FINTONA (T) C 32
both cutting and grazing.
Highest yielding of its type. Excellent growth for spring
SEAGOE (T) C 35
grazing.
6 Varieties
LATE PERENNIAL RYEGRASS
Good grazing figures for D value and full season
ABERAVON B 47
performance.
Outstanding variety, probably the best of its type
ABERCHOICE A 55
currently available.
ASTONCHIEFTAIN Produces good yields under both managements. A 52
New variety delivering exceptionally high D value under
ABERLEE A 55
cutting and grazing.
Good all round variety with good spread of seasonal
PASTOUR B 50
growth.
A solid all round variety with good quality. Good late
TODDINGTON A 49
season performance.
The highest yielding late tetraploid under both
ABERGAIN (T) C 49
managements. High D values.
Good yields and quality at the first cut and good
ABERPLENTIFUL (T) C 53
seasonal growth under grazing.
Great early season growth for a late variety. Good
ALFONSO (T) B 47
ground cover for a tetraploid.
Silage quality is good at both cuts and good grazing
ASPECT (T) C 49
performance.
Good first cut silage yields due to early spring growth.
BIJOU (T) Good yields under both managements. Exceptionally C 46
early for a late heading variety.
TIMOTHY
Best spring growth of the timothys. Softer than
COMER
others for better palatability.
A 53
WHITE CLOVER
ABERPEARL Small Highest yielding small leaved clover, good ground cover.
PERMANENT
VIOLIN Medium Excellent variety showing good yields throughout the season.
ROTATIONAL
CRUSADER Medium Good performance both early and late in the season.
MERWI Medium Productive variety better suited to light defoliation.
ALICE Large High yielding and good ground cover.
RED CLOVER
ABERCLARET Early Persistency and yields in the third harvest year are very good.
GLOBAL Early Yields under cutting in years 1,2 & 3 are very impressive.
Varieties 7
SPOILT FOR FIRST CHOICE
We enjoy a very positive relationship with
a range of key breeders, across Europe and
beyond, that enables us to procure the best
varieties possible for our Castle Mixtures.
BETTER VARIETIES
BETTER MIXTURES
BETTER FIELD PERFORMANCE
BETTER ANIMAL PERFORMANCE
BETTER FARM PROFIT
8 Independence
CASTLE MIXTURES®
FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS
Duration Mainly Dual Intensive Extensive Sowing Rate
Mixture
(Years) Cutting Purpose Grazing Grazing (Kg/Acre)
BALVENIE™ 1-2 14
TANTALLON® 2-3 14
RED TANTALLON® 2-3 14
AIRLIE™ 3-4 15
DUART™ 4-7 15
CARRICK™ 4-7 15
EDZELL® 4-7 15
DUNDAS® 4-7 15
HERMITAGE™ 4-7 15
HERBAL LEY 4 15
GREENAN™ 7+ 15
MINGARY® 7+ 15
FYVIE™ 7+ 15
• Varieties have been selected from the U.K recommended lists.
Special mixtures available - for example, extra clover, no clover, addition of cocksfoot or
• westerwolds.
Please contact your Watson Seeds representative to help choose the best mixture for
• your situation.
If we make any substitutions of varieties in our mixtures, owing to demand, we will ensure
• that we only use the best alternative available.
Castle Mixtures®
Balvenie™, Tantallon®, Red Tantallon®, Airlie™, Duart™, Duart (NI)™, Greenan™, Carrick™, Edzell®,
Dundas®, Hermitage™, Brodie™, Mingary®, Fyvie™
©
2017 John Watson Seeds Ltd
Mixture Selector 9
Chris with his wife Susan and their dog Ruby
BALVENIE
TM
VERY BULKY 1-2 YEAR MIX
‘I am very happy with this Balvenie grass mixture. We took the first cut in late May, second cut in
mid July (just after this photo was taken) and then a third cut mid September. The mixture has
performed very well for us this year.’
Chris Manners, Chevington Moor, Northumberland.
VARIETY TYPE % Very bulky over several cuts
Meribel
Italian Ryegrass 78.6 Leafier than straight Italian
Gemini (T)
Hymer (T) Hybrid Ryegrass 21.4 Offers good leafiness over several cuts
TERM TIME (years) GRAZING SUITABILITY (1-5) CUTTING SUITABILITY (1-5) TETRAPLOID (%)
1-2 2 5 50
10 BalvenieTANTALLON®
OUTSTANDING 2-3 YEAR MIX
'We chose Tantallon because it produces high yielding, quality forage silage, which has excellent
regrowth for grazing our suckler cows and texel ewe flock.'
Ian & Oliver Tulip, Bilton Farm, Alnwick, Northumberland.
3-4 silage cuts per year VARIETY TYPE %
AberEdge (T) Hybrid
Excellent aftermath grazing 21.4
Hymer (T) Ryegrass
Careful combination of hybrids & AstonConqueror
intermediate perennials Rodrigo Intermediate
75.0
Fintona (T) PRG
Persistent growth Seagoe (T)
White Clover
Rotational 3.6
Blend
TERM TIME (years) GRAZING SUITABILITY (1-5) CUTTING SUITABILITY (1-5) TETRAPLOID (%)
2-3 2 5 51
Tantallon 11RED
TANTALLON®
HIGH PROTEIN 2-3 YEAR MIX
'We have established Red Tantallon, here in upland Peebleshire at 800ft, both in early September
and mid June in fields with a pH of at least 6. The plan is to get one or two cuts of high quality
red clover/grass silage (fed to young store cattle and sheep) and provide excellent forage for
lambs from late August.'
Jamie Halbert, Farm Manager, Bordlands & Halmyre Mains Farm, Peeblesshire.
VARIETY TYPE % High protein silage
AberEdge (T)
Hybrid Ryegrass 21.4 Up to 3-4 silage cuts per year
Hymer (T)
AstonConqueror
Rodrigo Intermediate Nitrogen fixing
53.6
Fintona (T) PRG
Seagoe (T) Excellent for fattening lambs
White Clover
Rotational 3.6
Blend High sugar grasses to aid fermentation
Global Red Clover 21.4
TERM TIME (years) GRAZING SUITABILITY (1-5) CUTTING SUITABILITY (1-5) TETRAPLOID (%)
2-3 2 5 48
12 Red TantallonDavid Hamilton, Nether Pirn, Innerleithen, Peeblesshire
RED CLOVER is a fantastic way to produce a high protein feed while
fixing nitrogen and improving soil conditions through a deep taproot. Red clover can
be sown alone, however, it would more commonly be sown along with ryegrass in a
mixture such as Red Tantallon.
DURABILITY TYPICAL SILAGE ANALYSIS
2-4 years. Some new varieties may last ME 9.8 - 11.4 MJ/kg
longer.
CRUDE PROTEIN 14 - 19%
BENEFITS PH 4 - 4.5
Nitrogen fixation - Up to 400kg N per ha. (Source IGER)
75-100kg N per ha
transferred to grass. Ensile at 25 - 28%
High Yields - 10 to 15T DM/ha
High Protein - CP 14-19
THINGS TO KNOW
Cuts per year - 3-4
• Cut silage above 7cm to protect crown.
ESTABLISHMENT
• Don’t graze aftermath below 4cm.
Sown - April to late July • Contains high levels of phyto-estrogens.
Ideal pH - 6 and above • Do not graze ewes for 6 weeks pre or
Phosphate - Index 2 post tupping.
Potash - Index 2 • 5 - 7 Year rotation.
Nitrogen - Only required in very
low nitrogen indices.
Red Clover 13AIRLIE
TM
INTENSIVE 3-4 YEAR MIX
‘The grass continues to perform with great consistency. Over the last few years the yield of grass
from our grazing system (electric fence moved after each milking) has been second to none.’
Michael Howie, Morwick Farm, Northumberland.
VARIETY TYPE % Leafy and dense mixture
AberGreen
Gusto Excellent silage quality
Intermediate
Rodrigo 71.0
PRG
Fintona (T)
Improved mid season D value
Seagoe (T)
Toddington
Late PRG 25.0 Also ideal for intensive grazing
Aspect (T)
White Clover
Rotational 4.0
Blend
TERM TIME (years) GRAZING SUITABILITY (1-5) CUTTING SUITABILITY (1-5) TETRAPLOID (%)
3-4 4 5 49
14 AirlieNoel McSweeny, Area Manager for Barrett Agri pictured
CARRICK
TM
OUR BEST SELLING HAY MIXTURE
‘Carrick has proven to be an excellent dual purpose mixture providing us with the best of forage
all season long through grazing and silage.’
Niall O Mahony, Crookstown, Co. Cork.
Offers early cuts of hay & silage VARIETY TYPE %
AberWolf
Good mid season digestibility & Intermediate
grazing yields
Gusto 56.7
PRG
Fintona (T)
Increased timothy for hay production Toddington
Late PRG 32.0
Aspect (T)
Good ground cover Comer Timothy 8.0
White Clover
Rotational 3.3
Blend
TERM TIME (years) GRAZING SUITABILITY (1-5) CUTTING SUITABILITY (1-5) TETRAPLOID (%)
4-7 4 5 25
Carrick 15Photograph by Glyn Satterley
DUART
TM
HIGH ENERGY GRASS MIXTURE
'Duart suits our rotational grazing system well with our Jersey herd. The high leaf to stem ratio
provides us with a dense, lush sward with high D values, which translates into high energy.'
Gordon Hastie, Alderston Farm, East Lothian.
Produces outstanding energy &
VARIETY TYPE % protein levels
Intermediate Contains a high number of new generation
AberGreen 13.3
PRG high sugar grasses
AberLee Later heading varieties allow flexibility over
Smile cutting dates
Toddington Late PRG 86.7
AberGain (T) Excellent ground cover & persistency
Al fonso (T)
Very high D value
Also available with clover
TERM TIME (years) GRAZING SUITABILITY (1-5) CUTTING SUITABILITY (1-5) TETRAPLOID (%)
4-7 5 5 27
16 DuartSeed supplied by Jack Lamb (Agric Merchant) Ltd ‘We’ve been using Duart for 10 years now and we are delighted with the quality and quantity from 2 or 3 cuts. This years first cut has a protein of 17.5 and ME 11.4’ Messrs John Kennedy & Sons, Perryston Farm, Ayr. ‘For our dairy herd, the Duart mixture does a grand job, always producing great yields from both cuts. The aftermath grazing is especially good.’ Ian Somerville, Larglea, Dumfries. Ian pictured with his son Jack (7) and daughter Rachel (5).
Pat Lambert, Aidan Clifford, & Reidin Murphy (Southern Fuel & Farm Supplies Area Manager)
EDZELL®
DUAL PURPOSE LONG TERM MIX
'Our four year old Edzell sward continues to deliver. This season’s grass silages were among
our best ever. Our first cut results were D value 69.57, ME 11.13 and crude protein of 14.4%. We
usually harvest two silage cuts and graze the sward for the remainder of the season. Edzell also
works well for us when grazed, with good pasture clean-out and improved herd performance
compared to other grass mixtures on the farm. Quality grass silage and maize form the basis of
our herd’s winter diet.'
Aidan Clifford, Mount Bell, Killeagh, Co. Cork
High leaf/stem ratio ensures high
VARIETY TYPE % quality silage
AberWolf Intermediate
25.9 Contains the top late heading varieties
Gusto PRG
AberChoice
AstonChieftain Persistent over many years
Toddington Late PRG 61.4
AberGain (T) Winter hardy
Aspect (T)
Comer Timothy 8.0 Excellent for beef & sheep
White Clover 4.7
Rotational
Blend
TERM TIME (years) GRAZING SUITABILITY (1-5) CUTTING SUITABILITY (1-5) TETRAPLOID (%)
4-7 5 4 27
18 EdzellBefore
After
GREENAN
TM
HEAVY/WET SOILS MIX
‘Delighted with the quality and persistency of the grass the Greenan mixture is producing. We
needed a mixture that was able to cope with our silty soil that is almost at sea level, indeed some
parts of the field would be prone to flooding with high tides.’
Stuart Burgess, Maryfield, Dumfries.
VARIETY TYPE % Excellent option for rotational grazing
AberGreen Intermediate Highly resistant to poaching on heavier
23.4
Gusto PRG ground
AberChoice
AstonChieftain Offers exceptional ground cover
Late PRG 70.6
Pastour
Toddington High D values
White Clover
Permanent 6.0
Blend
TERM TIME (years) GRAZING SUITABILITY (1-5) CUTTING SUITABILITY (1-5) TETRAPLOID (%)
7+ 5 5 0
Greenan 19Seed supplied by Harbro Ltd
Photograph by Glyn Satterley
Gavin and his daughter Holly
DUNDAS®
DUAL PURPOSE MEDIUM/LONG
TERM MIX
'We have used Watson Seeds for several years now. Dundas has always performed well for us
under both cutting and grazing regimes. The high sugar grass AberZeus, gives us the very best
all year round growth especially when grazing in the autumn.'
Gavin Auchnie, Selbie Farm, Aberdeenshire.
VARIETY TYPE % Dense and highly productive sward
AberZeus
Gusto Intermediate Top intermediates ensure heavy silage cuts
37.5
Diwan (T) PRG
Fintona (T) Includes rotational clover blend
AberChoice
Combination of grasses that exploit
Toddington seasonal growth
Late PRG 49.2
AberGain (T)
Aspect (T)
Outstanding variety AberZeus included
Comer Timothy 8.3
White Clover
Rotational 5.0
blend
TERM TIME (years) GRAZING SUITABILITY (1-5) CUTTING SUITABILITY (1-5) TETRAPLOID (%)
4-7 5 5 38
20 DundasSeed supplied by Harbro Ltd
‘This field of Dundas was sown out in June 2018 and we are very pleased with its
performance. We lambed Cheviot ewes on it in April, cut 2 big crops of silage over the
summer and we are now grazing 80 lambs getting them ready for market.’
Malcolm Cameron, Strone Farm, Fort William.
‘We have used Dundas for a number of years and have been getting consistently high
yields of quality silage and long term grazing. We are very pleased with the service
we get from Watson Seeds.’
Stuart Phaup, Hoprig Shiels, Berwickshire.
Photograph by Glyn SatterleyJim & Eilidh Simmons with their dog Maisy
MINGARY®
LONG TERM MAINLY GRAZING MIX
'After the field was sprayed off it was disc seeded in two directions with Mingary + cocksfoot.
The results have been fantastic and the picture taken is during regrowth after a graze with a high
numbers of sheep. We like to add cocksfoot for an early bite in the spring.'
Jim Simmons, Ruthven Farm, Banffshire.
VARIETY TYPE % Produces very dense swards
AberWolf
Intermediate Suited to one cut per year
AstonConqueror 20.1
PRG
Seagoe (T)
High proportion of clover assists with
AberChoice palatability
AstonChieftain
Late PRG 65.2
Pastour Our most popular long term mixture
Aspect (T)
Comer Timothy 8.7 Special mixture with added cocksfoot is
available
White Clover
Permanent 6.0
Blend
TERM TIME (years) GRAZING SUITABILITY (1-5) CUTTING SUITABILITY (1-5) TETRAPLOID (%)
7+ 5 4 27
22 Mingary‘Since using Mingary mixture our silage yield has increased by a third. The grass has
made a dramatic improvement to the breeding and fattening of our lambs. I am very
happy with the service from Watson Seeds and always recommend them.’
John English, Brownsleazes, Hexham. John pictured with his son Jake.
‘I find the follow-up visits from Watson Seeds useful after the grass has come through.
Taking time to look at the grass and discuss the mix options and management
techniques is always a good exercise. I try to keep the clover going in the sward and
together we are making good progress.’
John & Ann Prentice, Brockholes Farm, Berwickshire.
Photograph by Glyn SatterleyHERMITAGE
TM
MULTISPECIES MIXTURE
‘I was looking for a grass mixture that would be
productive on some of our heavy wet soils for
intensive sheep grazing. Previously, I had tried
more conventional mixtures but they did not
last. I had heard about multispecies swards and
the Hermitage mixture seemed to tick several VARIETY TYPE %
boxes. I asked Andrew Best of Watson Seeds
to tweak the mixture by reducing the timothy AberEdge (T) Hybrid Ryegrass 6.7
inclusion. The result is very pleasing, with a
AberGreen Intermediate
greater sward density and the ability to graze 23.3
4-5 ewes per acre.’ Gusto PRG
Ian Dickson, Scalpsie Farm, Isle of Bute. Toddington
Late PRG 37.9
Aspect (T)
Comer Timothy 6.7
Native upland species included Diceros Cocksfoot 6.7
S S Meadow
Maintains sward density under harsh winter Miracle 2.7
conditions Grass
Maxima C R Fescue 6.7
Also available without plantain
Tonic Plantain 3.3
Permanent clover blend ensures livestock White Clover
Permanent 6.0
performance Blend
Reformulated mix
TERM TIME (years) GRAZING SUITABILITY (1-5) CUTTING SUITABILITY (1-5) TETRAPLOID (%)
4-7 5 2 27
24 HermitageCASTLE HERBAL LEY
MULTISPECIES MIXTURE
'I was looking to move away from a reliance on perennial ryegrasses and move onto a mixture
that better suited my 100% grass based, low input system but which would provide high quality
sheep and cattle grazing as well as a crop of haylage. The deeper rooting nature of the herbal ley
should pick up minerals from deep in the soil profile and will definitely benefit animal health and
nutrition. I am delighted with the establishment and diversity within the sward.'
Robert Campbell, Wester Logie Farm, Fife.
Excellent soil improver through varying root
depths TYPE
Low input Late PRG (D) Alsike Clover
Late PRG (T) Red Clover
Provides extended grazing
Cocksfoot Sweet Clover
Ideal for paddock rotation Timothy Chicory
Meadow Fescue Sainfoin
May be cut occasionally
Tall Fescue Burnet
Diverse feed for ruminants Sheeps Fescue Plantain
White Clover Blend Sheeps Parsley
Herbs offer anthelmintic benefits
TERM TIME (years) GRAZING SUITABILITY (1-5) CUTTING SUITABILITY (1-5) RYEGRASS CONTENT (%)
4-7 5 1 20
Herbal Ley 25FYVIE
TM
HIGH CLOVER MIX
‘We have never had a grass mixture that could tolerate the conditions of our sandy seashore
fields so well.’
Andrew MacLean, Farm Manager, Kings Arms Farm, Ayrshire.
Robert & Caroline Dalrymple.
High tetraploid content ensures high
palatability VARIETY TYPE %
High clover content ideal for low nitrogen AberGreen
Intermediate
situations Gusto 26.7
PRG
Bijou (T)
Excellent on lighter soils Toddington
AberGain (T) Late PRG 60.0
Drought tolerance due to deeper rooting Aspect (T)
grasses
Comer Timothy 4.0
White Clover
Permanent 9.3
Blend
TERM TIME (years) GRAZING SUITABILITY (1-5) CUTTING SUITABILITY (1-5) TETRAPLOID (%)
7+ 5 4 47
26 FyviePhotograph by Glyn Satterley
Dominic with his son Ralph
REJUVENATION
TM
ALL TETRAPLOID RYEGRASS MIX
‘The results from using the Rejuvenation mixture on our upland fields have been significant.
Once tired swards are now bursting with productive grasses which have provided excellent
grazing plus a cut of high quality haylage.’
Dominic Naylor, Lilburn Estate Partnership, Northumberland.
All tetraploid offers good establishment in
VARIETY TYPE % competitive swards
Diwan (T)
Intermediate PRG 50.0 Highly palatable
Bijou (T)
Alfonso (T)
Late PRG 50.0 Puts new life and vigour into ageing swards
Aspect (T)
Also available with CAST clover blend
TERM TIME (years) GRAZING SUITABILITY (1-5) CUTTING SUITABILITY (1-5) TETRAPLOID (%)
4-7 4 4 100
Rejuvenation 27THE ULTIMATE IN SEED COATING
TECHNOLOGY EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE
FROM WATSON SEEDS
Benefits of CAST coated clover
CAST coated seed contains a moisture absorber in addition to the “Classic” active ingredients
Superior performance, particularly during dry periods
Outstanding benefits in times of heat and drought
Increased water retention capacity by a factor of 100
Unique on the market
28 CAST CloverSeed supplied by John Hogarth Ltd
ORGANIC
CASTLE MIXTURES
Connar McKenna cutting this field of Organic Dundas with red clover, at West Bold, for the
second time - now in its second year.
David Hamilton, Nether Pirn, Peebleshire.
SHORT TERM Intensive cutting mixture with inclusion of red clover
TANTALLON For intensive cutting or grazing, contains high red clover content
AIRLIE Highly productive 3 – 4 year mixture
DUART A specialist all perennial ryegrass mixture for conservation or grazing
The very best dual purpose medium/long term mixture suitable for
DUNDAS
cutting & grazing
MINGARY The long term grazing mixture
FYVIE Specialist grazing mixture with a high clover content
REJUVENATION The mixture to put new life and vigour into ageing swards
Mixtures have been developed to suit organic farming requirements.
Organics 29DEMONSTRATIONS
UPPER NISBET - GRASS SEED
We are delighted to carry out a demo at Upper
Nisbet courtesy of Robert Neil. His field is a very
good example of mixed farmland in the Borders
and should provide a very fair test.
Currently, grass varieties are evaluated under
grazing by three week cutting intervals during
the April-June period, followed by monthly
cutting after the 1st of July. Although this serves
as a good indication of performance, it fails to
take into account preferential grazing and on-
farm conditions.
The aim of this demo is to test the varieties on
farm to get a realistic idea of their performance Sowing at Upper Nisbet on 3rd September
in a grazing situation. This should allow us to
select the most appropriate varieties for our
future mixtures.
The field has been divided into 45 strips made
up of different varieties and mixtures. They
have been grouped together into 8 paddocks
according to their heading date. The field
was sown on the 3rd of September in good
conditions and was through the ground within
a few weeks. Four broad spectrum soil analysis
were carried out to check for any deficiencies.
There were none and the soil was very consistent
throughout the field, with a minimum pH of 6.5.
The cattle will be rotationally grazed on the
paddocks with pre and post grazing heights Photo taken on 24th October
recorded. Fresh leaf samples will be periodically
taken to monitor the quality of the grasses and
also, whether the herbs and deeper rooting
varieties can harvest more minerals and trace
elements from the soil.
Mixtures range from the traditional perennial
ryegrass white clover-based system to
multispecies herbal leys. We will be looking
to see if the cattle’s grazing behaviour and
performance changes through having a
diverse range of species rather than a ryegrass
monoculture.
We will keep you informed throughout the year
and also look forward to sharing some of our
findings with you at an open day in the summer. Pat Lambert looking over the plots on 24th October
30 Demo PlotsDEMONSTRATIONS
SKATERAW - COVER CROPS
Cover crops are grown between main crops,
usually planted just after harvesting the cash
crop. This helps improve subsequent crop
yields, also protecting and improving the soil
over winter. Cover crops can provide a number
of benefits compared to leaving the ground
fallow. They can also be grown as an Ecological
Focus Area (EFA) under the CAP Greening
rules, where they are known as 'green cover
crops.' However, certain rules must be adhered
to and specialist advice sought.
They have a number of agronomic and
environmental benefits such as:
First sowing at Skateraw on 1st September.
Stabilise soils and reduce erosion
Reduce leaching through run off
Improve soil structure and organic matter
Improve water quality
Retain and potentially increase soil
nutrients with the use of legumes
Can be used as part of EFA to satisfy
farm support payments
The Watson Seeds team looking over the trials.
Provide an early grazing in the new year
In autumn 2019, we set up a cover crop
demonstration site at Skateraw, East Lothian.
Several mixtures were sown including; oats,
black oats, vetches, rye, radishes and a few
different clovers. The plots were sown on two
separate dates and there was considerable
difference in growth between the two. It would
be advisable - if sowing after harvest - to get
them in the ground as early as possible. If
sowing a cover crop for EFA requirements, we
recommend seeking advice to confirm the latest
rules to ensure compliance.
We can make up any cover crop to suit
Radish growth comparison between first sowing
requirements, just get in touch with your local on 1st September (left) and second sowing on 15th
Watson Seeds representative. September (right). Photo taken 19th November.
Demo Plots 31GREEN MANURES
& COVER CROPS
Our standard green cover mixtures have been developed through field experience and
our Skateraw trials. For our very short post harvest growing season, these mixtures
contain the correct proportions of species to produce optimum growth and therefore,
soil benefit. Variations and straight species are available from stock.
COVER CROP MIX 1 (CC1)
MIXTURE FORMULATION
Black oats/spring oats
Vetch
COVER CROP MIX 2 (CC2)
MIXTURE FORMULATION
Black oats/spring oats
Fodder radish
COVER CROP MIX 3 (CC3)
MIXTURE FORMULATION
Mustard
Fodder radish
MIXTURES FOR ALL AGRI-ENVIRONMENT SCHEMES ARE AVAILABLE
32 Agri-environmentalAGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL
MIXTURES
We offer a range of mixtures to suit all agri-environmental schemes. These schemes
have become more popular in the past few years and will continue to be a valuable
source of income to the agricultural sector. We have listed below our most popular
mixtures, however, we can produce mixtures to suit any scheme or specific
requirements.
SPECIES RICH GRASSLAND
Mixture containing 15% native
Scottish flowers and sympathetic
grass species for recreating a
species rich grassland. Available as
a flower only option.
WILD BIRD SEED FOR FARMLAND BIRDS
Where establishment of Wild Bird
Seed mixtures are permitted, our
mixture offers hardy winter cover
and winter feed that supports our
wild bird populations. Mixtures
must include 3 small seed bearing
plants, to include a cereal and an oil
rich plant eg, oats, triticale, barley,
quinoa, linseed, millet, mustard,
oilseed radish.
BEETLEBANK/FIELD MARGINS
Mixtures that have been designed
to create wildlife habitats within
farming businesses. The mixture
must include 1 tussocky grass
species and at least 1 flowering
species.
CUSTOMERS MUST ENSURE THEY ARE SATISFIED THAT THE MIXTURES PROPOSED MEET
THE CRITERIA FOR THE SCHEME THEY ARE INTENDED FOR.
Agri-environmental 33WATSON SEEDS OUT AND ABOUT
Royal Highland International Sh
Ingliston, Edinbur Show Shandford Farm, eep Dog Trials
Brechin
and Grassland
gh
East of Scotl ing
Society Meetbir lot, Angus
Denhead of Ar
Islay Show Farm Open Daynffshire
Islay Ruthven Farm, Ba
Great From Grass Ram
Fearn Farm, Tain Sales
Scotgrass Ardnamurchan Show
SRUC Crichton Ro Ardnamurchan
yal Farm
Show
Mid Argyll
chgilphead
Kilmory, Lo
34 Out & AboutDay
Society Open ’s
Luing Cattle tates, Anstruther Home Grown Forage Prote Glendale Children
in
Balcaskie Es Trial Crops
SRUC Barony Ca
Countryside Day
mpus Northumberland
Germinal Forage SASA Training Day
Thankerton Camp Trials Glenkens Show
, Biggar Edinburgh site Mains of Kenmur
Sponsors of Macha e, Castle Douglas
rs YFC
Black Beauty Bonanza
AgriScot gh The Border U Thainstone, Inverurie
Ingliston, Edinbur Countryside nion Schools
Kelso, Scott Education Day
ish
Borders
Out & About 35AMENITY MIXTURES
Our sister company groGreen offer a large
range of grass seed mixtures, fertiliser etc.
suited to the landscape & amenity sector.
PRODUCT GUIDE
GRASS SEED & WILDFLOWER
MIXTURES
FERTILISERS
HERBICIDES
APPLICATION EQUIPMENT
TOP SOILS & COMPOSTS ISSUE 1
16th May
28th June
‘I am delighted with the lawn.’ Andrew Douglas, Saughtree, Hawick. groGreen Universal Landscape.
36 AmenityTURN OVER & FLIP TO THE 'BACK' ROOTS & FORAGE GUIDE
TURN OVER & FLIP TO THE 'BACK'
2020
Quality Without CompromiseGAME COVER MIXTURES
Producing a game cover crop requires the
same attention to detail as other agricultural
crops. Therefore, pH, seedbed preparation and
fertiliser inputs should all be considered before
sowing. Please speak to your Watson Seeds
contact to discuss these requirements.
When selecting an ideal mixture we look at soil
conditions, height of crop required and climatic
conditions. This is why we have a large selection
of mixtures to choose from. Our most popular
ones are listed below. Other popular mixtures
such as Setter, Spaniel and Magnet are also
available.
These mixtures contain a range of species; kale,
quinoa, linseed and mustard to name a few and
are mixed in a ratio to give the best results on
site.
GAME COVER MIX 1 (GC1)
Offers food and shelter for wild birds and game in year 1 and 2.
MIXTURE FORMULATION
Kale
Quinoa
GAME COVER MIX 3 (GC3)
Cover and food for wild birds and game in year 1 and 2.
MIXTURE FORMULATION
Spring Triticale
Kale
Quinoa
LABRADOR
Labrador will tolerate low pH and difficult soil types, whilst providing quality cover.
MIXTURE FORMULATION
Spring Triticale
Mustard
Kale
Linseed
Quinoa
Game Cover 18FEEDING GUIDELINES
In this short feeding guide we aim to give you a few simple steps to ensure the best performance
and utilisation is achieved.
Recommended inclusion rates should be between 35 - 50% of total dry matter intake
Access to straw or hay as well as the forage brassica is important
Ensure a good water supply
Occasionally, over-feeding can cause Goitre and blood anaemia but access to straw and hay
can help reduce risks of this problem
A lot of the forage will be grazed in situ and we hope the below guide helps you calculate your
feeding numbers.
AVERAGE LESS WASTAGE UTILISABLE
CROP GRAZING DAYS PER HA
FRESH YIELD FACTOR YIELD
SHEEP RATION DAIRY OR
BEEF RATION
7.5kgs per 22kg/2-3 hour
T/HA Grazing wastage % T/HA 10kg per day
day grazing period
KALE 60 25 45 6,000 4,500 2,045
STUBBLE 40 25 30 4,000 3,000 1,364
TURNIP
FORAGE 35 25 26.25 3,500 2,625 1,193
RAPE
SWEDE 80 25 60 8,000 6,000 2,727
FEEDING SAFETY Source: Paul Morgan,Germinal
INTRODUCE THEM SLOWLY When stock are moved, the first fence line
Introduce stock to brassicas gradually on full can simply be wound up. This eases stock
stomachs to avoid digestive upsets. Start movement.
with two hours a day, gradually increasing
over 7-10 days to unrestricted access. FEED PLENTY OF FIBRE
Brassicas are generally low in dry matter at
PROVIDE A RUN-BACK AND PROTECTION about 12-15 % DM so fibre needs to be provided
A wide access run-back should have been to provide scratch factor and promote rumen
factored in when the crop was drilled. This function. Fibre should make up about 20% of
could be the grass headland or access to an intakes. Straw will be adequate for dry cows,
adjoining field. These run-backs are essential whilst better quality silage will be needed
for animal welfare and crop utilisation. Also, for growing animals. Bales should be put out
always provide shelter, such as a hedge or ahead of grazing. Avoid driving tractors onto
area they can get out of the wind. the field during the winter to limit poaching.
Always provide drinking water.
STRIP GRAZE
Long, narrow breaks are best to enable all PROVIDE APPROPRIATE MINERALS
stock to access the crop at the same time Brassicas tend to be high in glucosinolates
and prevent localised poaching. The fence which can negatively effect iodine and
should be moved daily. Vitamin E uptake. They are also low in copper,
Start grazing at the top of the hill and iodine, phosphorous and magnesium so it's
work your way down to reduce run-off and important to provide these minerals. Bolusing
environmental risk. Double fencing is also every animal is advisable to ensure they get
advisable. A fence at the feed face can be the right dose. A mineral bag can also be cut
looped round one end of the field in a U and open over the top of a silage or straw bale to
used to make a second fence line behind. provide mineral with every bite.
16 Feeding GuidelinesSOWING RATES FOR GRADED SEEDS
SEED SPACING
ROW WIDTH 2” (5cm) 4” (10cm) 6” (15.25cm) 8” (20cm)
20” (50cm) 325 275 225 200
24” (60cm) 300 250 200 150
26” (65cm) 275 225 175 125
28” (70cm) 250 200 150 100
PRECISION DRILL RECOMMENDATIONS
WEBBS
STANHAY SPRING
SEED GRADING GRADE SIZE (mm) CHOKE SELECTOR
BELT SIZE BASE
WHEEL
FODDER BEET PELLETED Q-U 3.5-4.75 15 or 16 C A EP
SWEDE H 1.75-2.0 8 A T B
TURNIP G 1.5-1.75 7 A T A
KALE J 2.0-2.25 8.5 A T C
FERTILISER GUIDELINES FOR FORAGE CROPS
CROPS NITROGEN (N) PHOSPHATE (P) POTASH (K) N APPLIED AT N APPLIED
(kg/ha) (kg/ha) (k/ha) SOWING LATER
(% of total) (% of total)
50% at 10-12
SWEDES 40-100 45-100 80-215 50%
weeks
50% at 10-12
KALE 40-130 50-80 130-260 50%
weeks
STUBBLE 40% at 6-8
40-100 25-85 20-110 60%
TURNIPS weeks
Futher N may
GRAZING
40-100 25-85 20-110 100% be applied for
TURNIPS
regrowth
FORAGE Further N may
RAPE/RAPE 40-100 25-85 20-110 100% be applied for
KALE HYBRID regrowth
100kg per ha equals 80 units per acre. (Source: Fertiliser Manual (RB209) - Germinal GB)
Brassicas are also prone to sulpher (S) deficiency which is shown by yellowing of the leaves. If
suspected, a tissue analysis is the best guide. 10-30kg S/ha (8-24 units/acre) is recommended
depending on deficiency severity.
Useful Information 17MAIN CROP TURNIPS
VERY HIGH FRESH YIELDS
SLOWER GROWTH THAN STUBBLE TURNIPS
SUITABLE FOR LATE SOWING (LATER THAN SWEDES)
CAN BE MIXED WITH KALE, HYBRID OR RAPE TO EXTEND GRAZING
DAYS
SKIN FLESH
VARIETY DESCRIPTION DM %
COLOUR COLOUR
IMPERIAL GREEN Traditional white fleshed variety, with some
GLOBE
8.2 Green White
winter hardiness.
A very high yielding variety of good keeping
MASSIF quality. A replacement for Greentop Scotch. 9 Green Yellow
Graded supplies of this variety are limited.
Sowing Rates
Direct drilled - 0.2-0.3kgs/acre
Broadcast - 0.75kgs/acre
Sowing Period
May to June
Utilisation Period
September to February
14 Main Crop TurnipsFORAGE MIXTURES
Tracy with her husband Ricky McKenzie
‘This forage mixture was sown at the beginning of June. It was grazed with around 300 lambs
from mid October until the beginning of December. Lambs will be sold and the remaining
turnips will feed stock ewes well into the winter, saving on feeding.’
Tracy Patterson, Kirkton Hill Farm, Berwickshire.
MIXTURES DESCRIPTION
RAPE 1 A rape and stubble turnip mixture suitable for early drilling.
RAPE 2 An adaptation of Rape 1 with the inclusion of main crop turnips.
RAPE 3 A stubble turnip and rape mix with fast establishment for later use.
A winter hardy mixture containing kale, rape and main crop turnip, ideal for
KALE 1
fattening lambs.
KALE 2 A unique combination of kale and swede for later utilisation.
HYBRID MIXTURES
MIXTURES DESCRIPTION
A rape/kale hybrid, rape and main crop turnip mix similar to Kale 1 but can be
HYBRID 1
sown later.
A rape/kale hybrid and stubble turnip mix similar to Rape 1, however the
HYBRID 2
vegetative yield from the hybrid should extend the grazing days.
Forage Mixtures 15FORAGE RAPE & HYBRIDS
HARDY, CAN GROW ON POORER SOILS & EXPOSED SITES
IDEAL FOR FATTENING LAMBS OR FLUSHING EWES
CAN ALSO BE LIGHTLY GRAZED BY CATTLE
FLEXIBLE SOWING PERIOD
FAST GROWING
PH OF 6-6.5 IDEAL
‘We have been very impressed with the performance of Gorilla forage rape, it’s not the tallest
variety out there but provides plenty of forage for hungry mouths with high DM content. We
typically sow towards the end of June which suits our requirements well for finishing lambs from
October onwards.’
Roderick MacKenzie, Balintore Farms, Tain.
Sowing Rates Sowing Period Utilisation Period
Direct drilled - 2-3kgs/acre May to August* September to February
Broadcast - 3-4kgs/acre
CONTROL GORILLA CONTROL GORILLA
Gorilla resists early senescing compared to older varieties. The lower 2 leaves of the control variety are
clearly senescing whilst the leaves on Gorilla remain healthy and appetising
*Some varieties don't suit early sowing, speak to your seed specialist to discuss
12 Forage Rape & HybridsRELATIVE DM WINTER
RELATIVE
VARIETY DESCRIPTION FRESH CONTENT HARDINESS
DM YIELD %
YIELD % % (9=best)
100%=Tonnes/ha Control Variety - Emerald 4.0 30.7
Very aggressive growing variety.
Consideration should be taken into
SWIFT sowing date in relation to utilisation. 111 115 12.5 2
(HYBRID)
Can become quite fibrous if not
grazed on time.
Ideal for finishing lambs with good
HOBSON 107 102 13.7 5
winter hardiness.
Regrowing variety with a higher
GORILLA than average dry matter content 104 96 14.1 -
and better clubroot resistance.
For utilisation in autumn and winter
RAMPART 102 106 12.5 -
and has the potential of regrowth.
An extremely high yielding forage
STEGO rape variety with excellent disease 99 97 13.2 4
resistance.
REDSTART High quality, can be grazed 70-90
(HYBRID) 93 93 13.0 4
days after sowing.
Aikengall, East Lothian
CROP SUITABILITY
DAIRY SHEEP GRAZE IN SITU ZERO GRAZING
BEEF PIG ENSILE LIFT & STORE
Forage Rape & Hybrids 13STUBBLE TURNIPS
SUMMER BUFFER FOR DAIRY COWS
GOOD WINTER FEED FOR SHEEP OR CATTLE
EASY TO ESTABLISH
GOOD RESISTANCE TO BOLTING
PH OF 6.5 IS IDEAL
PALATABLE AND EASY TO DIGEST
CAN BE SOWN AFTER HARVEST
Marcus Maxwell, Holme, Castle Douglas.
Sowing Rates Sowing Period Utilisation Period
Direct drilled - 2kgs/acre May to August August to February
Broadcast - 3kgs/acre
WHICH VARIETY IS BEST FOR YOU?
STUBBLE TURNIP
SHEEP & LAMBS DAIRY & BEEF
Autumn & winter use Summer & autumn use
SAMSON SKYFALL
DELILAH RONDO
RONDO TYFON
WHITESTAR
10 Stubble TurnipsRELATIVE RELATIVE RELATIVE
RELATIVE
VARIETY TYPE FRESH ROOT DM LEAF DM
DM YIELD %
YIELD % YIELD % YIELD %
100%=Tonnes/ha Control variety - Barkant 5.52 51.8
Shown to be preferentially Purple
SAMSON grazed which can lead to higher Tankard 103 108 119 83
intakes and live weight gains
Ideal for fattening lambs and
White
DELILAH will produce huge tankard Tankard 100 101 118 77
shaped bulbs
Very quick establishing, green
Green
RONDO skinned with good winter Globe 94 88 96 91
hardiness
Skyfall is a hybrid brassica
SKYFALL which provides a palatable leafy Leafy 87 70 42 141
feed
Customers have been impressed White
WHITESTAR with the winter hardiness and Globe 84 81 78 91
palatability of this turnip
A very fast growing hybrid,
TYFON virtually bulbless
Leafy 79 75 57 105
Macbiehill, Peebleshire
CROP SUITABILITY
DAIRY SHEEP GRAZE IN SITU ZERO GRAZING
BEEF PIG ENSILE LIFT & STORE
Stubble Turnips 11KALE
BEST FOR LATE UTILISATION
BUFFER FEED FOR DAIRY COWS DURING DRY SUMMERS
USED FOR OUT-WINTERING SYSTEMS
WINTER HARDY
SECOND HIGHEST UTILISABLE YIELD
HIGHER YIELDS THAN HYBRID RAPE/KALE
'In my experience Caledonian kale is a very reliable variety for utilising through our winters,
especially useful during the months of January and February. The secret is to have it sown in
early June and fertilise it well, at least 110 units per acre of Nitrogen.'
Jack Armstrong, Barharrow Farm, Castle Douglas.
Sowing Rates Sowing Period Utilisation Period
Direct drilled - 2kgs/acre May to June September to March
Broadcast - 3kgs/acre
WHICH VARIETY IS BEST FOR YOU?
KALE
DAIRY & BEEF SHEEP & LAMBS
Taller, thick-stemmed varieties Leafy types with a shorter
with maximum yield potential growing season
BOMBARDIER KEEPER
GRAMPIAN MARIS KESTREL
CALEDONIAN
8 KaleRELATIVE LEAF : STEM PLANT WINTER
RELATIVE DM
VARIETY TYPE FRESH RATIO HEIGHT HARDINESS
DM YIELD % CONTENT %
YIELD % (HIGH = LEAFY) (CM) (9=BEST)
100%=TONNES/HA Control variety 11.5 80
Marrow
CALEDONIAN Stem 103 107 13.8 0.6 105 5
Marrow
BOMBARDIER Stem 100 105 13.5 0.5 102 5
Marrow
GRAMPIAN Stem 97 100 14.1 0.6 101 4
BITTERN Intermediate 95 89 15.5 0.8 94 -
KEEPER Short 90 82 15.7 1.2 85 5
MARIS
KESTREL
Short 100 100 13.9 1.1 74 4
Clifton Cote Farm, Roxburghshire
CROP SUITABILITY
DAIRY SHEEP GRAZE IN SITU ZERO GRAZING
BEEF PIG ENSILE LIFT & STORE
Kale 9FODDER BEET
ONE OF THE HIGHEST YIELDING FORAGE CROPS
HIGH IN ENERGY, PALATABILITY AND DIGESTIBILITY
CAN BE GRAZED IN SITU OR LIFTED, STORED AND THEN FED
WHOLE OR CHOPPED
'With measured yields of up to 24T DM/ha, at heights of around 1,200 feet above sea level, fodder beet
has the potential to be a real game changer for us. Few other feeds could offer such high quality, yield
and low cost per kgDM.'
Jim Logan, Pirntaton Farm, Galashiels.
GET THE BEST FROM YOUR FODDER BEET
SOIL WEED CONTROL, DISEASE AND PESTS
Fodder beet has been grown in a wide range Good weed control is required to achieve the
of soils, however, it is best grown in a light to full yield potential. The use of a pre-emergence
medium soil in a free draining field. A pH of 7 herbicide should be routine. The seeds are
is ideal. treated with fungicide and insecticide for
protection through establishment. The crop
SEEDBED can be attacked by several pests and therefore
A firm, fine tilth is ideal with as little moisture regular monitoring is essential. Major pests are
loss as possible in the spring. Soil temperature flea beetle, slugs, springtails, symphalids and
of 5°C is required before sowing. Sowing too beet cysts.
early in cold conditions can lead to bolting.
Seed should be precision drilled to a depth of HARVESTING
2.5/3cm. Many of the varieties can be grazed in situ which
will give the benefit of utilising the tops as well
FERTILISER as the root. If lifting, it is important to remove
Nutrition is essential and fodder beet is a the tops down to the base of the leaf petioles.
demanding crop. Apply two thirds of N with Keep soil contamination to a minimum.
all of P and K to seedbed. Apply one third of N
2 months after sowing. Trace elements are also FEEDING
important to fodder beet especially Boron and If lifted - fodder beet can be fed whole to cattle
Manganese. over 250kg. Otherwise chop before feeding.
If feeding indoors a maximum of 8-10kg of
Requirements: beet/head/day with a readily available source
With farmyard slurry: Without farmyard of fibre. The beet would likely make up around
slurry: 60% of DM intake per day. If grazed a maximum
of 70% of DM intake per day.
N 100 kg/ac N 125kg/ac
P 50kg/ac P 75kg/ac It is important to introduce fodder beet
K 50kg/ ac K 150kg/ac gradually with a starting point of 2kg DM intake
per day/head and adding another 1kg DM
intake every 2 days/head up to the maximum
of 8-10kg.
6 Fodder BeetSowing Rates Sowing Period Utilisation Period
40,000 seeds/acre April to May October to November
WHICH VARIETY IS BEST FOR YOU?
FODDER BEET
HIGH DM% MEDIUM DM%
Big DM yields but dirtier
roots. Ideal for harvesting Clean roots ideal for leaf
with sugar beet machinery lifting harvesting equipment
BRICK (23.6 / 75%) ROBBOS (19.9 / 60%)
BLIZZARD (22.4 / 72.3%) JAMON (18.0 / 57%)
TARINE (20.8 / 64.4%) GERONIMO (16 / 55.64%)
(DM% / Root in ground)
LACTIMO (16 / 55-64%)
FELDHERR (15.9 / 49.6%)
FORTIMO (15 / 55-64%)
BRIGADIER (14.5 / 47.9%)
(DM% / Root in ground)
VARIETY DESCRIPTION
ROBBOS Clean yellow roots, very consistent performance
JAMON High palatability and easily eaten in situ or fed whole or chopped
GERONIMO Very high potential yield and greater bolting resistance
LACTIMO Good seedling vigour and produces very high fresh yields of medium dry matter
FELDHERR Orange roots which grow out of the ground producing huge fresh yields
FORTIMO Produces excellent yields of medium dry matter
BRIGADIER A traditional polyploid, mangel type fodder beet
CROP SUITABILITY
DAIRY SHEEP GRAZE IN SITU ZERO GRAZING
BEEF PIG ENSILE LIFT & STORE
FODDER BEET SELLS OUT FAST - PLEASE ORDER EARLY TO ENSURE YOU GET YOUR PREFERRED VARIETY
Fodder Beet 7SWEDES
Photograph by Glyn Satterley
CAN BE FED TO SHEEP, DAIRY AND BEEF CATTLE
IDEAL FOR FINISHING LAMBS
HIGH ENERGY WINTER GRAZING, WINTER HARDY, HIGH YIELD
CAN BE SOWN ON A RANGE OF SOIL TYPES
PH AROUND 6.5
HIGHEST UTILISABLE YIELD OUT OF ALL THE FORAGE CROPS
LOW PRODUCTION COSTS AND COST EFFECTIVE
‘The variety Kenmore has got off to a great start and are destined for processing. Sometimes
they have yielded 50 tonnes an acre.’ Ron Shaw, Smailholm Mains, Roxburghshire.
WHICH VARIETY IS BEST FOR YOU?
SWEDES
HIGH (DM%) MEDIUM (DM%) LOW (DM%)
Better winter hardiness &
suitable for long keep systems Large DM yields & easily Earlier to bulk (Oct-Dec)
(Jan-Feb) eaten (Nov-Jan)
INVITATION MAGRES AIRLIE
TRIUMPH BRORA
RUTA OTOFTE
LOMOND
GOWRIE
KENMORE
4 SwedesVARIETY DESCRIPTION TYPE
KENMORE Early variety with high yields Forage
TRIUMPH Optimum bulb dry matter and good winter leaf retention Forage
GOWRIE Excellent yield & disease resistance Dual Purpose
LOMOND Big yields & consistent performance Dual Purpose
INVITATION Winter hardy with large leaves for extra potential Forage
AIRLIE Bulky & early with good resistance to mildew Dual Purpose
BRORA A purple skinned variety with culinary potential Culinary
RUTA Popular all rounder, capable of large yields Forage
OTOFTE
MAGRES Excellent resistance to mildew & splitting Culinary
Nether Culzean, Ayrshire
SOWING RATES FOR GRADED SEEDS
SEED SPACING
ROW WIDTH 2” (5cm) 4” (10cm) 6” (15.25cm) 8” (20cm)
20” (50cm) 325 275 225 200
24” (60cm) 300 250 200 150
26” (65cm) 275 225 175 125
28” (70cm) 250 200 150 100
CROP SUITABILITY
DAIRY SHEEP GRAZE IN SITU ZERO GRAZING
BEEF PIG ENSILE LIFT & STORE
Swedes 5CONTENTS 3 Nutritional Characteristics 4/5 Swedes 6/7 Fodder Beet 8/9 Kale 10/11 Stubble Turnips 12/13 Forage Rape & Hybrids 14 Main Crop Turnip 15 Forage Mixtures 16 Feeding Guidelines 17 Useful Information 18 Game Cover Mixtures TURN TO THE 'BACK' FOR THE CASTLE GRASS MIXTURES CATALOGUE
ROOTS & FORAGE GUIDE
Rising feed costs have brought about These crops demand relatively modest
renewed interest in forage crops. inputs of agrochemicals and fertiliser.
With their high dry-matter yields,
Forage crops have the potential to production costs compare favourably
produce very high yields over a short with those for conserved grass, maize
growing season, combined with a and whole-crop cereals.
flexible sowing window from early
summer to the beginning of August. At Watson Seeds we have selected,
These crops can be fed from ten to from the plant breeders, forage crop
fourteen weeks from sowing. varieties which will give our customers
a flexible range of crops, thus offering
Root and forage crops can be fed to a suitable option for almost every farm
all classes of livestock, either for milk situation.
production or live weight gain and are
suitable for organic and conventional
farming.
MAIN NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FORAGE CROPS
DRY
SOWING TIME TO SOWING CRUDE
CROP UTILISABLE MATTER D VALUE
DATE MATURE RATE/ACRE PROTEIN
T/ACRE
FODDER 24-28 October to
April - May 40,000 seeds/acre 6.0-7.25 12-13% 78
BEET weeks November
STUBBLE May to 12-14 August to 2kgs (drilled)
1.6-2.25 17-18% 69
TURNIP August Weeks February 3kgs (broadcast)
RAPE/ July to 12-14 September to 2kgs (drilled)
KALE 1.4-1.6 15-24% 66
HYBRID August Weeks February 3kgs (broadcast)
FORAGE May to 10-12 September to 3kgs (drilled)
1.4-1.6 19-20% 65
RAPE August Weeks February 4kgs (broadcast)
16-20 September to 2kgs (drilled)
KALE May to June 3.25-4.0 16-17% 70-75
Weeks March 3kgs (broadcast)
20 September to
SWEDES May 100-325g 2.85-4.0 10-11% 82
Weeks February
MAIN 12-15 September to 0.2-0.3kgs (drilled)
CROP May to June 2.2-2.45 17-18% 68-70
TURNIPS Weeks February 0.75kg (broadcast)
14-16 April to up to 6 (in
CHICORY May to July 2kgs 25% 70-80
Weeks October season)
Nutritional Characteristics 3ROOTS & FORAGE GUIDE
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