LUCERNE AdvisoR 2018 pasturegenetics.com - Pasture Genetics
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LUCERNE Advisor
2018
– LU C E R N E fo r t h e Au s t ral i an far m er –
pasturegenetics.com
rob says
Our lucerne range is not only
having great success in Australia
but is also in high demand
throughout our international
markets. We are proud that
our Australian bred material is
recognised around the world.
Australia has a lucrative lucerne
seed production industry, with
many internationally bred and
imported varieties being produced
for seed in Australia for export
back to those markets.
Some of these internationally
developed varieties are beginning
to be sold here in Australia.
These varieties have not been
bred for our adverse local
conditions, and farmers are being
disappointed with the inferior
rob
performance of these varieties.
When you purchase a Pasture
Genetics variety, you can be
assured that the variety is bred in
says
Australia, to handle our specific
farming systems, within our local
environmental conditions. Please
be mindful when looking into
purchasing a new lucerne variety,
that you enquire as to the origin
of the variety, and don’t settle for
If you are serious imported “look-alikes”.
about achieving These impressive attributes
Our entire range of premium
are driving the increase
high levels of animal of lucerne plantings
proprietary lucerne comes
standard with the Goldstrike
production, lucerne Australia-wide. LongLife® XLR8™ seed treatment,
is one of the most read more about the benefits of
this on page 2.
potent options to Pasture Genetics Lucerne
power your pastures. Advisor 2018 guides you, step-
We are also so confident in the
ability of our lucerne to establish,
by-step, through establishment
that we offer our Establishment
and management practices. From
Guarantee™ programme*, which
preparation, to varietal selection,
guarantees that we will replace
and successful establishment, seed at half the original purchase
Lucerne, the “King of
this is your “go-to” reference. price if it fails to establish
Fodder”, is a deep-rooted,
temperate, perennial We maintain a wide selection satisfactorily*.
pasture legume which is of cultivars ensuring producers
well adapted to mixed select the right variety for
farming systems. On a final note, Pasture
their requirement, without
Genetics is a 100 percent
compromise.
Australian OWNED family
Our lucerne breeding programme business, committed to
Ideal as a pasture, or cutting is the only in Australia that research, select, breed,
for silage, hay or chaff, an covers lucerne dormancy from market and distribute
established lucerne stand winter dormant varieties rating the most innovative
provides an alternative source 3, through to highly winter active and exciting lucerne
of forage for animal production, varieties rating 10. seed technology.
especially outside the growing
season of annual crops and The release of a new variety
pastures. does not happen overnight. Planting Pasture Genetics lucerne
Our latest release, GTL®60 is a direct investment in the
It is extremely versatile and Lucerne is the result of 12 years continuation of Australia’s largest
can be sown alone, in mixed selection, breeding and trialling, and most successful lucerne
pastures or sown with crops, and to ensure that we only release breeding programme, focused
once established is often more the very best, well-adapted specifically on breeding lucerne
productive than many annuals. lucerne to the Australian market. for Australian farmers.
With its deep root system, it The uptake and success of Your specific choice of cultivar
has an uncanny ability to deal GTL®60 Lucerne has been is determined by your climate
with most types of plant stress rapid and widespread, from and soil type. Please consult
including drought conditions Tasmania in the south, to Central your local agronomist or Pasture
yet has a large capacity for Queensland in the north. It’s by Genetics Territory Manager to
production under irrigation far our most grazing tolerant identify the most suitable variety
and in favourable seasons. lucerne variety, able to take a for your requirements.
pounding in the paddock, while
These features mean lucerne is still being versatile enough to
relatively independent of the fill a high quality bale. GTL®60 ON THE COVER:
main rainfall season and that it Lucerne retains leaf through RESEARCH & TECHNICAL
will thrive in the northern as well the drying and baling process, SERVICES MANAGER,
Robert Damin
TOM DAMIN WITH TERRITORY
as southern regions of Australia if offering greater flexibility to hay Managing Director MANAGER, REHN FREEBAIRN
other conditions are satisfactory. producers and graziers alike. Pasture Genetics IN GTL®60 LUCERNE.
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glossary
At Pasture Genetics we are so confident in our seed genetics and the quality of our proprietary products, we will
replace seed at half the original purchase price if it fails to establish satisfactorily*.
Unfortunately establishment failures can occur, Pasture Genetics’ Establishment Guarantee™ programme* is available
ESTABLISHMENT for the vital 30 day period after planting, and provides growers with substantial savings should they need to replant
E= their paddocks. Pasture Genetics is the only forage company in Australia to offer Establishment Guarantee™.
GUARANTEE™
Plant with peace of mind and the support of Pasture Genetics.
Register at www.pasturegenetics.com within 30 days of planting to be participate in the programme.
*Terms & Conditions apply.
XtraLeaf® forage cereals are purpose bred, premium species for forage production and optimum forage quality.
L= xtraLeaf®
XtraLeaf® assists you in filling the winter feed gap.
AR1 is a novel endophyte producing Peramine. AR1 is safe for livestock, whilst offering some protection against
AR1 = AR1 insect attack. AR1 does not produce Ergovaline or Lolitrem B, found in standard endophyte options, which can be
harmful to livestock.
Protek™ is a novel endophyte that produces lolines for above and below the ground insect protection, in particular,
against African Black Beetle. Protek™ improves pasture performance by increasing resistance to insect damage,
P= Protek™
therefore reducing stand thinning, as well as assisting tall fescue to persist through environmental stresses. Protek™
is only available for tall fescue. Protek™ is safe for use with cattle and sheep, but is not suitable for horses.
Edge is a novel endophyte producing Peramine, it is safe for livestock and offers protection against insects such as
Argentine Stem Weevil, African Black Beetle, Root Aphid and Pasture Mealybug.
D= Edge Edge does not cause ryegrass staggers or heat stress. Edge is easy to use, request Edge when ordering your seed
and let it do the work. You will enjoy the improved persistence of the pasture, and your animals will enjoy the
palatability. Edge is safe for use with cattle and sheep, but is not suitable for horses.
Happe is the benchmark pasture endophyte. Happe was originally discovered in meadow fescue and has since
been naturally transferred into a range of other grass species. Happe produces protection against insects above
and below the ground, lolines that offer completely safe grazing for livestock, improved livestock acceptance, and
H= Happe
increased grass performance. Happe is easy to use, request Happe when ordering your seed and let it do the work.
You will enjoy the improved persistence of the pasture, and your animals will enjoy the palatability. Happe is safe for
use with cattle and sheep, but is not suitable for horses.
Goldstrike® includes rhizobia inoculation, micronutrient package and Apron® XL fungicide (where available on label).
G= Goldstrike Goldstrike® is comprised of the highest quality seed and coating technology, and is the best establishment package
for pasture legumes.
Goldstrike LongLife® includes rhizobia inoculation, micronutrient package and Apron® XL fungicide (where available
on label). Goldstrike LongLife® is comprised of the highest quality seed and coating technology, and is the best
GolDstrike
GL = establishment package for pasture legumes. Goldstrike LongLife® offers extended rhizobia storage life on a range of
LongLife®
species. Goldstrike LongLife® can provide up to six months storage life on medic and sub clover, and up to 12 months
storage life on lucerne.
Goldstrike LongLife® XLR8™ includes rhizobia inoculation, micronutrient package and Apron® XL fungicide (where
available on label). Goldstrike LongLife® XLR8™ is comprised of the highest quality seed and coating technology, and
is the best establishment package for pasture legumes. Goldstrike LongLife® XLR8™ offers extended rhizobia storage
life on a range of species. Goldstrike LongLife® XLR8™ can provide up to six months storage life on medic and sub
Goldstrike
clover, and up to 12 months storage life on lucerne. Goldstrike LongLife® XLR8™ is also treated with Poncho® Plus
GLX = LongLife®
insecticide. Poncho® Plus is an innovative insecticidal seed treatment that has registration across a range of pasture
XLR8™
species and forage crops. Poncho® Plus combines two robust compounds, imidacloprid and clothiandin, which
increase the insect control spectrum above other seed treatment options. Poncho® Plus provides protection during
establishment against a range of pests including Redlegged Earth Mite, Cutworm and Lucerne Flea. Poncho® Plus
also offers added establishment vigour in the early growth stage of the plant.
Goldstrike XLR8™ includes rhizobia inoculation, micronutrient package and Apron® XL fungicide (where available
on label). Goldstrike XLR8™ is comprised of the highest quality seed and coating technology, and is the best
establishment package for pasture legumes. Goldstrike XLR8™ is also treated with Poncho® Plus insecticide. Poncho®
Goldstrike Plus is an innovative insecticidal seed treatment that has registration across a range of pasture species and forage
GX =
XLR8® crops. Poncho® Plus combines two robust compounds, imidacloprid and clothiandin, which increase the insect
control spectrum above other seed treatment options. Poncho® Plus provides protection during establishment
against a range of pests including Redlegged Earth Mite, Cutworm and Lucerne Flea. Poncho® Plus also offers added
establishment vigour in the early growth stage of the plant.
XLR8™ treatment is a film coat application of Poncho® Plus insecticide. Poncho® Plus is an innovative insecticidal
seed treatment that has registration across a range of pasture species and forage crops. Poncho® Plus combines
8 two robust compounds, imidacloprid and clothiandin, which increase the insect control spectrum above other
X= XLR XLR8™
seed treatment options. Poncho® Plus provides protection during establishment against a range of pests including
Redlegged Earth Mite, Cutworm and Lucerne Flea. Poncho® Plus also offers added establishment vigour in the early
growth stage of the plant.
A film coat of Gaucho® insecticide. Gaucho® provides protection during establishment against a range of pests
GA = Gaucho® including Redlegged Earth Mite and Aphid, which can reduce the transmission of diseases such as Barley Yellow
Dwarf in oats. Gaucho® also offers added establishment vigour in the early growth stage of the plant.
SOWsmart® blends are Pasture Genetics’ ready-to-sow proven pasture blends. They are the product of our ongoing
research and development, specifically our Forage Crop Programme.
SOWsmart® aims to fulfil the requirements of farming, providing agronomically accurate blends for high production
sowsmart®
pastures based within environmental and managerial constraints. The SOWsmart® range of blends offer weed
control, high dry matter production, nitrogen fixation, and good seed regeneration. It is important to select the most
suitable blend for your operation.
Low Bloat™ species or blends have properties that aid the reduction of bloat issues in livestock.
It is recommended that you plant Low Bloat™ species or blends alongside the pasture legumes that are commonly
low bloat™
known to have a higher risk of causing stock health issues. Choosing a Low Bloat™ option offers you better
management options for maintaining high levels of stock health and productivity as a producer.
Super N Fixer™ species or blends are high performance pasture legumes, that offer elevated levels of nitrogen
fixation. Increased nitrogen fixation can be highly beneficial to the following crop or pasture rotation.
super n
Increased planting rates of blends creates very dense coverage and allows for higher dry matter production,
fixer™
equating to a potential increase in nitrogen fixation. Super N Fixer™ is one of the most economical options to get
more productivity out of your paddock in successive years after the legume crop has been utilised.
*Observe withholding periods when utilising Poncho® Plus or Gaucho® products.
• pasturegenetics.com LUCERNE ADVISOR 2018 | 2
best management practices
– B E ST M A N AG E M E N T P R AC TI C E S –
1. Paddock pink cutworm. Look for adequate
Seed Depth & Lucerne Emergence
soil moisture to 20 centimetres at
selection & time of sowing. Depth (cm) Percentage Emergence
preparation
Pre-irrigation (where possible) Sand Loam Clay
Lucerne can be grown on a range and sowing into moisture is best 1.25cm (0.5 inches) 71 59 53
of soils from deep sands to heavy practice for lucerne establishment.
clays. For best yield and persistence 2.50cm (1.0 inches) 73 55 48
select paddocks with: 3. Fertiliser 3.75cm (1.5 inches) 55 31 28
• Optimal range soil 5.0cm (2.0 inches) 40 16 13
pH(CaCl2) 5.0 - 7.5 Phosphorus is vital for early
seedling growth and strong
• Good natural slopes (for good Seeding rates (kg/ha) & TIMING
root development for better
drainage within the paddock)
plant survival. Sow lucerne with Good
• Adequate fertility (nutrient Marginal Irrigation
a minimum of 15 - 20 units per Variety
dryland
dryland &
& coast
Seeding Time
levels) Tablelands
hectare (dryland) and 20 - 40 units
A surface and subsoil soil test per hectare (irrigation). Banding ML99 MultiLeaf , ®
Autumn,
is recommended to determine fertiliser two to three centimetres L92, L91, Q75, L71, 2-4 4-8 10 - 20
winter, spring
the suitability for lucerne. Soil L70, GTL®60
below the seed is best. Molybdenum
acidity affects every stage of added to the fertiliser ensures good Autumn,
L56 1-3 4-6 10 - 20
lucerne production from seedling spring
nodulation for greater nitrogen
establishment to stand survival. fixation by the lucerne. Lookout Early autumn,
Q31 1-3 4-6 10 - 20
Incorporate lime three to six spring
for adequate levels of sulphur,
months before sowing where topsoil potassium, boron and zinc.
pH(CaCl2) is below 5.0. Avoid soils Guide to Seeding Rates of Cover Crops & Companion Species
pH
with acid subsoils or high levels of 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 Cover Crops Companion Species
subsoil exchangeable aluminium NITROGEN
(above five percent). Apply gypsum PHOSPHORUS Barley 20 - 30kg/ha Sub clover & medics 2 - 3kg/ha
POTASSIUM
to sodic soils (exchangeable SULPHUR Lupins 40 - 50kg/ha Phalaris 1kg/ha
sodium levels above six percent) CALCIUM
MAGNESIUM Oats 25 - 35kg/ha Cocksfoot 1 - 3kg/ha
to overcome surface crusting IRON
problems. MANGANESE
Wheat 30 - 45kg/ha Fescue 2 - 3kg/ha
BORON
Gypsum needs to be applied COPPER AND ZINC
several months before sowing. Use MOLYBDENUM Optimum plant populations per m2
deep ripping to break hard layers in Available nutrients in relation to pH. Established plants per square metre (minimum density highlighted)
the subsoil and to increase gypsum
penetration to depth. Plan for weed Topdress with P & K Cover crops or Sown
Situation
pasture mixes alone
control prior to and during the After the seeding year, annual
cropping phase to reduce the density Marginal dryland (
best management practices
– B E ST M A N AG E M E N T P R AC TI C E S –
Plant lucerne paddocks first lambing gives better utilisation of Sub-Surface drip irrigation 10. Haymaking
in your cropping programme. If lucerne in pastures.
Low volume emitters, moulded Before adopting a haymaking
stand density is patchy and below Maintain flexibility with stocking onto the internal wall of a enterprise, organise a market in
10 plants (dryland) or 40 plants rates and grazing management. polyethylene tube and buried 200 advance and consistently meet
(irrigation), consider stand removal Conserve excess feed as hay or millimetres to 300 millimetres market requirements. Generally,
and re-seeding. silage to fill feed gaps or provide below the soil surface, is recognised aim for high quality as well as
Lucerne is suited to under- additional income. Rotational as the most efficient means of high yields to optimise animal
sowing with winter crops or direct grazing with all varieties during irrigating lucerne (95 percent performance and long-term
drilling into crop stubble after the summer and autumn will maintain WUE) and is becoming increasingly profitability.
grain harvest. Seeding rate of the production and persistence at popular as water availability Mechanical field losses during
cover crop should be reduced by 50 a high level. declines and the cost of water haymaking can be large (20 - 40
percent and sown in skip (alternate) Avoid grazing waterlogged increases. percent). Aim to mow early in the
rows. A cover crop can help paddocks because soil compaction These sub-surface drip irrigation day and minimise handling during
defray the costs of establishment and trampling will reduce yield laterals are spaced across the the curing process.
and reduce soil erosion or wind and lead to poor persistence. Set paddock at distances from 0.3 to 0.8
sandblasting of lucerne seedlings stocking during spring in good years metres apart, depending on soil and 11. C
haff varietal
on sand hills and sandy flats. will not harm the stand and may crop requirements. As the water selection
reduce the risk of bloat in cattle. (and fertiliser) is delivered right to
6. E
arly To optimise stand longevity, allow The traditional chaff market
the root-zone (where it is needed)
lucerne to reach mid-flowering has been based around the horse
Management in measurable and adjustable
feed industry. Lucerne has been
once during the year. quantities it not only saves water
Seed treatment or bare earth a sought after product to meet
Too frequent cutting or set but has a positive effect on plant
emergence spray for Redlegged the market requirements. When
stocking for extended periods productivity, longevity and health.
Earth Mites will pay dividends in selecting a lucerne variety to target
reduces overall yields, reduces vigour, As opposed to flood and spray
the long run. Monitor seedlings chaff quality we look for material
which allows weed invasion and irrigation, excess water does not that has a high leaf to stem ratio.
carefully for aphids and use aphid ultimately results in death of plants. collect on the surface and hence It is important to maximize the
resistant varieties. Graze leniently
growers can manage their cutting softness of the leaf but still maintain
the first time when the young stand
is at least 20 centimetres high and
8. Irrigation times more effectively, there is less the functional fibre. There are
weed growth and no compaction is four Pasture Genetics’ lucerne
well anchored. Lucerne established For high production of lucerne,
caused by harvesting equipment. varieties that can be utilised,
under cover crops should be allowed irrigation management should
ML99 MultiLeaf ® Lucerne and
to flower before first cut or grazing. aim to avoid any moisture stress. Sub-surface drip irrigation also
Q75 Lucerne - winter active lines,
When water is in short supply, it is requires very little labour to operate
or L56 Lucerne and Q31 Lucerne
possible to extend the irrigation and maintain.
7. Grazing - semi-winter dormant lines. The
interval more than shallow rooted
Management management of each line is very
pasture to maintain lower levels of 9. Livestock Health important to achieve the desirable
Rotational grazing is the production. quality. With highly winter active
Cattle grazing lucerne pastures
preferred management system for Irrigation layout and practice lines it is important to cut in the
during the bloat season (winter
lucerne. Grazing periods should be should ensure water penetrates earlier stage of maturity to maintain
and spring) are susceptible to bloat.
no longer than two weeks, followed at least 80 to 100 centimetres maximum leaf compared to stem.
Frequent observation of stock on
by a three to six week rest period. and permit drainage within eight The window of opportunity with
lucerne is essential. To manage
This practice allows the plants to hours to minimise waterlogging. varieties such as L56 Lucerne and
bloat use high stocking rates and Q31 Lucerne is quite wide due to
re-grow and replenish root reserves. Do not irrigate immediately after avoid placing hungry stock on the higher leaf trait of these lines.
Larger mobs that fit the grazing hay is harvested to reduce the risk immature lucerne.
unit (paddock size) allow quicker This in turn allows for high quality
of scalding, particularly during
Allowing stock access to grass, across a high percentage of cuts.
grazing. Alternatively, the use summer. Time the final irrigation to
stubble or hay while they are
of high stocking rates is greatly allow adequate dry-down of the soil
grazing lucerne and the use of 12. Nutrient
assisted with strip grazing and surface to prevent soil compaction
bloat oil and/or rumen capsules will
electric fencing. Changing to August by harvesting machinery. Removal
effectively reduce the incidence of
bloat. Vaccinate stock with “5 in 1” To maintain the health of lucerne
Measuring Forage Quality to prevent pulpy kidney, which is stands replace soil nutrients
Weight gain effect based on feed quality sometimes confused with bloat. Red removed in hay. Soil and leaf tissue
(180 to 275 KILOGRAM steer calves) gut can affect sheep and lambs that tests annually in early spring
Pre-bud Bud Early Full are grazing pure stands of lucerne help ensure other nutrients are
during similar weather conditions, adequate.
CP 23 20 17 14
which can result in bloat. At the
ADF 21 26 34 43
first sign of red gut (sudden death) 13. Re-sowing &
DDM 73 69 62 55 affected flocks should be removed Crop Rotation
Intake 3.5 3 2.5 2 immediately. Manage red gut the
way you would bloat for cattle. High producing lucerne will
Daily Gain (kgs) 1 0.86 0.55 0.36
generally require re-sowing after
kg of feed (gain) 3.2 4.07 5.5 6.75 Bloat Reduction Option four to seven years. Winter active
Source: University of Nevada-Reno. All values on a dry-matter basis. Pasture Genetics’ SOWsmart® stands will often decline sooner than
Intake = % of body weight, CP = % Crude Protein, ADF = % Acid Detergent Fibre,
Bloat Fighter Blend has been winter dormant ones. Thickening up
DDM = % digestible dry matter. an old and thinning lucerne stand
especially designed as a pasture
fails more than it succeeds. It is best
blend option to reduce the instance
Nutrient Removal practice to completely remove old
of bloat on straight lucerne based
lucerne plants and allow at least
Amount removed Seasonally in 15 pastures. This mix has incorporated
Nutrients
in 1 DM t of hay DM t/ha of hay three weeks between herbicide
two lucerne companion species,
application and re-sowing. There
Nitrogen (N) 20 - 30kg 375kg Zulumax Arrowleaf Clover and
are significant benefits in rotating
Phosphorus (P) 2 - 3kg 37kg Balance Chicory that have proven
lucerne paddocks with winter cereal
anti-bloating properties.
Potassium (K) 15 - 20kg 262kg or canola crops to control weeds,
Sulphur (S) 2 - 4kg 45kg use soil nitrogen, break disease
and insect cycles, manage in-crop
Calcium (Ca) 13 - 17kg 225kg
herbicide resistance as well as
Magnesium (Mg) 3 - 4kg 52kg
increase whole farm profits.
• pasturegenetics.com LUCERNE ADVISOR 2018 | 4
LUCERNE VARIETAL SELECTION
LUCERNE
– w i n t er d o r m an t, s e m i - w i n t er d o r m an t & w i n t er ac t i v e –
LUCERNE Varietal Selection Chart
Selecting the right Winter Dormant semi-winter Dormant Winter active
variety for your
paddocks
1. What is the purpose for sowing?
Grazing, hay or dual-purpose?
2. When is the feed required?
Summer only, autumn and
summer etc.
3. How long do I want the stand
to last? Three year rotation,
permanent pasture etc.
GTL®60, L70, L71, Q75, L91,
Variety Q31 LUCERNE L56 LUCERNE
L92, ML99 Multileaf ® LUCERNE
Good. Best sown alone - not Very good - suitable for cover cropping Excellent - suitable for cover cropping
Establishment Vigour
recommended for winter sowing and pasture mixes with perennial grasses and pasture mixes with annual pastures
Growth 95 percent summer, five percent winter 90 percent summer, 10 percent winter 80 percent summer, 20 percent winter
Winter-Hardiness Very high High Moderate
Similar regrowth rates to most
Shorter growth. Delayed maturity for
Maturity winter actives. Extended cutting Fast regrowth, early maturity
maximum cutting and grazing flexibility
schedule and grazing period
Below ground and broad -
Crown Low and broader - good grazing tolerance High and erect - strict rotational grazing
excellent grazing tolerance
Good quality hay and silage if given
Forage Quality Premium grade hay, chaff and silage Very good quality hay, chaff and silage
the best cutting management
Irrigation/coastal/cold climates. Best Dryland and irrigation. Suitable for soils Dryland and irrigation.
Adaptation
suited to medium and heavy soils ranging from deep sands to heavy clays Suitable for most soil types
Having a complete range of lucerne
varieties for all applications, is the
hallmark of the Pasture Genetics
lucerne breeding programme.
With combined germplasm from our
long-term local breeding programme
and the New South Wales Department
of Primary Industries, we are continually
developing new and improved varieties
with a strong Australian pedigree –
providing pastures for the Australian farmer.
Variety selection is key, but our options
make your choice easy.
Tom Damin
Research & Technical Services Manager
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LUCERNE feed quality trial 2017
Lucerne Feed Variety Dormancy CP% ADF% NDF% DMD% ME RFV
Quality Trial Q31 Lucerne 3 30.8 21.4 26.2 78.0 11.8 256.5
2017
Penfield Research Station SARDI Five 5 28.7 24.3 28.6 76.9 11.6 227.6
TRIAL SOWN 25/05/2015 L56 Lucerne 5 28.4 23.0 28.9 75.3 11.3 228.5
• Three replicates were sown for SF Force 5 5 28.3 23.7 29.5 75.6 11.4 222.1
each variety.
Stamina 5 5 27.4 24.3 31.3 72.5 10.9 208.0
• All varieties were initially sown
at 15 kilograms per hectare. Stamina GT6 6 27.0 26.2 30.8 73.0 10.9 206.9
• The trial was irrigated, and treated GTL®60 Lucerne 6 28.7 22.2 29.6 75.3 11.3 225.0
as a high production trial, aiming
Aurora 6 25.6 25.6 32.5 71.5 10.7 197.4
for six to seven cuts per year, for
assessing overall forage yield. SARDI Grazer 6 27.5 25.2 30.5 74.5 11.2 211.3
• Forage quality measurements Genesis 7 26.7 21.3 31.1 76.3 11.5 216.3
were taken throughout spring
SARDI Seven Series 2 7 26.3 24.8 30.8 70.3 10.5 210.2
and summer, 2016/17. Four quality
measurements of freshly cut Titan 7 7 26.0 25.6 33.0 71.9 10.8 194.4
lucerne were taken prior to whole SF Force 7 7 28.6 23.0 30.1 75.9 10.4 219.4
plot forage yield cuts being made.
Haymaster 7 7 28.3 22.9 29.4 75.2 11.3 224.8
• Each cut was made 28 days
following the previous cut, all SF 714QL 7 26.8 24.5 30.9 73.3 11.0 210.2
varieties were cut at the same time.
Q75 Lucerne 7 28.9 23.8 27.3 76.1 11.5 239.7
• The results are average of 12
samples - four cuts per variety, L70 Lucerne 7 27.0 26.1 31.3 71.8 10.7 203.8
with three replicates of each L71 Lucerne 7 29.8 23.3 28.9 75.9 11.4 227.0
variety per cut.
Pegasis 9 25.7 26.8 34.2 69.9 10.4 185.0
Discussion Sequel 9 25.7 26.8 34.2 70.4 10.5 185.0
This trial assessed the standing
Titan 9 9 26.5 27.4 32.0 71.5 10.7 196.4
forage quality of many commercial
lucerne varieties as two-year-old L91 Lucerne 9 25.1 25.4 32.7 70.0 10.4 196.6
lucerne stands; as well as examining L92 Lucerne 9 26.5 26.7 31.5 71.4 10.7 201.1
other key factors – percentage
SARDI Ten Series 2 10 26.8 27.6 33.9 69.9 10.4 184.9
of crude protein (CP) present,
metabolizable energy (ME) as SF Force 10 10 25.8 27.0 34.6 70.3 10.5 182.5
megajoules per kilogram (MJ/kg) of ML99 MultiLeaf® Lucerne 10 28.6 24.4 30.8 74.9 11.3 211.1
dry matter (DM), and digestibility
Average 27.4 24.7 30.9 73.4 11.0 210.5
characteristics.
The relative feed value (RFV)
of each variety was calculated. mechanical hay making process,
The RFV is an index value that as varieties such as Q31 Lucerne and
ranks feed based on the potential Q75 Lucerne, maintain higher RFV
digestible dry matter intake. values due to their high leaf holding
The RFV value is calculated by traits. A typical lucerne hay or silage
comparing the digestible dry matter feed sample would have a lower
of the variety; using the percentage RFV rating, and lower percentage
of acid detergent fibre (ADF) with of CP and ME values than shown
the dry matter intake estimate of on this chart, as these were fresh
the variety, using the percentage of cut pasture with very little leaf loss,
neutral detergent fibre (NDF). compared to what would normally
The equation used for RFV be, after mechanical harvesting.
calculation is as follows:
RFV = ((88.9 – (0.779*ADF))*((120/NDF)/1.29)
The RFV does not consider
the percentage of CP or other
The ability for green cut
nutrient factors, but does give a
lucerne to hold its leaf THE SELECTION OF LUCERNE CULTIVARS WITH HIGH LEAF HOLDING
good indication of the quality of CAPACITY SUCH AS Q31 LUCERNE, ALLOWS FOR HIGHER RELATIVE FEED
into the bale is critical VALUE RESULTS, AS DEMONSTRATED IN THIS TRIAL
the forage in regard to its value
when making premium
to the grazing animal in terms
quality hay.
of digestibility, and allows for an
indexed value to be used when Mechanical losses at
comparing different forage quality time of baling range
results of a number of varieties. from eight to 45 percent.
Varieties such as Q31 Lucerne When targeting high
and Q75 Lucerne have shown their quality lucerne hay, it
characteristic quality traits clearly is paramount to select
in this trial; both varieties were varieties with such leaf
developed to produce high quality holding traits.
forage.
Q31 Lucerne
The samples were taken from
demonstrates excellent
fresh cut forage prior to cutting for
forage yield; there would be greater
leaf retention in the bale.
differences again if the varieties REPLICATED LUCERNE PLOTS,
LUCERNE FEED QUALITY TRIAL Q31 Lucerne after baling
were tested after going through a
• pasturegenetics.com LUCERNE ADVISOR 2018 | 6
q31 LUCERNE
EXTREME DENSITY “Q31 Lucerne is a winter dormant
variety, which does take some
& HIGHER LEAF
management and is not for your
CONTENT WITH first-time hay grower. It is slower
Q31 LUCERNE to establish than the more winter
“I have grown Pasture Genetics’ active varieties, so weed control is
q31 Q31 Lucerne for about three years paramount prior to sowing and the
LUCERNE now, and it continues to produce use of a pre-emergent herbicide
the highest quality, leafy hay,” said spray is vital,” Kyle said.
Winter dormant
Kyle Ropa. However, Q31 Lucerne has many
Medicago sativaE, GLX
On his White Falls property in advantages to a specialist hay
Winter Activity 3
Singleton, New South Wales, Kyle is grower. As a winter dormant variety,
Min Rainfall (mm) 450
in the business of producing quality Q31 Lucerne is a prostrate type,
Seeding Rate kg/ha hay for his clients. with a very low-set crown, whereby
Dryland 4-8 The latest stand of Q31 Lucerne the crown is under the ground.
High Rainfall/Irrigation 10 - 20 that has been established was This low-set crown not only protects
Hay Production 25 - 30 sown in mid-September 2017, at a the lucerne from vehicle traffic
rate of 25 kilograms per hectare, and livestock damage but ensures
• Quickly been adopted as the
leading hay and chaffing variety for and fertilized according to prior the lucerne has longevity in the
premium markets. soil testing with SSP+Mo at 250 paddock due to the minimal
• A superior leaf retention trait, kilograms per hectare and Cal-S at damage throughout the year.
and the highest nutritive value in 400 kilograms per hectare, along One of the many advantages
retained leaf in feed and hay. High
yields and excellent quality for with lime at 1,000 kilograms per of growing Q31 Lucerne is that it
grazing, silage, hay and chaff. hectare. is winter dormant and only grows
• Demonstrates greater persistence “By mid-December I had taken the during the hay and silage season.
than winter active varieties, when
first cut off the Q31 Lucerne which Another advantage is that it has a
persistence is more important than
winter growth. produced over 4.5 tonnes per hectare. cutting cycle of 40-42 days, so there
• Bred for specialist irrigated “The bales had impressive weight is plenty of time between cuts. This
haymaking, silage or chaff, where and packed in really well due to the allows for flexible management when
premium quality is required and
where hay cannot be made in winter. high leaf and fine stem attributes of dealing with incumbent weather.
• Ideally suited to leaders in forage Q31 Lucerne. “My clients are extremely happy
quality. “When mowing the paddock, I with both the quality and fine stem,
have had to mow it in a lower gear as well as the bale density that
due to the extreme density and Q31 Lucerne hay provides,” Kyle
higher leaf content. concluded.
CUTTING Q31 LUCERNE AT WHITE FALLS
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LOCAL FOCUS
LOCAL
FOCUS
WITH MICHAEL
autumn/winter and will provide
growth earlier in spring than the
More advanced varieties are
dormant varieties. Generally, they
CHRISTENSEN
in high demand, with Pasture
are sown throughout Queensland
Genetics’ L56, L71, Q75, L92
for high quality hay production
and ML99 MultiLeaf® lucerne
stands, across short, two to four
varieties continuing to
stand out. These varieties year rotations.
provide superior pest and Pasture Genetics continue
disease resistance, resulting to be active in developing new
in longer persistence and varieties best suited to the
more productivity. Australian environment, and
currently have numerous lucerne
demonstration and evaluation
sites situated throughout many
Higher leaf retention traits are regions of Queesland e.g. Kalbar,
features of these varieties, which Gatton, Burnett, Biloela and
provides further advantages Monto.
by minimising leaf drop before
cutting and during the baling For further information on
process. Effectively, they are hay production or grazing
more forgiving in adverse tolerant varieties, contact your
conditions. These attributes local Pasture Genetics Territory
contribute to superior, high Manager to discuss your
quality and high yielding hay particular lucerne requirements.
production. The advanced
winter active/highly winter
active varieties will continue to Michael Christensen
grow more consistently into late Territory Manager – QLD
Lucerne Major advancements in many
production in regional irrigation schemes
across Queensland, and improved
Queensland irrigation delivery technologies
Most lucerne production has also contributed to the
throughout the regions of increase in demand for high
Queensland has traditionally yielding, quality lucerne varieties.
been focussed around intensive, In recent times, strong lucerne
irrigated hay production. inquiries hailing from from
Many of the dominant lucerne Central and Northern Queensland
growing regions such as the is evidence of this irrigation
Darling Downs, Lockyer Valley, development.
Fassifern Valley, Burnett and Selecting the correct variety
Biloela regions, have considerable to suit your chosen farming
access to reliable, quality enterprise is extremely important
irrigation water with a number and will contribute greatly to the
of these regions situated along success of your lucerne stand.
creeks or river systems where Put simply, “what are you trying
the soil types range from deep to achieve?”
sandy loams, to alluvial soils or Traditionally in Queensland,
heavy black clays. well known highly winter active
and winter active varieties such
as Sequel and Trifecta have
been grown extensively. These
Hay production generally varieties are now 30-plus years
remains the ultimate old, and the demand for them is TERRITORY MANAGERS MICHAEL CHRISTENSEN, ADAM LITTLE
& HUGH GRAHAM AT PASTURE GENETICS’ LUCERNE
focus for many but in decreasing. DEMONSTRATION & EVALUATION SITE AT KALBAR
recent years we have
also seen a dramatic
increase in the demand
for lucerne in beef and
dairy grazing systems,
under both irrigated and
dryland situations.
• pasturegenetics.com LUCERNE ADVISOR 2018 | 8
l56 LUCERNE
L56 LUCERNE that pushes down into the moisture of around 300 millimetres, what
below, and one little splash of rain do you expect!” Brenton said.
PROVIDING FEED
just sparks it up and it goes green Due to his success with L56
FOR THE YORKE overnight. Lucerne, Brenton has also sown
PENINSULA “The L56 Lucerne has required a Pasture Genetics’ Moby Forage
Brenton McRae farms a dual decent amount of water but living in Barley and Jaguar Strand Medic,
L56 enterprise on the outskirts of an area with annual average rainfall which provided great early feed.
LUCERNE Kadina on South Australia’s Yorke
Peninsula.
Semi-winter dormant
Medicago sativaE, GLX With the ability to store water on
his property in two separate dams,
Winter Activity 5
Brenton saw a fantastic opportunity
Min Rainfall (mm) 350
to capitalise during a dry season
Seeding Rate kg/ha and sowed Pasture Genetics’ L56
Dryland 4-8 Lucerne with the intention of
High Rainfall/Irrigation 10 - 20 grazing his Lowline Angus cattle,
Hay Production 25 - 30
before cutting for hay to supply the
local horse market.
• The master dual purpose grazing
and hay lucerne in Australia.
Since the stands establishment
• Exceptional seedling vigour. in 2016, Brenton has seen some
• Very high yields. promising results. Averaging
• Exceptional forage quality. three cuts per year along with
• New industry benchmark for persistence. some grazing, he has been very
• Flexible management option. happy with the L56 Lucerne’s
• Highest levels of pest and disease performance.
resistance of any lucerne variety in
Australia. Phytophthora Root Rot
The summer just passed, Kadina
rating of HR+. has had little to no rainfall, which
• Semi-winter dormant. has resulted in the L56 Lucerne
• Adaptable across a wide range of “just plugging along”. Hopeful for
soil types. some rain, Brenton will aim to reap
• Very good grazing tolerance. four cuts for the year.
“This is what I love about L56
BRENTON MCRAE IN HIS L56 LUCERNE STAND
Lucerne, it has such a deep tap root
L56 LUCERNE SUITS Martin has been producing fine other varieties, while at the same L56 Lucerne has proved to handle
hay of excellent quality around time, producing a softer and finer the heavier soil type well. Martin
THE OPERATION Woolamin in New South Wales product in the bale. has noticed leaf diseases such as
After growing Pasture Genetics’ for many years, often under some He has been pleased with the Stemphylium are less prevalent
L56 Lucerne several years ago challenging conditions. yields he is reaping, nearly 60 small on L56 Lucerne, particularly after
with very pleasing results, Martin Being an experienced hay square bales to the acre. However, watering.
Joosen decided to plant it again in producer, he knows how to achieve the hot and dry weather experienced In addition, Martin noted that
April 2017. Unfortunately, paddock the best possible results from his over summer has had an impact, with the L56 Lucerne is producing higher
failed due to less than ideal weather lucerne. yields back to around 40-50 small quality hay than the other winter
conditions. Martin was able to He also understands the impact square bales to the acre. active types.
replant the paddock under Pasture that careful variety selection can Traditionally, Martin has grown Martin concluded by saying that
Genetics’ exclusive Establishment have. more winter active varieties, but he will be sowing more L56 Lucerne
Guarantee™ programme*, and the Martin said he finds L56 Lucerne was looking for something more in future blocks.
new stand has thrived. to be much more persistent than persistent.
L56 LUCERNE IS MORE PERSISTENT IN WOOLAMIN
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XLRgtl®60 LUCERNE
LUCERNE & CHICORY
BLEND PROVES
SUCCESSFUL ON
KONGORONG DAIRY
When Brenton Ham was looking
gtl®60 for a productive option to grow on
LUCERNE a sandy paddock out the back of
the farm, it was recommended that
Winter active
he consider a lucerne and chicory
Medicago sativaE, GLX
blend to feed his Jersey heifers.
Winter Activity 6
The paddock was sprayed and
Min Rainfall (mm) 350
sown in the autumn of 2016, with
Seeding Rate kg/ha triticale to gain weed control and
Dryland 4-8 build up organic matter. Brenton
High Rainfall/Irrigation 10 - 20 then sprayed out the triticale and
sowed an 80:20 blend of Pasture
Hay Production 25 - 30 DAIRY FARMER BRENTON HAM, KONGORONG SA
Genetics’ GTL®60 Lucerne and
• Selected for a broad and low-set Balance Chicory at 15 kilograms
crown, high forage values, high
ruminant palatability with high per hectare. Balance Chicory is proving to be a Balance Chicory was selected to
disease, and pest resistance ratings. Brenton, along with his wife Sam, great combination for the heifers, reduce the bloat risk and give peace
• Tested under an arduous series of milk up to 600 Jersey cows on their providing high quality feed out of of mind with stock that are not
strict grazing protocols over five years.
• Ideally suited as a dual-purpose Kongorong dairy farm in South season. being checked every day. Brenton
variety for grazing and hay Australia and have expanded their “The lucerne and chicory blend said that he always makes sure the
operations. farm considerably over the last heifers are full before they go into
has helped flatten out the feed
• Quick recovery after defoliation gives
the ability to store plant energy into five years. curve and produce high quality feed the lucerne paddock and that he
the crown. While rearing good heifers has when the grass paddocks have gone does provide some roughage hay
• Retain leaf through the drying and always been a priority, the expanding off,” Brenton said. when necessary.
baling process.
• Good adaptability to a wide range herd has required extra heifers to GTL®60 Lucerne was selected to Brenton is eager to plant another
of soil types. boost the milking herd. Feeding provide excellent grazing tolerance paddock of this blend for the
• GTL®60 Lucerne has demonstrated them well is always a challenge. with a low-set crown which assists coming season.
excellent grazing tolerance with 74
percent residual plants measured The blend of semi-winter the variety to perform well under
after three year grazing trial. dormant GTL®60 Lucerne and heavy grazing conditions.
GTL®60 LUCERNE paddocks of Pasture Genetics’ utilise the feed and turned them to allow them to flower and help
grazing tolerant lucerne to support off fat. This 15 acre paddock alone replenish energy reserves in the
SUPPORTS TOUGH
his prime lamb enterprise. was able to fatten 300 prime root system. Kelvin is the first to
GRAZING lambs over a six week period. With admit he pushes the system “pretty
Kelvin has found a good fit for
It’s February and Kelvin Poole is GTL®60 Lucerne on his mixed strong prices for fat lambs, Kelvin hard” but has been incredibly happy
standing in the middle of his dryland farm in Traralgon, Victoria. Multiple feels that he is achieving the best with how GTL®60 Lucerne has
GTL®60 Lucerne paddock. paddocks are now sown to provide possible value out of his lucerne. handled the pressure.
“It mightn’t look like much but high quality summer feed in the The paddocks on Kelvin’s farm “This stand is four years old now,
it’s the only green feed on the farm,” dryland system. are heavily stocked for most of and I really flog it. It’s barely thinned
Kelvin commented. This year, Kelvin purchased an the year. They are rested for just a out at all, that’s why I love it,” Kelvin
Kelvin has been utilising multiple additional 1,000 store lambs to few weeks in September/October, explained.
KELVIN POOLE OF TRARALGON VIC GTL®60 LUCERNE HANDLES THE PRESSURE
• pasturegenetics.com LUCERNE ADVISOR 2018 | 10gtl®60 LUCERNE
gtl®60
Order your Pasture Genetics
Lucerne
GTL 60 Lucerne from your local rural store
®
“At Pasture Genetics, GTL®60 Lucerne continues Our lucerne growers tell us
we have Australia’s most to exhibit elevated levels of that their key requirements
comprehensive lucerne residual plants and the ‘high for a lucerne variety are
breeding programme. relative feed value’ trait that ‘productivity, persistence and
For the last five years, we Pasture Genetics’ varieties quality’ – and with GTL®60
have trialled GTL®60 Lucerne are known for. Lucerne, we can tick all those
under the most extreme boxes. Our lucerne varieties
You can have high levels of
grazing conditions. are bred in Australia, for
grazing tolerance, long-term
Australian growing conditions.
It has been grazed over 50 persistence and the ability to
times in the last five years. cut high quality hay. They also come with our
unique Establishment
Guarantee™, which reduces
the risk when establishing
a new stand.”
Tom Damin
* Terms & Conditions apply. Research & Technical Services Manager
8
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XLRgrazing tolerant LUCERNE selection trial 2016
Pasture Genetics has taken the term ‘grazing tolerant’ very seriously with its selection of new
lucerne material. The ability to select plant germplasm through a five year intensive grazing
trial, has proven critical to give farmers confidence in new lines coming through the Pasture
Genetics lucerne breeding programme. The strength of this trialling model will be replicated
in the future with more selections being made with this key grazing tolerance trait.
grazing tolerant percentage of residual plants after
lucerne selection three & five years of grazing
trial Lucerne stands are grazed to restrict flowering over a 3 Year Count - November, 2014 - Av.5%LSD = 22.1
2016 three year period to increase pressure on plants. 5 Year Count - November, 2016 - Av.5%LSD = 18.7
PENFIELD RESEARCH STATION 90
trial SOWN 14/09/2011
grazed 24/11/2011 - 23/11/2016 80
The trial protocol was
established in conjunction with 70
74
72
NSW DPI and IP Australia to give a
60 65
measure of true grazing tolerance. 65 65
60
After the lucerne was established 59
57 57
59
50
it was grazed every three weeks 53
52 52 52
48 50 50
(or when grazing was required) 40 46 45
to a residual height of about 30 42 41
40
42 42 43
millimetres. 30
33 33 32
Approximately 20 Merino 30
wethers were used to graze the trial 20
23
each time, this was the number of
10
animals adequate to graze the trial
down within at least a three to four
0
day period so we could manage
GTL®60
Genesis
L56
L71
SF Force 5
Stamina®
GT6
Q75
Pegasis
Sardi 10
Sardi 7
Aurora
L92
ML99
MultiLeaf®
SF Force 7
Sequel HR
frequent grazing events but not
expose the lucerne to extrended
periods of set stocking.
The basis of this grazing
management was to make sure
the lucerne was put under
frequent grazing pressure, but not
deliberatedly set stocked. In the
first three year period the trial was
grazed 32 times, and in the recent
two year period was grazed 18 times.
Plant counts were taken initially
and results have been measured
based on the percentage of residual
plant counts remaining after the
three and five year periods.
Originally the trial was
established at a dryland sowing
rate of four kilograms per hectare
GTL®60 Lucerne
resulting in an average starting
plant count of 37 plants per metre
square, which suited our target of
30 - 40 plants per metre square
based on our average annual 420
millimetres rainfall.
The results shown in the graph
on this page now indicate the
updated results after five years of
the trial period which has shown
some significant differences in the
performance of varieties, and quite
a variation in the results that were
seen after the three year period was
measured, in particular some of the
Highly Winter Active material has
distinctly dropped off in the recent
Stamina® GT6
two years.
• pasturegenetics.com LUCERNE ADVISOR 2018 | 12l70 LUCERNE
FINISHING feed, and also means he doesn’t Over the years Peter has trialled
QUALITY STEERS & have to grow dual purpose crops many sowing rates and sowing
WETHERS WITHOUT in his cereal rotation as his grazing methods, and now he generally
country can support both livestock sows his lucerne at four kilograms
SUPPLEMENTARY
enterprises. per hectare, with a light barley
FEED WITH L70
Pasture Genetics’ L70 Lucerne is cover crop at 10 to 15 kilograms per
l70 LUCERNE
established following a four to five hectare. Peter says that sowing rate
LUCERNE
Peter Stuckey owns and operates and other management decisions
year cropping rotation, with the aim
Winter active Homesworth, a 23,000 acre mixed such as whether to include a
of keeping the lucerne stand for five
Medicago sativaE, GL farming enterprise located 30
to six years, even longer if the stand cover crop, are not made until just
Winter Activity 7 kilometres north of Condobolin in
is in good shape. Peter says that prior to sowing, based on what
Min Rainfall (mm) 350 New South Wales. Homesworth is
growing L70 Lucerne was a natural environmental conditions are like
Seeding Rate kg/ha situated in a 400 to 425 millimetre
progression, having previously at the time.
Dryland 4-8 annual rainfall zone, operating on
grown older varieties such as With adequate background levels
High Rainfall/Irrigation 10 - 20
predominantly red loam soils and
Hunterfield and Aurora. Peter likes of clover and medic at Homesworth,
gravelly ridges.
Hay Production 25 - 30 to keep it simple. Peter is able to sow lucerne straight
Roughly 10,000 acres of winter
• L70 Lucerne offers higher disease and “We know L70 Lucerne works as opposed to in a blend. With
pest package compared to Aurora. crop is sown to wheat, barley, and
in this environment, we get what recent land acquisition and the
• Superior forage genetics canola each year, with the balance
- higher leaf to stem ratio. we want out of it, and as far as I am conversion of country from native
• Minimum 90 percent germination of the rotation consisting of long
standards exceeds current minimum fallow, lucerne, and a small amount concerned, it has done the job for pasture to cropping and improved
certified standard for Aurora of only
of native pasture. us,” Peter said. pasture, a single species pasture
60 percent.
• L70 Lucerne seed production is L70 Lucerne is sown from late phase also allows for broader
Running 400 Shorthorn-Angus
derived from dryland seed production herbicide options during the
stands only. This ensures the dryland cross cows and calves, as well as May onward, Peter says that not
integrity and performance of L70 2,500 Merino ewes and lambs, sowing too early in the sowing rotation.
Lucerne is maintained when utilised
in dryland grazing enterprises. lucerne is a very important part window allows for good knockdown “You’ve got to be pretty flexible
• These attributes, combined with of the rotation at Homesworth. weed control prior to sowing. Peter in this game, at the end of the
superior plant genetics, makes L70
Lucerne an excellent new alternative Peter says that having good lucerne also commented that even in the day, we want the best pasture
to Aurora. establishment possible, so we
ensures that he is able to finish colder years when the L70 Lucerne
• L70 Lucerne offers producers
higher returns and allows them to quality steers and wether lambs is slow to develop during winter, it manage it accordingly to get the
plant with confidence knowing they
are covered by the Establishment without having to supplementary really comes away in the spring. best result,” Peter concluded.
Guarantee™ programme*.
L70 LUCERNE “It started firing in August, we
put the heifers into the paddock
WITH XLR8® SEED
in September, and they’ve been
TREATMENT THRIVES chasing their tails to keep up. They
IN THE ADELAIDE just love it, like bees to a honey pot.
HILLS “Every two to three weeks
For over 20 years, Andrew we rotate the cows out and sure
Jaeschke has been running a Santa enough, they’ll go stand at the
Gertrudis stud at Eden Valley in the gate waiting to get back into the
Adelaide Hills. For much of that 20 L70 Lucerne,” Andrew said.
years, Andrew has been growing On Andrew’s property, L70
lucerne, constantly planting Lucerne has provided flexibility
different varieties to compare with feeding solutions, stock
and analyse performance. movements, nutritional goals as well
In the spring of 2014, Andrew as paddock and weed management.
sowed down a new stand to Pasture “Normally, we need around 250
Genetics’ L70 Lucerne with XLR8® acres grazing to rotate our stock
seed treatment. There has always through, but this time around, from
been a history of Redlegged Earth September onwards we only needed
Mite and Lucerne Flea incidences in 50 acres because the L70 Lucerne
the Adelaide Hills region explained just got away.” Andrew marvelled.
Andrew.
On many occasions, Andrew has had
“We really need to manage our the opportunity to cut the stand for hay.
pests, especially when establishing a
“We got a good cut off it and the
new lucerne stand. The XLR8® seed
cows did just as well on the hay, the
treatment has become a part of our
stock really settled into it well.
management, I won’t sow without
it,” he said. “We want to put in more. I’ll be
putting in another 150 hectares next
Following its pest-free
year. It is an awesome variety, with
establishment, Andrew’s L70
almost no moisture it still grows.
Lucerne was quick to graze.
L70 Lucene is a long-term option
“We sowed in August and after
for us,” he concluded.
just 15 millimetres of rain it hung in.
“We got our first decent rain in
February, when we received two
inches, and it went nuts! We got a
really good strike,” he continued.
Coming into its second year,
ANDREW JAESCHKE RUNS A SANTA
Andrew has had stock in the
GERTRUDIS STUD AT EDEN VALLEY
paddock since September.
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PETER STUCKEY OF HOMESWORTH, CONDOBLIN NSW
L70 v Aurora Leaf Trait Germination Standards Comparison
• L70 Lucerne offers higher Comparison GOLDSTRIKE® COATED
disease and pest package L70 AURORA
compared to Aurora. Seeds/kg 300,000 300,000
• Superior forage genetics - Seeds sown/m2 at 4kg/ha 120 120
higher leaf to stem ratio.
Minimum germation % 90% 65%
• Minimum 90 percent
germination standards exceeds Variable seeds/m2 sown 108 78
current minimum certified
Established rate 50% 54 39
standard for Aurora of only
60 percent. 38 PERCENT increase
• L70 Lucerne seed production in plant establishment PER SQUARE METRE
is derived from dryland seed
production stands only. This Disease Rating Comparison
ensures the dryland integrity
and performance of L70 L70 AURORA
Lucerne is maintained when
Spotted Alfalfa Aphid HR HR
utilised in dryland grazing
enterprises. Bluegreen Aphid HR HR
L70 Lucerne (left)
• These attributes, combined exhibiting higher Phytophthora Root Rot R R
with superior plant genetics, leaf carrying trait Anthracnose R MR
makes L70 Lucerne an compared to older
excellent new alternative to plant genetics exhibited Bacterial Wilt R LR
Aurora. in Aurora (right) Stem Nematode R R
• L70 Lucerne offers producers
higher returns and allows
them to plant with confidence
L70 v Aurora Trial results
knowing they are covered by
the Establishment Guarantee™ Yield Results & Pricing Comparison 20
programme*. L70 Lucerne offers very competitive pricing to Aurora and therefore similar
Yield (t/ha)
per hectare input seed costs.
15 L70 Aurora
L70 LUCERNE AURORA 18.5 17.0
Total yield 18.5 t/ha 17.0 t/ha 10
Hay returns/ha at $200t $3,700/ha $3,400/ha
5
Extra hay returns $300 per hectare, per year Variety
Source: Pasture Genetics, L70 Lucerne Grazing Trial, 2011, Penfield Research Station
Five years. Four irrigated sites. 46 cuts eight percent
Locations: Virginia SA, Struan SA, Forbes NSW & Wagga Wagga NSW yield increase
L70 AURORA
L70 Lucerne
comes with the Total yield 18.5 t/ha 17.0 t/ha
reassurance of Hay returns/ha @ $200t $3700/ha $3400/ha
Pasture Genetics’ Increased forage quality
Establishment
Better disease profile
Guarantee™
programme*. Higher DM production
Increased germination %
Plant with peace
of mind. Establishment Guarantee™
Extra hay returns $300 PER HECTARE, PER YEAR
• pasturegenetics.com LUCERNE ADVISOR 2018 | 14You can also read
