Benefits of multi specie pasture swards are not a new occurrence, however there’s renewed interest in what diverse swards can offer modern production systems. Well-designed multi species pastures will have a diversity that can increase overall yield, diet composition and reduces the risks of a range of environmental challenges. On the flip side there are things to be aware of when grazing alternative crops such as optimising establishment, limited weed control and animal health issues such as high levels of nitrate in brassicas. Peter Notman, dairy farmer and forage specialist at Notman Pasture Seeds in Poowong says some producers add different varieties of seed to their standard winter and summer pasture stands to provide more forage diversity and drought hardiness. […]
Tag: Agronomy
Knocking down pasture broadleaf weeds
Key time for knocking out weeds Maximising the performance of our home grown pastures and doing the small things right canlead to dry matter gains, improved production and better value for every dollar spent, soNotman Pasture Seeds have prepared some simple tips to get the most out of your pastures inlate autumn and early spring. Peter Notman of Notman Pasture Seeds said seedling weeds vigorously compete for nutrients,moisture, light and most importantly, space. “Early removal of these weeds allows for more rapid and even establishment resulting in anincreased amount of dry matter for your stock” Mr Notman said. “Poor establishment of newly sown pasture results in a decrease in pasture productivity and anincrease in chemical costs from the extra weed control […]
Pugged pasture re-sowing options
After several dry years, some farmers’ paddocks across southern Victoria have become saturated to a point that it has led to severe pasture damage and recovery will depend on a number of factors when planning what strategies you may wish to take. Pugged pasture re-sowing options Spring re-sowing can be successful when action is taken quickly. We have observed a large amount of successful spring sowing during our 30 years in the field when there is good planning, timing, seed soil contact and fertility. The spring pasture re-sowing window is short, so as soon as soils are dry enough to get machinery the re-sowing should be implemented as fast as practical. All spring-sown pasture or crop should be fertilised with […]
Choosing a Perennial Ryegrass
Choosing the right perennial ryegrass is crucial for optimizing pasture performance and livestock productivity. Factors such as ploidy, endophyte type, and seasonal growth patterns impact persistence, yield, and feed quality. Understanding these characteristics ensures a well-suited ryegrass variety for specific farm conditions, maximising pasture resilience and animal performance.
Growing demand for Bullet ryegrass for fast winter-feed
With a particularly dry summer and autumn for farming in Southern Victoria creating a reduction in feed options over the coming months, farmers have increasingly been looking at cheaper and quicker home grown feed options. In many cases, it has become evident heavily grazed paddocks haven’t bounced back so there has been a focus on boosting home grown feed supplies before soil temperatures cool down and growth rates slow. The introduction of fast growing annual ryegrasses is a key component of many pasture programs especially whenever there is a need to bump-up production levels to crease extra supplies. Key features are their speed of establishment, high growth rates over autumn, winter and late into spring, coupled with high pasture quality […]
Kicking off Western District pasture renovation
It has been a particularly dry start to the year in the Western District – and that has led to sustained and heavily grazed paddocks and a reduction of feed options moving into Autumn. To kick off the year Warrnambool recorded 29.2mm, 55% down on January-February average of 65mm. Terang recorded 36.8mm, 39% down on average 61mm. And Nullawarre recorded 48.4mm, 39% down on average 80.4mm. In some cases pastures won’t bounce back, so increasingly demand has risen for cheaper, quicker, home grown feed that’s still coupled with high pasture quality and palatability. The introduction of fast growing annual ryegrasses is a key component of many pasture programs especially whenever there is a need to bump-up production levels to increase […]
Research and development at Notman Pasture Seeds
Many pasture and forage varieties available from Notman Pasture Seeds are thoroughly trialled and tested on farms throughout Australia & New Zealand to assess their performance capability under varying farming conditions. Notman Pasture Seeds continue to work with our main suppliers to trials and demonstrate new & existing forage products. Forage varieties are evaluated in these trials for a number of performance- related criteria, including dry matter yield and seasonal performance, pasture quality (including metabolisable energy, digestibility, protein, NDF, etc), persistence, and susceptibility to plant diseases and insect pests.Where necessary, the company undertakes animal performance trials to assess the impact of its varieties on livestock performance and health. All trials are conducted to strict industry-designed protocols, and managed by the […]
Understanding maize sizing
When maize seed goes through the conditioning process, it is separated into fractions based on kernel size and shape creating uniformity. Fractions of seed corn in different kernel sizes averaged across leading Pioneer ® brand hybrid families in the northern U.S. SEED SIZE OVERVIEW Image supplied by Du Pont Pioneer IMPACT OF SEED SIZE SEED SIZE & RELATIVE IMPACT ON MAIZE YIELD Nearly all kernel sizes can be successfully planted with all planter types. Additional adjustment may be required in some cases KERNEL SIZE PLANTABILITY Kernel size-plantability guidelines for air, vacuum, finger pick-up and plate-type planters August 13, 2018
Research and development at Notman Pasture Seeds
All pasture and forage varieties available from Notman Pasture Seeds are thoroughly trialled and tested on farms throughout Australia & New Zealand to assess their performance capability under varying farming conditions.
Army worm plaques
Keep an eye out in your crops & pasture for mass plagues of Army-worm throughout Gippsland! They will eat any leaf you have left! Alpha-Cypermethrin 100EC Insecticide will help you combat this plaque, targeting pests like army worm. If you need further information contact our office (03) 5659 2314 or visit our Contact Page.