Courtesy of Cropmark Seeds Fodder beet is many things, but it is not forgiving! In return for very high yields and energy, it demands close to perfect conditions for establishment. Sown at a fraction of the rate used for forage brassicas, it not only starts life with thousands fewer plants per ha – each of which must survive – but takes longer to get going. Fortunately, we know what’s needed to achieve the best possible start for crops of varieties such as Geronimo. Soil nutrients, paddock preparation, early weed control and early insecticide – are the key priorities. Getting fertility right starts 6-12 months before sowing. Soil test to 150 mm deep, with special focus on pH because fodder beet […]
Tag: Summer Forage
10 benefits of using Summer Extra Multi Species seed mix
There is plenty of discussion around multi species pastures and regenerative farming, but ultimately a summer forage crop still needs to do its main job – grow useful feed for livestock. That is the thinking behind our Summer EXTRA Multi Species Blend. Summer EXTRA combines 14 different forage species, including millet, oats, vetch, clovers, brassicas, chicory, plantain, sunflower, buckwheat and linseed. Each species has a purpose, whether that’s producing feed, fixing nitrogen, providing ground cover or adding greater root and plant diversity. Here are 10 reasons we like using a diverse multi species seed mix through summer. Produce quality summer feed First and foremost, Summer EXTRA is a forage crop. Shirohie Millet provides the backbone of the blend for summer […]
Summer EXTRA – diversity that works through summer
Summer EXTRA is our most diverse summer forage blend, combining 14 grasses, cereals, legumes, brassicas, herbs and flowering species. Gavin Notman explains why we developed the blend, what each species contributes and how to get the best result from establishment through to grazing.
Our Top Brassica & Beet Varieties for 2026/27
Choosing the right summer forage crop starts with knowing what job it needs to do. We look at our key brassica and fodder beet varieties for 2026/27, including Marco, Barkant, Rifleman, Mainstar, Kea, CleanCrop Bulb Turnip and Geronimo Fodder Beet.
Discover how maize silage can enhance rumen health and boost milk production.
Quality feed starts with quality planning. Discover how maize silage can enhance rumen health and boost milk production.
Maize Growers Guide for southern Australian farmers
Due to rapid advances in plant breeding technology, plant protection and management expertise, the last decade has seen significant increases to the yield potential and stress tolerance of corn. For many farmers producing corn for silage production in southern Australia, the potential exists to increase profits. There are many important factors which will contribute to this. The yield potential of corn will vary between districts and farms because of planting date, water availability, sunlight, soil structure, soil fertility and a decision to get back to pasture in Autumn. Yield potential will also vary between seasons at the same site depending on the season (e.g. heat wave, drought), as well as choice of hybrid, sowing time and other associated management decisions […]
Step by step guide to establishing Chicory forage crop
Chicory premium forage option that supports exceptional animal nutrition, offering a balanced protein-to-energy ratio. It is low in fibre, promoting improved live weight gains and enhanced milk yield in dairy cattle, while delivering excellent performance outcomes for grazing livestock. Selecting the Right Type The first step in choosing a chicory variety is to identify its role in the pasture system. Whether you need a perennial type for longer-term use or a bi-annual variety for shorter durations will influence the selection process, helping to narrow down the options. The longevity of perennial chicory depends on factors like soil fertility, pest and disease management, environmental conditions, and how well it is maintained. Spring Sowing Advantages Chicory establishes rapidly in warm soils with […]
Pioneer brand inoculants – why pay more?
Are premium silage inoculants worth the investment? Explore the science behind Pioneer brand inoculants and how they maximize feed quality, stability, and animal performance.
Using summer forages – agronomy with Andrew Allsop
Read the latest on the use of summer forages with thoughts from Andrew Allsop, a member of our Western Victorian pasture team Spring and early summer paddock renovation provides an opportunity to establish home grown feed for summer, autumn and if intended winter forage. Spring and summer sown forage can be used for a variety of reasons, but the main reasons are to form part of your annual pasture renovation program and the other to produce valuable feed at key times when permanent pastures are of low quality and quantity. At Notman Pasture Seeds, both our Gippsland & Western Vic teams have access to a wide range of cultivars – it’s just a matter to constructing a plan that suits […]
Diverse summer crops. Flexibility, Reliability and Regrowth
Spring is a critical time of year, especially for preparing for summer and autumn grazing crops. With Southern Victorian moisture levels largely the early part of the season bodes well for yield potential and quality. Across mixed farming platforms including sheep, beef and dairy premium mixed forage crops have shown their worth across many measures – with improved growth, quality, persistence, palatability and insect tolerance. Peter Notman, dairy farmer at Walcha and owner of Notman Pasture Seeds says results from grazing newer varieties of diverse summer crops have been exceptional, importantly continuing to offer flexibility, reliability and strong re-growth. “Like most regions we cannot get enough grazing tDM and quality off existing ryegrass & clover pasture base over summer to […]