The Role of Complementary Forages

Greg O’Brien

What are Complementary Forages?

Forages that complement ryegrass

Improve forage supply (eg fill gaps)

Overcome nutrient deficiencies in diet

Photo of winter cereal

Farmlet yield and profit

Yield of CF 30% higher

Higher utilisation required

Better match herd requirements (timing and quality)

Photo of “quality” - silage

Key points from farmlets

Higher yields don’t guarantee higher profits

Take a planned approach

Where do winter cereals fit?

Don’t replace high yielding ryegrass on milking platform

Maybe in pasture renovation program

Maybe on out paddock

Choosing a Forage

Suited to your paddock

Fits a need - complements herd diet

Avoiding Failure

Do your home-work

Can’t make money from a failed crop

Yield is important but so is quality

Try on small scale

Planned Approach from NE

Not suited to perennial ryegrass

Early feed (oats)

Next wave of grazing (ARG and mixes)

Filling the gaps (quality silage)

Opportunistic (summer crops)