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ORGANIC WILD BIRD SEED MIXTURE
ORGANIC NECTAR FLOWER MIXTURE
CHEMICAL CHARTS
STEWARDSHIP SECTION
GLASTIR WELSH ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEME
WelcomeYOUR COUNTRYSIDE 20122
NEW PRODUCTS
NEW UPDATES
We gratefully acknowledge the contribution of
photographs from the MGA, Sue Adlard, Chris Baylis,
Lorna Checketts, Hannah Davies, Mark Howard, Ed Lowe,
Katie Moorhouse, Tim Marlow, Mark Wood and past and
present members of staff.
S
OUR AIM is to provide you with an
attractive, interesting and easy to use
handbook for use in field or office. We
have included as much information
as possible to assist you in making an
educated choice as to which crops will
be best suited to your requirements.
OUR CUSTOMERS may rest assured
that they are dealing with a forward
thinking company which invests
heavily in R & D and whose aim is
to ensure that you receive the best
possible service at all times. We
look forward to discussing your seed
requirements for 2012.
‘Your Countryside’ Catalogue cont inues to of fer you technical information and advice on a diverse range of products including Game Cover, Stewardship, Forage Crops, Arable Silage and Green Manuring enabling farmers, estate managers and gamekeepers to select the best products to suit their requirements.
NATURAL ENGLAND AND THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE FARMED ENVIRONMENT (CFE)
DESPITE last year’s exhortations to farmers to support the CFE and voluntarily adopt environmental measures to avoid compulsory
set-aside, the target is unfortunately still well below the hectarage required; this could partly be due to external pressures such as the high
margins cereals were achieving during 2011 and possibly to proposed changes to the CAP, but whatever the reason, the Campaign is due
to end in June 2012 by which time a further 2,700 hectares are needed to reach the target figure. There are two ways in which this target
can be achieved - by gaining 30% of ELS points from choosing key target options or by putting 3-4% of land into CFE voluntary measures.
THE GOOD NEWS is that in practice, if every farmer and land manager in England were to establish just one hectare of pollen and nectar
mix and two hectares of wild bird seed in every 100 hectares of productive land and buffer vulnerable watercourses, the Campaign could
meet its targets thus avoiding further restrictive regulation.
ONE OF THE KEY MESSAGES OF THE CFE IS THE FARMLAND BIRD PACKAGE. Through the use of Environmental Stewardship,
or voluntary options of the CFE, a number of simple management measures can be put in place that will make a huge difference to farmland
birds. By adopting the Farmland Bird Package you will provide the three main things needed by farmland birds to survive and thrive: winter
bird seed, nesting habitat, and spring chick feed source.
Many of the seed mixtures advocated by CFE for the purposes of protecting flora and fauna are also eminently suitable for attracting game
and so fulfil both environmental and agro-business purposes.
For further information and for suitable mixtures see pages 24-29 of this catalogue.
For help and advice concerning CFE, visit www.cfeonline.org.uk
WELCOME to all those who regularly receive our catalogue and to those who are using it for the first time.
GLASTIR WELSH ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEME
GLASTIR is the name of the scheme introduced by the Welsh Assembly Government
to replace the number of environmental schemes which are currently in force.
It has been heavily reviewed since Spring 2010 and is now more ‘farmer friendly’.
For further information and for suitable mixtures see page 32 of this catalogue.
GAME COVER CROPS Game Cover Selector 4
Evaluation of New Crops 6
Establishing Game Cover Crops 7
Game Cover Chemicals 2012 8
Maize Herbicides 2012 9
Pests and Diseases in Brassicas and Maize 10
Game Maize 12
Kales 14
Miscellaneous Brassicas 15
Sunflowers 16
Millets & Canary Grasses 17
Sorghums 18
Miscellaneous Crops 19
Game Cover Mixtures 21
ENVIRONMENTAL Environmental Stewardship 24
Environmental Stewardship Selector 25
Environmental Stewardship Mixture Options 26
Make the most of Environmental Stewardship 28
Higher Level Stewardship 29
Stewardship Schemes for Scotland 30
Glastir Welsh Environmental Scheme 32
FORAGE CROPS Forage Root Crops Selector 33
Forage Rape 34
Turnips 35
Kales 36
Fodder Beets 37
Swedes 38
Root Mixtures & Arable Silage 39
GREEN MANURING Green Manuring Selector 40
Green Manuring Longer Term Crops 41
Green Manuring Spring Crops 42
Green Manuring Autumn Crops 43
DISCLAIMERAny information provided in this catalogue is given in good faith and to the best of our existing knowledge. Any advice should therefore be taken as a general guide only and not relied upon for all conditions
and circumstances. We cannot accept any legal liability for information given in this guide. In any instance where there are shortages of specified varieties we reserve the right to substitute equivalent varieties.
ContentsYOUR COUNTRYSIDE 2012 3
ICO
N G
UID
E
LIFTING
COVER FEED NECTAR
CATTLEGRAZING
SHEEPGRAZING
2011PRODUCT OF
THE YEAR
★ O
U
TSTANDING
★
GOLDENEYE KALE - See page 14
FODDER RADISH - See page 19
p g
2011SPECIES OF THE YEAR
★ O
U
TSTANDING
★
p g
2011MIXTURE OF
THE YEAR
★ O
U
TSTANDING
★
NORTHERN STAR - See page 23
Game Cover Selector4
CropPage No.
Pack Size
Cover / Feed Crop
Average Sowing Rate per Acre Sowing Date
GuideUtilisation
Period
Duration of the Crop
Average Drill
Depth cm
Average Row
Width cm
Suggested Guide to Seedbed
Fertiliser (kg) ha
Broadcast Direct Drill N P K
Maize 12-1340,000/ 50,000 seeds
Precision drill 45,000 / 50,000
seeds/acreApril - June September - February 1 Season 6 75 80 85 205
Sunflowers - Standard, Dwarf and Super Dwarf
16 5kg 5kg April - JuneJuly -
November1 Season 4 75
Ensure adequate P but very little N
Millets / Grasses
Millet - White / Red / Japanese 17 5kg 5kg 5kg April - June September - December 1 Season 1 - 1.5 35-45 60 30 30
Ambush Millet 17 5kg 5kg 5kg April - June September - December 1 Season 1 - 1.5 35-45 60 30 30
Millgame Millet Mix 17 5kg 5kg 5kg April - June September - December 1 Season 1 - 1.5 35-45 60 30 30
Holdfast Canary Grass 17 2.5kg 2.5kg April - June All Year 5 Years+ 1.5 70 - 90 55 28 28
Reed Canary Grass 17 2.5kg 2.5kg April - June All Year 5 Years+ 1.5 70 - 90 55 28 28
Giant Sorghum 18 12kg 12kg May - June September - February 1 Season 2.5 - 4 45 - 50 100 50 120
Sorghum - Intermediate & Dwarf 18 8kg 8kg May - June September - February 1 Season 2.5 - 4 45 - 50 100 50 120
Over n’ Under Sorghum Mixture 18 8kg 8kg May - June September - February 1 Season 2.5 - 4 45 - 50 100 50 120
DISCLAIMER These tables are given in good faith and intended for general guidance only. Weather, local conditions and crop rotations must always be taken into account.
CropPage No.
Pack Size
Cover / Feed Crop
Average Sowing Rate per Acre Sowing Date
GuideUtilisation
Period
Duration of the Crop
Average Drill
Depth cm
Average Row
Width cm
Suggested Guide to Seedbed
Fertiliser (kg) ha
Broadcast Direct Drill N P K
Brassicas
Kale 14 1kg 2 - 3kg 1.5 - 2kg April - June September - March 1 - 2yr 1 - 2 50 100 50 120
Surefire Kale Blend 14 2kg 2 - 3kg 1.5 - 2kg April - June September - March 1 - 2yr 1 - 2 50 100 50 120
Jonty 15 1kg 2 - 3kg 1 - 2.5kgSpring / Early
AutumnAutumn / Early Winter 1 Season 1 - 2 Various 110 55 55
Texsel Greens 15 1kg 2 - 3kg 2.5kg April - August September - January 1 Season 1 - 2 Various 110 55 55
Forage Rape 15 5kg & 25kg 4kg 2.5kgMay - end ofSeptember
July - December 1 Season 1 - 2.5 15 - 20 20 40 40
Zoom Mixture 15 5kg 2.5kg - 4kg 2.5kg Spring / Autumn September - March 1 Season 1 - 2 Various 110 55 55
Miscellaneous Crops
Artichokes 19 25kg500kg
(potato planter advisable)
April August - December Permanent 15cm 100cmGrows strongly on
most soils
Buckwheat 19 5kg 20kg+ 20kg April - May August - December 1 Season 1 - 2.5 20 - 35 35 105 210
Mustard 19 5kg & 25kg 5 - 7kg 2.5 - 5kg Spring - Autumn August - December 1 Season 1 - 2.5 20 - 35
Brown Mustard 19 5kg 2 - 3kg B/C Only Spring - Autumn Autumn / Spring 1 Season B/C B/C
Fodder Radish 19 5kg 2.5 - 3.5kg 2.5kg Spring / Autumn July - December 1 Season 1 - 2.5 25 - 30 40 15 20
Perennial Chicory 20 2kg 2kg+ 2kgSpring or Early
AutumnAll Year 5yr+ 1 15 - 20 100 50 120
Quinoa 20 1kg 2kg+ 2kg April - June September - December 1 Season 1.5 45 100 50 120
Yellow Blossom Clover 20 1kg 2.5kg+ 2.5kg April - June All Year 1 - 2yr 0.5 75 30 0 0
Linseed 20 25kg 25kg April - May September - February 1 Season 1 - 2 8 - 18 40 75 65
Triticale 20 25kg 50kg Spring / Autumn August - February 1 Season 2.5 12 - 16 125 0 0
Gold of Pleasure 20 5kg 5kg+ 5kg April - May September - December 1 Season 1 8 - 18 40 75 65
Borage 20 5kg 5kg+ 5kg April - June Autumn 1 Season 1 - 2 15 - 20
Mixtures
Overdrive 21 2.5kg 2.5kg+ 2.5kg April - June September - February 1 - 2yr 2.5 45 - 50 100 50 120
Late Cover Mix 21 5kg 6kg+ 5kg Spring / Autumn September - February 1 Season 1 - 2 20 - 35 55 28 28
Kwik Fix 21 5kg 5kg+ 5kgJuly - End of September
September - December 1 Season 1 - 2 40Lodging can occur
with excess fertiliser
Decoy Game Mixture 22 8kg 8kg 80kg Spring September - February 1 Season 1 - 2 15 - 25 80 40 96
Partridge Mix 22 25kg 25kg Spring September - February 1 Season 1 - 2.5 12 - 16 30 75 75
General Purpose Rearing Pen Mix 22 13kg 13kg+ 13kg+ Spring / Autumn All Year 5yr+ 1 15 - 20
Deer Lawn Mixture 22 15kg 15kg+ 15kg+ Spring / Autumn All Year 5yr+ 1 15 - 20
Traditional Game Cover Mixture 23 10kg 10kg B/C Only April - June September - February 1 Season B/C B/C 80 40 96
Northern Star Game Mix 23 20kg 20kg Spring September - February 1 Season 2.5 - 3 15 75 37 37
Four Ten Mixture 23 14kg 14kg Spring September - February 1 Season 6 75 185 90 220
Sundown Mixture 23 13kg 13kg April - June September - February 1 Season 5 - 6 75 - 100 60 60
Evaluation of New Crops6
Kales from New ZealandSorghum types Wild Bird Seed MixturesMaize types Forage Rye typesEnergy Fodder Beet types
The production of energy is becoming increasingly important and so therefore are the crops required to
feed the Biogas plants. There are now approximately 60 digesters in the UK with planning applications for
many more. The most popular crop currently grown for this purpose in the UK is maize but also grown are
grass, cereals, fodder beet, forage rye and forage sorghum. At our trialling site between 2012 and 2014 we
will be evaluating all the above plus other species in extended replicated trials. Samples will be taken for
methane evaluation and next year’s catalogue will contain a table of results so far obtained.
Each year at Hailes Farm, Gloucestershire trialling
site and in consultation with many of our customers,
we experiment with different products and mixtures.
This enables us to observe and evaluate their
performance so that we can select the best varieties
and mixtures for future use.
BIOMASS CROPS NEW VARIETIES & MIXTURES
Game cover crops will only reach their
full potential if they are well managed
right from the start. A successfully
managed shoot is both profitable and
rewarding to landowners and the
local community, as it contributes
positively to the countryside and the
overall environment. It is hoped the
following notes will help and guide
you to a successful establishment of
game cover crops; any regional or
particular soil conditions have not
been taken into consideration as it is
preferable to take advantage of local
knowledge. If you would like more in
depth information please contact your
local seed specialist, who will be able
to give advice for your own particular
farm/situation.
CROP ROTATIONRotations are essential to help reduce soil-borne disease
such as Club Root in brassicas. A rotational system will
also help to improve soil fertility and structure as each
crop can benefit the soil in different ways, each requiring
different trace elements. Crop rotation is essential where
weeds and/or disease have become a persistent problem.
CULTIVATIONSA well prepared seed bed is essential for crop health and
development, as a rapidly growing game cover crop has
more chance of resisting pest attack. Generally, ploughing
and rapid consolidation to conserve moisture is the ideal
start for these crops. Ensure the seed bed is fine and firm
to help reduce the risk of slug activity.
SOWINGWhere possible we recommend drilling game cover crops.
This ensures accurate seed depth and row width and will
provide maximum seed to soil contact that will encourage
a speedy establishment. Sowing at the correct row width
will also improve bird holding and driving capability.
Each growing season is completely different, but try not
to sow too early to ensure the soil temperature is warm
enough to encourage a quick successful germination.
FERTILISER Soil testing is essential to determine the fertility of the
soil, which can then be managed accordingly to maximize
its potential. Farmyard manure is an excellent way of
improving soil structure and adding fertility. Fertiliser
will also be required at the early stages of establishment
to maximize the output of your game cover crop. Lime
may be required for some acid soils to balance the soil pH.
WEED CONTROLThe stale seed bed technique is a well proven weed control
system and allows early control of weeds. The technique
involves spraying, ploughing and cultivating to encourage
weed seeds to germinate in a first flush, then re-spraying;
this can be repeated as often as you feel it is required
to help achieve a clean seed bed. This technique is very
useful where mixtures are grown and no herbicide can be
recommended. (For chemical weed control see tables on
pages 8 and 9).
7
Establishing Game Cover Crops
Game Cover Chemicals 20128
Note: This is not a complete list of products which can be used on these ‘crops’. In some cases information is based only on limited data so should be used with caution. SOLAs and LTAEU off-label uses are at GROWERS OWN RISK
# 1 Radish Markate 50 SOLA 20080204 #2 Swede and turnip Markate 50 SOLA 2010. Disclaimer: Agrovista cannot accept any responsibility for any loss, damage or accident arising from the use of information in this report.
Stale
SeedbedPre-emergence herbicides Post emergence herbicides Insecticide
Species Notes Rou
ndup
Ulti
mat
e
(SO
LA 2
0082892)
Ava
dex
Exce
l
But
isan
S /
Rap
san
1.5
l/ha
Gam
it 36C
S (
SO
LA 2
0091280)
Ker
b Fl
o (S
OLA
20082942)
Nov
all 2
.5 l/
ha (
AU
TUM
N u
se)
Cin
der
(S
OLA
20092208)
Agr
itox
Ava
dex
Exce
l
AR
AM
O (
SO
LA 2
0082813)
Bas
agra
n (S
OLA
20082819)
But
isan
S /
Rap
san
1.5
l/ha
But
ryflo
w
Cap
ture
Fusi
lade
Gal
era
Lase
r
Jest
er (
SO
LA 2
0100322)
Jubi
lee
SX
(S
OLA
2859/2
008)
MIR
CA
M P
LUS
Nov
all 2
.5 l/
ha
Sta
rane
(S
OLA
2925/2
008)
Spr
ingk
ok 2
.5 A
UTU
MN
onl
y
Cin
der
(S
OLA
20092208)
Ker
b Fl
o (S
OLA
2410/2
008)
Not
rtro
n Fl
o (S
OLA
20082919)
Dep
itox
(SO
LA 2
0082843)
Axi
al (
SO
LA 2
0082815)
Lent
agra
n W
P (
SO
LA 2
0090788)
Mar
kate
50
Canary GrassLTAEU - products used on
cereals or forage maizeSOLA No No No No
low rate from
2-3 leaf
low rate from
2-3 leafNo No No No
max 20g
from 3 leafNo No
max
3.3No No
Chicory SOLA No No max
2.5l/haNo No No No No No No No No
max
2.5
Giant SorghumLTAEU - products used on
cereals or forage maizeSOLA No No max 3.75 No No No from 2-3 leaf No No No
max 6g
from 3 leafNo
max 0.75 from
2-3 leafNo
max
3.75No No No
Kale SOLA No No No No No No No No No No No No
Millet RedLTAEU - products used on
cereals or forage maizeSOLA No max 1.7 No max 2.5 No No No No No No No
max
3.3No
Millgame Millet Mix
(mix red + white)
LTAEU - products used on
cereals or forage maizeSOLA max 1.7 No max 2.5 No No
low rate from
2-3 leaf
from 3 leaf
max 0.8No No No
max 6g
from 3 leafNo No
max
3.3
max 2.0
from 3 leafNo
Millet WhiteLTAEU - products used on
cereals or forage maizeSOLA No No No
max
3.75l/haNo No
low rate from
2-3 leaf
from 3 leaf
max 0.8No No No
max 6g
from 3 leafNo No
max
3.75No No
Mustard SOLA AUTUMN No No No No No No No No Autumn No
QuinoaLTAEU - products used
on OSR SOLA
max 1.5
AUTUMNNo No No No No No No
max 6g
from 3 leafNo No Autumn No
max 1.7
from 3 leafNo
Fodder Radish SOLA No No No No Nolow rate from
2-3 leafNo No No No No No No #1
SunflowersLTAEU - products used
on OSR SOLA max 1.7 AUTUMN No No No No No No No No No No No No No
max
3.3
Swede SOLA No No No No No No No No #2
Yellow Blossom
Clover
LTAEU - products used
on OSR SOLA AUTUMN max 2.5 No No No No No
from
3 leafNo No No No No No No
max
2.5
max 1.7
from 3 leaf
Texel Greens SOLA No No max 3.3 No No No No No No No No No No No No
Stubble Turnip SOLA No No No No No No No No No #2
SOLAs Game Cover
LTAEU OK
OK to apply but some transient crop effects might be observed
Blank fields = no information
Yes ok to use
Yes when established
Yes from 3 leaf stage
No - do not useThe chart below was kindly
supplied by Agrovista UK Ltd
KEY
9
Maize Herbicides 2012Susceptible
Moderately susceptible
Moderately resistant
Resistant
An
nu
al M
ead
ow
Gra
ss1.5
L/HA
2-4
TL(2
LVS)
Bla
ckg
rass
Co
mm
on
Co
uch
Ryeg
rass
Vo
lun
teer Cerea
ls
Wild
Oa
ts
Am
ara
nth
us
An
nu
al M
ercury
0.7
5L/H
A
( )
Bla
ck B
ind
weed
1.5
L/HA
2-4
TL
Bla
ck N
igh
tsha
de
2-4
TL0
.75
L/HA
Bu
glo
ss2-4
TL
Ch
arlo
ck2-4
TL
Clea
vers1.5
L/HA
1.5
L/HA
2-4
TL
C.C
hick
weed
2-4
TL
C. Field
Sp
eedw
ell2-4
TL0
.75
L/HA
C H
emp
Nettle
Co
mm
on
Po
pp
y2-4
TL
Cra
ne's B
ill
( )
Co
rn M
arig
old
Creep
ing
Bu
ttercup
Do
ck
Fat H
en2-4
TL0
.75
L/HA
Field B
ind
weed
Field P
an
sy2-4
TL0
.75
L/HA
Foo
l's Pa
rsley
Forg
et-me-n
ot
2-4
TL
Fum
itory
2-4
TL
Gro
un
dsel
2-4
TL
Hen
bit D
ead
Nettle
1.5
L/HA
Sp
eedw
ell, Ivy-leaved
2-4
TL
Kn
otg
rass
1.5
L/HA
1.5
L/HA
2-4
TL
Ora
che
2-4
TL0
.75
L/HA
Pa
le Persica
ria2-4
TL0
.75
L/HA
Pa
rsley Piert
Pen
nycress
1.5
L/HA
2-4
TL
Pin
eap
plew
eed1
.5L/H
A2
-4TL
0.7
5L/H
A
Po
pp
y2-4
TL
Red
Dea
d N
ettle2-4
TL
Red
sha
nk
0.7
5L/H
A
Sm
all N
ettle2-4
TL
Sca
rlet Pim
pern
el
Scen
tless Ma
yweed
2-4
TL0
.75
L/HA
Sh
eph
erd's P
urse
2-4
TL
So
w T
histles
Stinking M
ayweed
1.5
L/HA
2-4
TL0
.75
L/HA
Th
istle Creep
ing
Vo
lun
teer OS
R2-4
TL
Vo
lun
teer Po
tato
Wild
Ra
dish
1.5
L/HA
0.7
5L/H
A
Do
se rate litre/h
a
2.7
Stomp Aqua 3.3
Cinder 3.75
4.0
0.85 g/kg
1.4
2.5
1.5
1.5
2.5
0.75
1.0
1.0
50 g
500g
Cro
p Tim
ing
Pre-emergence up to
4 leaves
Pre-emergence up to
4 leaves
Pre-emergence up to
4 leaves
Pre-emergence
Pre-emergence
Pre-emergence
Pre & Post - emergence
Pre & Post-emergence
Post emergence
Post emergence
Post emergence
Post emergence
Post emergence
Post emergence
Pro
du
ct
Bullet XL
Pendimethalin
Wing-P
Cadou Star
Dual Gold
Templar
Calaris
Callisto
Templar
Samson Extra 6%
Butryflow
Gal Gone
Titus
Jester
KeyLitre quantity indicates effective application rate
The chart below was kindly supplied by Agrovista UK Ltd
( ) = Based on trials
DISCLAIMER Agrovista cannot accept any responsibility for any loss, damage or accident arising from the use of information in this report
FLEA BEETLE MANAGEMENTBrassicas (Kale, Rape, Texsel Greens, Jonty) and Linseed
are vulnerable in hot weather conditions to attacks of Flea
Beetle. Chemical insecticide treatment will be required
immediately if ‘shot holes’ are seen in the young leaves.
Increasing soil fertility and structure helps speed the crop
through critical growth stages to minimize attack.
DIABROTICA BEETLE (WESTERN CORN ROOTWORM) Diabrotica is a serious pest of maize. The Colorado beetle
is ranked number 10 as the world’s most destructive pest;
Diabrotica beetle comes in at number 3 so that gives a
perspective as to its destructive ability. The pest has been
migrating through Europe for the last few years and
has now reached the UK. The larvae can be devastating
to maize crops. It has been detected in successive years
in areas around Gatwick and Heathrow. If a field is in a
DEFRA identified “Risk Area”, farmers are required to
rotate maize with crops that do not act as a host or it is
requested that seed is treated with a specialist insecticide
such as Cruiser, Gaucho or Poncho. Numbers of
Diabrotica are on the increase and everyone must keep an
eye open for their presence. This is as important in game
maize crops as it is for forage maize crops.
WIREWORMThis pest is normally a problem after grass, especially
long-term leys. The standard maize insecticide seed
treatment, Mesurol, does not control Wireworm. Cruiser/
Gaucho/Poncho Seed treatments do have an effect on
Wireworm, but it is important to use vigorous varieties,
prepare a good seed bed and give the crop every chance to
establish fast to limit the damage from this pest.
FRIT FLYA key UK pest of maize, especially in grassland areas.
This is easily and cheaply controlled with Mesurol whilst
available, which also has some bird repellent properties.
EUROPEAN CORN BORERThe corn borer is a pest native to Europe which has been
spotted in the British Isles in the 2011 maize crop. The
moth lays clusters of eggs on the underside of the leaf
which hatch into caterpillars causing damage to the ears
and stalks of maize, chewing tunnels which can cause the
plants to fall over. Control is difficult as the maize is too
tall to spray by the time the damage occurs.
OTHER PESTSGame cover is often sown in the spring near to woods
and trees and therefore is very attractive to crows, pigeons,
slugs, rabbits, hares, deer, badgers and caterpillars. Game
cover crops need to be checked regularly and relevant
action needs to be taken quickly to prevent further attacks
from these pests. Mesurol seed treatment, whilst still
available, can help reduce Corvid damage to maize crops.
Pests & Diseases in Brassicas & Maize10
N.B. Flea Beetle treated seed should be drilled
not broadcast as it can be toxic to people
and wildlife. Also if left on the surface of the soil the
effectiveness of the chemical against Flea Beetle will
be reduced.
Wireworm
Diabrotica BeetleFlea Beetle
European corn borer damage in maize
Diseases in Brassicas
CLUB ROOT(Plasmodiophora brassicae)
Club Root is a serious and widespread disease of brassica
plants. It is very difficult to control and once present in
the soil, is virtually impossible to eradicate. Roots affected
by Club Root are swollen and distorted thus reducing the
flow of water and nutrients to the plant; leaves become
yellow and wilt causing severe stunting of growth. Sowing
crops in the autumn when the soil is cooler reduces the
risk of attack. Increasing soil pH through liming, ensuring
good drainage and maintaining long rotations between
brassica crops (at least four years) are the best methods to
manage the disease.
Diseases in Maize
MAIZE SMUT
(Ustilago maydis)
This fungus can be seed or soil borne and is also a disease
of barley. Common Smut often appears in hot dry years
and is characterised by irregular shaped ‘puffy’ balls on
the cobs and stems of the plant. These puffy balls are eaten
in Mexico as a delicacy! This disease rarely affects yield
or feeding value and does not present a health hazard to
livestock.
EYE SPOT(Kabatiella zeae)
Another fungus which can be a problem in coastal areas
especially in cold wet seasons. Seen as severe dark lesions
on stems and leaves. The disease is hosted by maize trash,
so with any occurrence, field rotation and variety selection
should be considered for future sowings. Deep burying of
trash from previous cropping is a must.
RUST(Puccinia sorghi)
Although sometimes seen in the UK, normally at the end
of the season, Rust is not a major threat. It is observed as
dark brown/red rust pustules which develop on the upper
leaves. Even when present, this disease has not been a real
problem.
STALK ROT(Fusarium spp)
This is a fungus normally developing in late maturity
causing premature senescence. It can weaken plants
rapidly and cause lodging, especially if harvesting at 30%+
dry matter content.
11
Eye SpotMaize Smut
Game Maize is still one of the most
popular crops used for cover and feed.
Nearly all maize varieties used for
game cover have at some stage been
commercial forage or grain varieties.
As these varieties are superseded by
newer hybrids, stocks of those being
replaced diminish and we carefully
select the most suitable of these for our
game cover purposes.
The selection criteria a breeder would use for a new forage maize are:
High yield potential
Maturity
Resistance to lodging
Very good early vigour
Resistance to disease
Most of these attributes are just as important for our
game cover crops and as breeding evolves the varieties we
supply will continue to improve.
Every year seems to be difficult for growing maize for one
reason or another and 2011 was no exception! Most areas
experienced very dry conditions causing various degrees
of plant stress, with some counties such as Shropshire
suffering from drought so badly that the plants resembled
brown cardboard. However, in those areas where rain
finally did fall, the crops compensated remarkably well.
The brand ‘Late Shot’ has increased in popularity,
producing an immature crop with unripe cobs at harvest,
therefore not suffering from the damaging attentions of
badgers and rodents. (see photo on p 13)
For game cover purposes, a crop of maize can always be
relied upon to provide the perfect hiding cover for game;
birds can move easily through it and the cob will provide
valuable feed.
Variety selection is as important a factor as when and
where to sow and we have a choice of five brands to suit all
locations and requirements.
Game Maize12
Mr Ed John, Gower Peninsula November 2011
Biomass Maize varieties available
Game Maize
13
RAPID FIRE
Rapid Fire is still our biggest selling brand of maize.
Varieties are chosen which have very good standing
ability, early vigour and a low cob carriage.
Pack size 50,000 seeds Mesurol treated
DOUBLE GOLD – GRAIN TYPEDouble Gold is still our first choice variety in the UK
and Europe for grain production. As it is used for grain it
has excellent standing power, which is very important to
withstand a whole shooting season. It has excellent early
vigour which is always important but even more so in
difficult sowing conditions.
Pack size 50,000 seeds Mesurol treated
SILVER SHOTSilver Shot is a very short, compact plant and has been
sown in large shoots for several years. It is a stay-green
variety with high drought tolerance which may have
impact in the future!
Pack size 40,000 seeds Mesurol treated
TRIPLE MAIZE BLENDTriple Maize Blend is a mixture of varieties, normally
three different types of early, mid and late. This will
give differing rates of maturity as cobs ripen at different
times, thus providing cover throughout the whole of the
shooting season.
Pack size 50,000 seeds Mesurol treated
LATE SHOTThis plant is extremely late to mature and could not feature
anywhere on a UK Maize List due to its lateness. It will
produce an immature cob that rarely develops past the
‘bright white stage’. Due to its very late maturity Late Shot
seems to be of less interest to rats and rabbits, so where
standard varieties have been decimated, Late Shot should
still be looking good at the end of the shooting season.
Pack size 50,000 seeds Mesurol treated
N.B. Height of maize may vary depending
on seasonal and management variations.Comparing immature Late Shot (cob on left) to
earlier Rapid Fire (cob on right) in October
Kale is still one of the most popular
cover crops used today. The main
advantage of Kale is that it will
provide cover for the whole shooting
season. Pheasants particularly like the
combination of a good canopy and bare
ground which allows easy movement
in a relatively dry environment.
Kale requires soil with a pH of around 6.5, so it is very
important to conduct soil analysis prior to sowing. Kale
is a very hungry crop and benefits from the application
of farmyard manure/slurry prior to sowing. Care should
be taken with continuous Kale as the ground can become
“brassica sick”; Club Root (Finger and Toe) will inhibit
or prevent the growth of brassica crops but this can be
prevented by growing Kale and another crop such as
Maize in adjacent strips and alternating the strips from
one year to another.
Kale is frequently grown in conjunction with other crops
such as Quinoa and Yellow Blossom Clover. Selection of
any such mixture should take into account the required
length of time for which the crop is grown and the
potential weed control that may be required.
Kales14
GOLDENEYE KALEwith clubroot tolerance
Goldeneye is a giant type kale especially bred for the game
cover market, selected for the optimum combination
of height and leaf production. It has a leafy top, strong
stem, good winter hardiness and good field tolerance of
disease, making it the ideal choice for game cover usage.
In a trial conducted at the Scottish Agricultural College,
Aberdeen, Goldeneye achieved a higher vigour score than
Caledonian kale and equal or better club root tolerance.
Pack size 1 kg, untreated
OUTSTANDING PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
THOUSAND HEADTraditional medium tall variety with medium-branched
stems. Good winter hardiness and good standing ability
make this variety a popular choice.
Pack size 1 kg, untreated
SUREFIRE KALE BLEND A combination of three excellent game cover kale varieties,
to provide a tall varied canopy. This blend will give superb
cover over an extended period and will give second year
growth with various bolting times. The flowering kale
attracts insects and provides shed seed, all helping to draw
both game and song birds.
0.75kg Thousand Head/Goldeneye0.75kg Gruner Angeliter0.50kg Keeper
2kg/acre
Pack size 2kg, (1 acre packs) untreated
GRÜNER ANGELITERTall variety with good winter hardiness. Grüner Angeliter
looks to be a significant improvement in the game crop
sector. In difficult growing conditions this is by far the
best looking variety in the game cover sector.
High leaf canopy. Thick strong stem with a branching-out
umbrella-like canopy, with plenty of room for the birds to
run underneath.
Pack size 1 kg, untreated
SOVEREIGN Sovereign is a medium-tall forage kale with excellent
yield potential and is the leading variety in New Zealand.
Being late flowering and with a good leaf-to-stem ratio,
the variety has the potential to maintain good quality
production over a longer usage period.
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JONTYJonty is a fast growing brassica, which will provide cover
within 6 weeks of sowing. Due to its rapid bolting tendency
Jonty is best planted in early autumn as a rescue crop.
Pack size 1kg, Thiram & Sepiret treated
TEXSEL GREENSTexsel Greens are an easy to establish, frost hardy cover
crop. Their rapid growth is ideal for suppressing weeds.
Pack size 1kg, Thiram & Sepiret treated
FORAGE RAPE Forage Rape is particularly useful in that it can be used
as a rescue or catch crop, continuing until the New Year
when it flowers and goes to seed. A well grown crop with
adequate spacing between rows will provide good cover
for holding, driving and feeding. It is largely unaffected
by frost and wet weather.
Sowing rate 2.5 - 4kg/acre
Pack size 5kg and 25kg untreated
Cruiser treatment available (limited)
See page 34 for Clubroot tolerant variety
AKELA ORGANIC FORAGE RAPEWidely grown in Europe, Akela is a leafy, palatable plant
with high protein content, high dry matter yield and good
winter hardiness. It is another very late flowering variety
which performs well whether sown for summer, autumn
or winter use.
Pack Size 25kg untreated organic seed (limited)
ZOOM BRASSICAMIXTUREZoom is a blend of Winfred Hybrid Brassica and Forage
Rape. This is a very vigorous and quick growing mixture
which is ideal for replacing failed crops or patching
spring sown crops. High seedling vigour gives a reliable
establishment of a high leaf to stem ratio crop with
carefully selected varieties that have good disease and
bolting resistance.
Pack size 5kg.
Cruiser Flea Beetle treatment
15
Miscellaneous Brassicas
Flea Beetle treated seed must be drilled and not broadcast. Flea Beetle seed treatment greatly reduces the effect of Flea Beetle damage in the early stages of establishment,
however regular monitoring of the crop is still required as further action may be needed in the event of heavy attack.
Texsel Greens Jonty
Mr Jim Chattaway, Nevill Holt Estate,
Leicestershire 5th December 2011
Sunflowers traditionally have been
grown in the more southerly parts
of the UK due to their requirements
for early spring sowing and warm
sunshine. The standard types of
sunflower have a seed-head that is
too high for pheasants to reach easily
and so the selection of dwarf and
super dwarf varieties has improved
the utilisation of this crop. In most
situations sunflowers are now grown
in conjunction with many other game
crops, either in mixtures or adjacent
blocks. They provide highly nutritious
seed of a high oil content that all
game and song birds enjoy. The young
seedlings are very vulnerable to slug
attack, so a close eye must be kept on
the newly planted crop.
STANDARD TYPE
Variable height, but generally tall. For best utilisation of
this crop it should be “swiped down” to enable game birds
to reach the seeds.
Pack size 1 acre (5kg) untreated
DWARF TYPE A short hybrid variety with good standing ability. The
seed-heads tend to be larger than those of the standard
type. These are also best “swiped down” to enable birds to
reach the large seed-heads.
Pack size 1 acre (5kg) Fungicide treated
SUPER DWARF TYPE ‘DIAMOND’
A true super dwarf variety with a short, very strong stem
which supports huge seed-heads. The shortness of the
stems makes the seed-heads readily available to game
birds. Excellent standing ability.
Pack size 1 acre (5kg) Fungicide treated
Sunflowers16
Diamond SunflowersDiamond Sunflowers
AMBUSH MILLET MIX Ambush Millet Mix is a combination of White Millet and Japanese Reed Millet. The Reed Millet being a stronger plant and more winter hardy provides cover while the White Millet produces plentiful seed to hold the birds in the cover. It is an ideal mixture for use as a wind-proof belt on the outside of a block of maize or as a flushing point at the end of maize.
3.00 kg White Millet2.00 kg Japanese Reed Millet5.00 kg/acre
Pack size 1 acre (5kg) untreated
MILLGAME MILLET MIXMillgame Millet Mix uses both Red and White Millet and is useful as the Red matures earlier than the White, therefore extending the feeding period. This mixture can produce huge amounts of high protein feed per acre and when combined with maize creates an excellent cover and feed crop.
2.50 kg Red Millet2.50 kg White Millet5.00 kg/acre
Pack size 1 acre (5kg) untreated
WHITE MILLETWhite Millet is best suited to more southerly regions of the UK as it is a sunshine loving plant and is not frost hardy. It provides warmth, shelter and feed to game birds and will attract wild seed-eating birds such as finches. Millet is particularly attractive to grey and red-legged partridges and if sown alone can be used for early holding cover. When required to last longer into the season it performs well if sown with Maize but will combine well with a variety of other game cover crops.
Pack size 1 acre (5kg) untreated
RED MILLETRed Millet is earlier maturing than white and does not stand well when sown alone. However it is a good partner to use with White Millet as it extends the feeding period (see Millgame Millet Mix). As with other millets, it is susceptible to frost.
Pack size 1acre (5kg) untreated
CANARY GRASS(Phalaris aquatica)
Canary Grass provides excellent medium to long term nesting cover for pheasant and partridge and can be used to both hold and drive birds. It is useful in areas where annual planting is not an option, either because it is uneconomic or too difficult and is a good choice to use between tree rows in newly established woods. Care must be taken to drill in wide enough rows to prevent the Canary Grass becoming too dense and therefore impassable to the birds. Annual management should be undertaken to keep the rows clear and topping is beneficial if the grass becomes too tall, with the debris being removed.
Pack size 1 acre (2.5kg) untreated
JAPANESE REED MILLETJapanese Reed Millet is a stronger plant than other members of the millet family and is more winter hardy. When mixed with White Millet it provides an excellent cover and feed crop (see Ambush Millet Mix)
Pack size 1acre (5kg) untreated
REED CANARY GRASS(Phalaris arundinacea)
Reed Canary Grass is similar to Phalaris aquatica but is more suitable for use in exposed northern regions as it is a much hardier plant and will tolerate a wide range of soil types. It not only offers nesting and cover to pheasants but also provides wild birds with nesting sites. The crop is purely for cover and does not provide feed so bare patches may be left unplanted or later cut out to provide areas for artificial feeding. As with Phalaris aquatica drilling in wide rows is necessary rather than broadcasting or the crop will become too dense and annual management should be undertaken to keep the rows clear. Topping is beneficial if it becomes too tall, with the debris removed.
Pack size 1 acre (2.5kg) untreated (limited availability)
17
White Millet
Millets & Canary Grasses
Sorghum is a tall semi-tropical,
non-cob producing, maize-like plant
which will provide cover throughout
the shooting season. It thrives best in
warm, sunny growing conditions and
therefore is suited to the more southerly
regions of the UK. Sorghum is a very
slow establishing plant that does not
begin to flourish until late July.
GIANT SORGHUMGiant Sorghum is a Sorghum x Sudan grass hybrid
standing approximately 2 metres tall or more and
therefore is extremely useful as a windbreak to protect
more vulnerable crops. Its deep rooting system enables it
to withstand drought conditions. Useful as a flushing crop
even though the Giant Sorghum is prone to lodging later
in the season.
Pack size 1 acre (12kg) Fungicide treated
INTERMEDIATE SORGHUMIntermediate Sorghum as suggested by its name, is in
between giant and dwarf in height, approx 1.5m. Useful as
a windbreak around other game cover crops, it provides
pheasants and partridges with protection from overhead
predators. Has an attractive seed-head.
Pack size 1 acre (8kg) Fungicide treated plus untreated
(limited)
DWARF SORGHUMDwarf Sorghum has a short, sturdy, broad-leaved stem
and a substantial seed-head, providing birds with warm
cover throughout the shooting season. Often sown as a
companion to Maize with the bulkier, shorter Sorghum
plants giving protection to the birds below the taller
growing maize plants (see Four Ten on p23) Average
height 1 - 1.25m
Pack size 1 acre (8kg) Fungicide treated
OVER N’ UNDERSORGHUM MIXTUREA combination of two differing heights of sorghum. The
shorter Dwarf Sorghum will give the birds protection
from predators with the taller Giant Sorghum acting as
a windbreak.
4.00 kg Giant Sorghum4.00 kg Dwarf Sorghum8.00 kg/acre
Pack size 1 acre (8kg) Fungicide treated
Sorghums18
Over n’ Under Sorghum Mixture
N.B. Height of Sorghum may vary depending
on seasonal and management variations.
Giant Sorghum
ARTICHOKESProvide tall, dense cover which tolerates adverse growing
conditions and remains green well into the autumn.
Gradual die-back will occur but game can be held until
the end of the shooting season if well managed. Best
grown in ridged rows which will provide sheltered
tunnels to protect the birds. Requires annual thinning
of rows and re-ridging to prevent the crop becoming too
dense. Once established they are difficult to eradicate.
Can combine with a feed crop such as millet. It is essential
that artichokes are planted within 48 hours of delivery to
farm.
Sowing rate 500kg/acre
Minimum order 250kg
Book early to avoid disappointment
Pack size 25kg untreated
BUCKWHEATA rapidly growing short term crop highly attractive to
pheasants, partridge and deer both as cover and feed. The
large amount of nectar produced attracts bees and insects
which in turn provide added interest for game birds. It is a
useful component to add to mixtures due to its bulkiness
and its ability to continue to provide holding cover and feed
after the first frosts when the crop has fallen. Buckwheat
thrives best in sunny rather than shaded areas.
Sowing rate 20kg/acre
Pack size 5kg untreated
MUSTARDMustard is a relatively inexpensive and highly versatile
cover crop either sown alone or as a companion to other
species. It is ideal for early cover and although killed off
by frost, the fallen woody stems will create shelter for the
birds below. This is especially useful when sown with seed
producing species which alone would provide no cover.
Popular as a green manure crop (see green manure section).
Sowing rate 5kg/acre
Pack size 5kg and 25kg untreated
Cruiser treatment available (limited)
Organic seed available (limited) in 25kg packs
BROWN MUSTARD A green manure crop with biofumigation properties, i.e.
it suppresses soil-borne pests and diseases. It is an easy
to establish 50 - 70 day crop that can be sown between
April and September and unlike conventional varieties
of mustard it is winter hardy. It will improve the health
of the soil by increasing organic matter and acts as an
excellent weed suppressant. It is also especially useful
as over-wintering green cover after maize, potatoes and
sugar beet crops, reducing soil erosion, fertiliser leaching
and water run-off.
Sowing Rate 2kg - 3kg/acre
Pack size 5kg untreated
19
Miscellaneous Crops
Artichokes Brown Mustard
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FODDER RADISHA fast growing cover crop, its prime usefulness
being where brassica sickness is a problem due to its
immunity to the disease. Other qualities are its speed
of establishment which aids weed suppression, and its
use as a green manure crop. It is useful as a catch crop
in northern regions if sown in July as it will be ready to
provide cover within six to eight weeks, just as birds are
losing cover from the cereals being combined. Due to
its fast growth it is valuable as a replacement for failed
crops. Fodder Radish is not winter hardy, but continues
to provide cover right through the season. In addition,
it holds its seed in pods which shed in late winter/early
spring, thus providing feed during that all important
‘hungry gap’.
Sowing rate 2.5kg/acre
Pack size 5kg untreated
OUTSTANDING SPECIES OF THE YEAR
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PERENNIAL CHICORYCreates tall, dense cover, bolting in its second year to
create a flowering hedge, useful where a perimeter barrier
is required. It has good tolerance to drought, acid soils
and major pests (but does not like very wet ground) and
has a high mineral content including zinc, potassium and
copper.
Sowing rate 2 kg/acre
Pack size 2kg untreated
BORAGE Borage, also known as Starflower, is an annual herb, growing
to a height of 2-3 feet with bright blue flowers; there is also
a white flowered variation. The crop was traditionally
grown for culinary and medicinal uses, although the crop
is commercially grown today for its oil content.
Borage can be used in companion planting. If planted near
tomatoes it is said to improve the tomatoes’ flavour and
growth. The crop, because of its large leaves and succulent
growth, can be used as a green manure crop if sown in the
spring, the leaves providing an abundant source of easily
digestible material which will readily break down when
incorporated into the soil without reducing the mineral N
content within the soil structure.
Sowing rate 5kg/acre
Pack size 5kg untreated
YELLOW BLOSSOM CLOVERA biennial plant which can persist for several years due to
its self-regenerating properties. Owing to its sweet smell
and copious production of nectar it is highly attractive
to insects, which in turn attract game birds and wildlife.
Sowing with Kale will help to provide cover in the first
year, with the tall, woody-stemmed clover taking over in
the second year. Yellow Blossom Sweet Clover can thrive in
the poorest of soils and being leguminous and deep rooting
it is invaluable for improving soil structure and fertility.
Sowing rate 2.5 kg/acre
Pack size 1kg untreated
LINSEEDTraditionally grown for its oil, Linseed has become
popular in recent years as game cover and is particularly
attractive to partridge. It is an easy to grow crop and is
tolerant of many soil types, performing well on thinner
soils e.g. Cotswold Brash. Although not frost hardy it will
continue to provide cover and interest well into the winter
especially if sown as part of a mixture. It is also another
option where Brassica Sickness has been a problem.
Sowing rate 25kg/acre
Pack size 25kg Chinook treated
TRITICALEA wheat/rye hybrid cereal providing good cover and feed
in marginal low fertility areas where it will thrive with little
input. Useful in situations where maize and millet are not
options and where Brassica Sickness is a problem. Further
important advantages are its ability to withstand rabbit
attack, its winter hardiness and good disease resistance.
When sowing in the spring, a true spring type must be
used which does not require a period of vernalisation,
otherwise the plant will not produce grain.
Sowing rate 50kg/acre
Pack size 25kg untreated
GOLD OF PLEASURE - CAMELINAAnother crop well suited to poorer and nutrient deficient
soils. It is a fast maturing free-branching plant producing a
seed very attractive to birds, especially partridge. A useful
mixture for exposed areas is produced by combining
Gold of Pleasure with Triticale, Barley and Linseed.
See Partridge mix page 22.
Sowing rate 5 kg/acre
Pack size 5kg untreated
QUINOA
Quinoa is capable of producing a plentiful amount of
seed and therefore is a popular choice of crop for holding
partridge and pheasants. Many species of seed-eating
song-birds are also attracted to the crop. Commonly
grown with Kale, the Quinoa provides cover and feed
until it begins to collapse in the first frosts with the Kale
providing more permanent cover. Useful as a break crop
where Brassica Sickness is a problem and Maize is not an
option.
Sowing rate 2 kg/acre
Pack size 1kg untreated
Miscellaneous Crops20
Quinoa
21
Our range of game cover mixtures are
specially formulated to ensure you
will be able to achieve the best from
your cover crops. Combining different
species into a mixture can extend
the utilisation period, help to attract
and hold specific types of game and
provide feed and cover where both are
required.
However, there are sometimes
instances when none of the above will
fit the bill for one reason or another.
In these cases, specialised mixtures to
suit individual specific requirements
can be arranged.
OVERDRIVE
A superb combination of winter hardy cover provided by
the Kale and high quality feed provided by the Quinoa.
This mixture is excellent for holding birds.
1.25 kg Quinoa
1.25 kg Grüner Angeliter Kale
2.50 kg/acre
Sowing rate 2.5kg/acre
Pack size 2.5kg
LATE COVER MIXTURE
A rapidly establishing and maturing mixture providing
winter cover to the height of 2 - 3 feet. It is often used
as a patching crop where spring crops have failed. This
mixture will tolerate drought conditions.
3.00 kg Forage Rape
1.50 kg Stubble Turnips
0.35 kg Mustard
0.15 kg Fodder Radish
5.00 kg/acre
Sowing rate 5kg/acre
Pack size 5kg untreated
KWIK FIXThis is a flexible cover crop which can be used to patch
failed spring game covers. Mustard increases the cover
element and prolongs the cover period. This mixture will
not provide full season cover, but it is more winter hardy
than straight Mustard.
3.50 kg Fodder Radish
1.50 kg Mustard
5.00 kg/acre
Sowing rate 5kg/acre
Pack size 5kg untreated
Game Cover Mixtures
DEER LAWN MIXTUREA mixture blended to provide a wide and very diverse
blend of forage which will suit the needs of most deer
species found in the UK. The grasses will provide the
bulk of the forage, Meadow Foxtail being one of the
species particularly favoured by deer. The wide selection
of leguminous plants provides good levels of protein
and minerals adding variation and interest to the diet.
Mixtures such as these can be sown into cleared areas of
woodland where soil types and structures are not always
ideal and where deer may graze without disturbance.
38% Meadow Fescue
15% Timothy
15% Intermediate Perennial Ryegrasss (Diploid)
5% Late Perennial Ryegrasss (Diploid)
5% Smooth Stalk Meadow Grass
3% Black Medick
3% Lucerne Pre-inoculated
3% Sainfoin
2.5% Common Bent Grass
2.5% White Clover
2% Red Clover
2% Fenugreek
2% Perennial Chicory
1% Meadow Foxtail
1% Plantain
100%
Sowing rate 15kg/acre
Pack size 15kg
GENERAL PURPOSE REARING PEN MIX
A mixture of species which provides a perfect rearing/
release pen mixture. This mixture establishes rapidly
and forms a hardwearing sward which will withstand
intensive stocking. The legumes included will fix nitrogen
and attract insects.
3.00 kg Amenity Perennial Ryegrass
2.50 kg Late Perennial Ryegrass
2.00 kg Timothy
2.00 kg Meadow Fescue
2.00 kg Creeping Red Fescue
1.00 kg Birdsfoot Trefoil
0.50 kg White Clover
13.00 kg/acre
Sowing rate 13kg/acre
Pack size 13kg
DECOY GAME MIXTUREA combination of six small seed producing species
which will provide excellent cover and feed and will last
throughout the season. It is easy to sow and establish as
all the seeds are of similar size and offers an excellent
alternative to our Traditional Game Cover mixture.
Decoy mixture can be used in ELS as a Wild Bird Seed
Mixture option.
2.0kg Linseed (chinook treated)
2.0kg Buckwheat
1.5kg Red Millet
1.5kg White Millet
0.5kg Fodder Radish
0.5kg Mustard
8.00 kg/acre
Sowing rate 8kg/acre
Pack size 8kg
EF2 450 points per ha - See page 25
PARTRIDGE MIXTURE
A very hardy mixture that thrives on colder, poorer soils.
This mixture has an open canopy that encourages and
holds partridges and is useful as a break crop from Kale.
Partridge mixture can be used in ELS as a Wild Bird Seed
Mixture option.
12.50 kg Spring Triticale
7.50 kg Spring Barley
3.75 kg Linseed (chinook treated)
1.00 kg Gold of Pleasure
0.25 kg Kale
25.00 kg/acre
Sowing rate 25kg/acre
Pack size 25kg
EF2 450 points per ha - See page 25
Game Cover Mixtures22
Partridge MixDecoy Game Mix
Mr Paul Turnock, Pewit Hall October 2011
23
Mr John Murrie is involved in the agronomy, establishment and management of many successful shoots
in Angus.
TRADITIONALGAME COVER MIXTUREA traditional mixture of species specially selected for their
feed and cover qualities. This mixture is designed for a full
season of cover that will provide holding, feed and cover
for all game birds. The Sunflowers add an attractive splash
of colour. Due to the variance in seed size, broadcast to
achieve optimum establishment but ensure good seed/
soil contact so the treated seed is covered by harrowing
and rolling.
3.00 kg Game Maize
1.75 kg White Millet
1.50 kg Red Millet
1.50 kg Buckwheat
1.00 kg Kale
0.75 kg Sunflower
0.25 kg Mustard
0.25 kg Forage Rape
10.00 kg/acre
Sowing rate 10kg/acre
Pack size 10kg various treatments
NORTHERN STAR GAME MIXTURENorthern Star Game mixture is ideal for use in colder,
more exposed areas. This mixture will provide cover and
feed as well as being a haven for wildlife throughout the
season. The Triticale in the mixture is beneficial where
rabbit damage is a potential problem. It is advisable to sow
in wide rows to enable birds to have free access.
10.00 kg Triticale
7.00 kg Tic Beans
1.50 kg Forage Rape
1.00 kg Kale
0.50 kg Yellow Blossom Clover
20.00 kg/acre
Sowing rate 20kg/acre
Pack size 20kg untreated
FOUR TEN MIXThis mixture will provide cover and feed throughout
the season. Dwarf Sorghum will provide added warmth
and cover below the Maize. Both species have similar
husbandry techniques.
10.00 kg Game Maize
4.00 kg Dwarf Sorghum
14.00 kg/acre
Sowing rate 14kg/acre
Pack size 14kg Fungicide treated
SUNDOWNMIXTUREA carefully blended mixture of Game Cover Maize and
Sunflowers that combines the fantastic feeding potential
of both species. This mixture provides full season cover
and feed. It is not recommended for marginal areas.
11.50 kg Game Maize
1.50 kg Dwarf Sunflower
13.00 kg/acre
Sowing rate 13kg/acre
Pack size 13kg Fungicide treated
Traditional Game Cover Mixture Northern Star Mixture
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★
The Future of Our Countryside
Our countryside has always been a sight to behold, and those of us who spend our lives in this idyllic environment might just think that the overall appearance of the landscape could never be improved upon. We have had just a little over 11 years of Environmental Stewardship in one guise or another and whilst the overall views of what we see might not have changed greatly, time moves more slowly when nature is involved and there have been many improvements which to the naked eye are a little more difficult to discern. Farmers have gradually seen that high input farming in many instances is not always as profitable as first thought, and that a more considered view as to land management and animal husbandry does have its benefits. We need a vibrant, ecological countryside for mankind to continue its presence on this planet. However, man must be very careful not to indulge himself into making sweeping changes to the landscape as we know it. It has taken many thousands of years to evolve and has, during that process, given every species whether plant or animal the chance to evolve at its own pace and hence keep its place in the fragile structure of the planet.Many of the noble aims for the protection of our countryside need time to come to fruition; if we rush this, it will be at the expense of not only the countryside but also of its people. If we are to halt the advance of global warming then it is incumbent on every state to try somehow within the bounds of good husbandry and good environmental practice to produce sufficient food for its population. To consider the alternative of importing food as a means of protecting the countryside will add further strains on an already susceptible planet and will use up its natural resources far more rapidly; such remedies will just compound the problem. The forecast for world population increase will give rise to even further pressure on food production so we must proceed into the future with a measured step, one which will secure the countryside for future generations and one which will support its people.
The current Third Edition Entry Level Stewardship Environmental
plan for England which came into effect in February 2010 has made
a number of changes from the original scheme. These are : a new
Uplands ELS Strand, 2 options under Boundary features, 3 options
under Trees and woodland, 2 options under Buffer strips, 3 options
for Arable land and 5 options under Protection of soil and water.
In addition to this there are 2 amendments to the options for the
encouragement of crop types; these apply to 2 options in the old
scheme which have been upgraded for the improvement of a food
source for wild birds and a clarification of what can and cannot be
used under these headings.
Higher Level Stewardship has seen fewer amendments and it is just
the addition Management of high environmental ditches Section
HB14 which has now been included. Much if not all of HLS is
prescriptive and the Natural England advisors detail the requirements
for the protection or propagation of endangered species.
Organic ELS has similar new options as are agreed for the standard
ELS scheme. The only differences are 2 new options under Arable
and rotational land and 4 Options under Protection of soil and
water. Similarly the old options for wild bird mixtures and nectar
flower in grass land are amended.
To comply with the legislation within the schemes we have amended
a number of our standard mixtures. The various scenarios in which
they may be used and the mixture compositions for each selected
category can be seen on pages 25 - 27.
24
Environmental Stewardship
Mr Mark Wood, Herefordshire November 2011
25
Environmental Stewardship Selector
Mixture Options Straight Options
ELS & HLS Description Buffer Strip Mixtures Nectar Rich Mixtures Wild Bird Seed Mixtures Not Winter Hardy Winter Hardy
ELS
Code
CFE
ELS
Option
HLS
Code Description ELS
& H
LS
Poin
ts/h
a
BG
M 1
with
Coc
ksfo
ot
BG
M 2
no
Coc
ksfo
ot
BG
M 3
with
Coc
ksfo
ot &
Clo
ver
BG
M 4
with
Wild
flow
ers
BG
M 1
RC
BG
M 2
RC
SR
G S
peci
es
Ric
h G
rass
SR
G w
ith 1
5%
Wild
flow
ers
But
terfl
y &
Bum
bleb
ee M
ixtu
re
WF1
Polle
n &
Nec
tar
with
Gra
ss
Nec
tar
Ric
h
Bro
nze
Nec
tar
Ric
h
Gol
d
Dec
oy M
ixtu
re
Part
ridg
e M
ixtu
re
WB
S 1
WB
S 2
WB
S 3
Nor
ther
n W
BS
1
WB
A 1
Pha
celia
Mus
tard
Fodd
er R
adis
h
Vetc
h
Fora
ge R
ye
Bar
ley
Italia
n C
atch
Cro
p
Spr
ing
Oils
eed
Rap
e
Options for trees and woodland
EC24 HC24 Hedgerow tree buffer strips on cultivated land 400 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Options for buffer strips
EE1 HE1 2m Buffer strips on cultivated land 300 ✓ ✓ ✓
EE2 HE2 4m Buffer strips on cultivated land 400 ✓ ✓ ✓
EE3 HE3 6m Buffer strips on cultivated land 400 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
EE8 HE8 Buffering in-field ponds in arable land 400 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
EE9 HE9 6m buffer strips on intensive grassland next to a watercourse 400 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
HE10 Floristically enhanced grass buffer strips (non-rotational) 485 ✓ ✓
Options for arable land
EF1 HF1 Management of field corners 400 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
EF2 HF2 Wild bird seed mixture 450 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
EF4 HF4 Nectar flower mixture 450 ✓ ✓
EF7 HF7 Beetle banks 580 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
EF22 Extended overwintered stubble 410 ✓ ✓ ✓
Options to encourage a range of crop types
EG1 HG1 Undersown spring cereals 200 Grass and legume mixture
Options to protect soil and water
EJ2 HJ2 Management of maize crops to reduce soil erosion 18 ✓
EJ9 HJ9 12m buffer strips for watercourses on culitvated land 400 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
EJ10 HJ10 Enhanced management of maize crops to reduce soil erosion & run off 94 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
EJ13 HJ13 Winter cover crops 65 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
DISCLAIMER Any Information provided in this table is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If you would like any further advice please contact your local Natural England AdvisorCompatible with current CFE Schemes
Entry Level Stewardship table with options that are also available under Higher Level Stewardship Scheme
26
Environmental StewardshipMixture Options
BGM1 with Cocksfoot
20% Hard Fescue
20% Creeping Red Fescue
20% Cocksfoot
20% Timothy
20% Tall Fescue
100%
Sowing rate 20kg/ha
Pack size 20kg
BGM3 with
Cocksfoot and Clover
20% Hard Fescue
20% Creeping Red Fescue
20% Timothy
15% Cocksfoot
15% Tall Fescue
5% Birdsfoot Trefoil
5% Small White Clover
100%
Sowing rate 20kg/ha
Pack size 20kg
BGM2 no Cocksfoot 20% Hard Fescue 20% Creeping Red Fescue 20% Chewings Fescue 20% Timothy
20% Tall Fescue
100%Sowing rate 20kg/ha
Pack size 20kg
BGM4 with Wildflowers 20% Meadow Fescue 15% Hard Fescue 10% SSMG 10% Creeping Red Fescue 8% Chewings Fescue 7% Common Bentgrass 7% Sainfoin 5% Crested Dogstail 5% Tall Oat Grass 3% Birdsfoot Trefoil 2.5% Black Medick 2% Meadow Foxtail 2% Red Clover 1.5% Ox-eye Daisy 1% Black Knapweed
1% Yarrow
100%Sowing rate 20kg/ha
Pack size 20kg
BGM 1 RC Red Clover
and Cocksfoot 20% Hard Fescue 20% Creeping Red Fescue 20% Timothy 20% Tall Fescue 15% Cocksfoot
5% Red Clover
100%
Sowing rate 20 kg/ha
Pack size 20kg
BGM 2 RC Red Clover
No Cocksfoot
20% Hard Fescue
20% Creeping Red Fescue
20% Timothy
20% Chewings Fescue
15% Tall Fescue
5% Red Clover
100%
Sowing rate 20 kg/ha
Pack size 20kg
Species-Rich Wild
Flowers (SRGWF) 15% Ox-eye Daisy 15% Black Medick 10% Ribwort Plantain 10% Black Knapweed 10% Yellow Rattle 10% Meadow Buttercup 10% Self Heal 5% Yarrow 5% Common Sorrel 5% Red Campion 5% White Campion
100%
Sowing Rate variable
Species-Rich Grass
(SRG) 20% SSMG 20% Red Fescue 20% Meadow Fescue 20% Common Bentgrass 10% Sheeps Fescue
10% Hard Fescue
100%
Sowing Rate variable
Pack size 20kg
Pollen & Nectar with Grass
20% Meadow Fescue
10% Tall Oat Grass
10% Cocksfoot
10% Timothy
10% Tall Fescue
9% Sainfoin
8% Birdsfoot Trefoil
6.5% Black Medick
6% Early English Winter Vetch
6% Alsike
3% Late Flowering Red Clover
1% Black Knapweed
0.5% Musk Mallow
100%
Sowing Rate 20kg/ha
Pack Size 10kg
Nectar Rich Bronze
50% Sainfoin
18% Early English Winter Vetch
10.5% Alsike
10% Birdsfoot Trefoil
8.5% Late Flowering Red Clover
3% White/Red Campion
100%
Sowing Rate 10kg/ha
Pack Size 10kg
Nectar Rich Gold
40% Sainfoin
17% Early English Winter Vetch
10% Late Flowering Red Clover
10% Alsike
10% Birdsfoot Trefoil
10% Lucerne (Inoculated)
2% Black Knapweed
1% Musk Mallow
100%
Sowing Rate - 10kg /ha
Pack Size 10kg
WF1
42% Sainfoin
12% Birdsfoot Trefoil
11% Black Medick
11% Red Clover
6% Black Knapweed
6% Ox-eye Daisy
6% Yarrow
4% Red Campion
2% White Campion
100%
Sowing Rate variable
Pack Size 1kg
Butterfly & Bumblebee Mixture
15% Creeping Red Fescue
15% Sheeps Fescue
10% Common Bent Grass
10% Hard Fescue
9% Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass
6% Lucerne (Inoculated)
5% Rough Stalked Meadow Grass
5% Yorkshire Fog
4% Kidney Vetch
3% Tufted Hair Grass
3% Birdsfoot Trefoil
2% Phacelia
2% Agrimony
2% Early English Winter Vetch
2% Ribwort Plantain
2% Devils Bit Scabious
2% Sheeps Sorrel
1.75% Red Clover
1% Wild Pansy
0.25% Common Nettle
100%
Sowing Rate variable
Pack Size 1kg
Buffer Strips Mixtures Nectar Rich Mixtures
nt Grass
ed Meadow Grass
culated)
d d
Butterfly & B
15% Creepin
10% Comm
10% Hard F
9% Smooth
6% Lucern
h
ebee Mixture
d Fescue
Bumble
15% Creeping Red Fescue
15% Sheeps Fescue
10% Common Bent Grass
Fescue
h Stalke
ne (Inoc
lk d
WBS 1
1 Year Spring Sown
Attracts Tree Sparrow
50% Spring Triticale
30% Spring Barley
9% Linseed (chinook treated)
4% White Millet
3% Quinoa
3% Red Millet
1% Fodder Radish
100%
Sowing Rate 40kg/ha
Pack size 20kg
WBS 2
2 Year Spring Sown
Attracts Grey Partridge
50% Spring Triticale
30% Spring Barley
8% Kale
4% Quinoa
4% Fodder Radish
4% White Millet
100%
Sowing Rate 40kg/ha
Pack Size 20kg
WBS 3
1 Year Spring Sown
Attracts Finches & Buntings
55% Spring Triticale
25% Spring Barley
5% White Millet
5% Red Millet
5% Mustard
5% Fodder Radish
100%
Sowing Rate 40kg/ha
Pack size 20kg
WBA 1
1 Year Autumn Sown
40% Winter Triticale
30% Winter Barley
20% Winter Vetch
10% Winter Oilseed Rape
100%
Sowing Rate 40kg/ha
Pack Size 20kg Oilseeds
treated
Northern WBS1 (1 year)
40% Spring Triticale
30% Spring Barley
15% Linseed
(chinook treated)
4% Mustard
4% Spring Oilseed Rape
3% Quinoa
3% Phacelia
1% Fodder Radish
100%
Sowing Rate 40kg/ha
Pack size 20kg Oilseeds
treated
Partridge Mixture
50% Spring Triticale
30% Spring Barley
15% Linseed
(chinook treated)
4% Gold of Pleasure
1% Kale
100%
Sowing rate 25kg/acre
Pack size 25kg
Decoy Mixture
25% Linseed
(chinook treated)
25% Buckwheat
18.75% Red Millet
18.75% White Millet
6.25% Fodder Radish
6.25% Mustard
100%
Sowing rate 8kg/acre
Pack size 8kg
27
Wild Bird Seed Mixtures Organic Mixtures
Organic Wild Bird Seed Mixture
1 Year Spring Sown
65% Organic Triticale
15% Spring Barley
8% Kale
4% Quinoa
4% Fodder Radish
4% White Millet
100%
Sowing Rate 40kg/ha
Pack size 20kg
Organic Nectar Flower Mixture
30% Organic Early English Winter Vetch
25% Organic Lucerne (Inoculated)
20% Sainfoin
10% Organic Red Clover
7.5% Birdsfoot Trefoil
7.5% Alsike
100%
Sowing Rate – 10kg/ha
Pack Size 10kg
RSPB - Steps to support your farmland birds.
If you want to see genuine wildlife benefits from your
agri-environment scheme, as well as the income, then the
Farmland Bird Package is the best model to follow on your
arable land. Healthy farmland bird populations could be
achieved by managing as little as 3-4% of arable farmland
for them by creating high quality habitats. The three essential requirements
you can provide are a wealth of seeds, insects and safe nesting habitat.
A potential new option to benefit farmland birds on farms dominated by
improved grassland is to allow ryegrass to set seed in the summer. This
option should be available in schemes in England in the future, and is
currently being trialled in Wales and Northern Ireland.
For advice and information contact your local RSPB advisor and sign
up to the RSPB farming e-newsletter at www.rspb.org.uk/farming or
e-mail [email protected] with your specific requirements.
Bir
d P
ho
tos
by
Tim
Mar
low
28
Make the Most of Environmental Stewardship
Natural England is here to conserve and enhance the natural environment, for its intrinsic value, the well-being and enjoyment of people and the economic prosperity that it brings.
Environmental Stewardship has a proven track record of helping farmers deliver a range of environmental benefits on their land. Scheme options that require seed mixes include pollen and nectar strips and wildflower mixtures to encourage pollinating insects and other beneficial wildlife, grassland mixes to help conserve soil and water and forage mixes for farmland birds. Other options can protect the historic environment of your farm, help restore traditional meadows and pastures and help adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Why your farm is important
for farmland birds and wildlife
Farmers and the farming community play a vital role in reversing the fortunes of farmland birds and wildlife across England. The land management skills and knowledge that farmers use to run their farm businesses are crucial to this. Farmland birds and wildlife need your continued help and expertise.The birds on your farm are a good indicator of the overall health of biodiversity, as they sit high up the food chain. If bird populations are doing well then it indicates that the plants and insects on which they feed are thriving too. Research and past experience of schemes shows that farmland bird populations can respond positively and quickly when these simple measures are put in place across the farmed landscape. These measures can work alongside existing farm practices and fit within the needs of your farming business.
Making a difference
Through the use of Environmental Stewardship, or voluntary options of the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE), a number of simple management measures can be put in place that will make a huge difference to farmland birds and wildlife.For instance, by adopting the Farmland Bird Package you will provide the three main things needed by farmland birds to survive and thrive: winter bird seed, nesting habitat, and spring chick feed source. If you provide the following three things per 100 hectares of arable farmland, then farmland birds will thrive on your farm:
1. Nesting Habitat. For example, 20 skylark plots per 100 hectares of arable land would halt the decline of skylarks, and lapwings would benefit greatly from a 1 hectare fallow plot.
2. Winter Seed Food. For example, overwintering of stubbles, or using wild bird seed mixtures in cases where farming policy is unable to allow for this, would provide food during the winter and early spring.
3. Summer Insect Food. For example, using nectar-rich flower mixtures to provide insect-rich habitats across the farm, vital to many birds during the breeding season.
The benefits of Environmental
Stewardship
Regular farm income:Financial incentives are available through Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) to provide a 6 monthly income for environmentally friendly land management that supports farmland birds and wildlife.
Realise the wildlife potential of less productive areas:Make awkward corners, small fields and wet areas of farms work better by entering them into ELS options. The least productive areas of a farm are often (with the correct management) the best for birds and wildlife.
Contribute to climate change mitigation:Those options which involve creating grass buffers and field corners in arable fields will lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. This is due to reduced nutrient inputs and increased temporary carbon storage within the created grassland.
Need further help and information?To arrange a farm visit
from an adviser or book
on to a farm event in your
region, please contact:
Natural EnglandTel: 0300 060 1695
Email: [email protected]
www.naturalengland.org.uk/farmevents
For further information on Environmental
Stewardship and to apply for any of the
schemes:
Tel: 0300 060 0011
www.naturalengland.org.uk/es
Campaign for the
Farmed Environment
Tel: 024 7685 8892
Email: [email protected]
www.cfeonline.org.uk
Our Stewardship mixtures are planted at Hailes Farm Gloucestershire to be used for training days
29
Higher Level Stewardship
Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) will be combined with
Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) or Organic Entry Level
Stewardship (OELS) options and aims to deliver significant
environmental benefits in high priority situations and
areas. HLS is discretionary and concentrates on the more
complex types of management, where land managers
need advice and support and where agreements need to
be tailored to local circumstances.
The five primary aims of Higher Level Stewardship are:
• Wildlife conservation
• Maintenance and enhancement of landscape quality
and character
• Natural resource protection
• Protection of the historic environment
• Promotion of public access and understanding of
the countryside
There are two secondary objectives where spin off benefits
are sought from management designed to achieve the five
primary aims. These are:
• Flood management
• Conservation of genetic resources
The majority of sections which will involve the use of sown seed will be advised by the Natural England project officers, who will design mixtures to promote the particular environmental object which has been identified as being in need of protection, or of improvement or replacement, so as to redress the balance within the environment.
The options which come into this will be found in the sections that follow.
HE, HF & HG Options for arable land which include
Floristically enhanced margins, Enhanced wild bird plots,
low input scenarios, Brassica over wintered stubbles and
options for the re-creation of a more varied arable mosaic.
HJ Options for Soil and water protection, which includes
reversion mixtures for erosion prevention and this can be
coupled to a low fertiliser input version. The prevention of
soil erosion is a major part of the environmental concept;
this prevents the blocking of water channels and in high
fertiliser input situations helps to reduce the leaching of
nitrates into major water courses.
HK Options are broken down into three basic sections,
Species Rich and Semi Natural Grasslands, The
management of Wet Grasslands and the Management of
Grassland for target species.
HK6, HK7 & HK8 Options cover the maintenance,
restoration and creation of species rich semi-natural
grassland. The creation of such habitats is usually
prescriptive and it is always worth asking if there are
options within the plant species required because of
seasonal problems with native production.
HK9, HK10, HK11, HK12, HK13 & HK14 are options
for wet grassland beneficial to wading birds and wildfowl.
Once again the maintenance, restoration and creation of
these habitats are covered by the above options.
HK15, HK16, HK17 are options for the management of
grassland for target species. This covers the maintenance
of existing grasslands, the restoration of grasslands and
the creation of new grassland for specific target species.
HK18 provides a haymaking supplement which if to be
beneficial to stock may have to be created and this may
lead to an opportunity to use a more traditional mixture,
based on the less aggressive grass species such as fescue,
meadow grasses, timothy and some older native species.
HE11 option for target species on intensive grassland is
used to provide additional wildlife habitat by managing
buffer strips in intensive grass leys. Management involves
using a specified seed mixture of wildflowers and grasses
and is tailored to each site based on the species targeted.
The HLS Scheme is in the main prescriptive as we have
mentioned before, especially where the need for new
established grass or legumes is concerned. Many of the
species of plants used in the ELS scheme will also be
used in the higher scheme. For this reason we have ‘for
your help and guidance’ included wherever possible
dual references within our tables as we feel this will help
simplify some of the possible options.
JPF Clay Farms, Herefordshire November 2011
30
Stewardship Schemes for Scotland
Scotland Rural Development Programme
The SRDP is the Scottish Government’s umbrella
programme providing grant funding for the rural areas. It
is a £1.6 billion programme of economic, environmental
and social measures designed to develop rural Scotland
over the period 2007 – 2013. The programme brings
together a wide range of formerly separate support
schemes including those covering the farming, forestry
and primary processing sectors, rural enterprises and
business development, diversification and rural tourism.
The main emphasis of the SRDP is on:
• Improving business viability and competitiveness
• Enhanced landscape and biodiversity
• Improved water quality
• Adaptations to mitigate climate change
• Supporting thriving rural communities
These funding measures will be delivered through
the following schemes and initiatives:
• Rural Development Contracts (RDC)
- Land Managers Options (RDC-LMO)
- Rural Priorities (RDC-RP)
• Various other grants covering Crofting, Food
Processing and Co-operation, Forestry, Skill
development, the LEADER initiative and Less
Favoured Areas
Rural Development Contracts (RDC) - Land Manager Options (LMO)
This is a non-competitive scheme open to land managers
in Scotland who are registered with the Integrated
Administration and Control Scheme (IACS) and have a
business reference number. There is no approval process,
but each participant will have a maximum annual
allowance based on the area of land they manage. The
LMO scheme replaces the Land Managers Contract Menu
Scheme which was introduced in 2005. There are 22
options available with this scheme, 2 of which are relevant
to this seed catalogue.
Wild Bird Seed Mix / Unharvested Crop
Option 9 5 Year
This option provides support for the practice of leaving
areas unharvested over the winter after spring sowing a
mixture of seed bearing crops. These areas provide both
cover and feeding areas for wild birds. Either-
1. Spring sow a mixture of annual crops, including at
least one cereal, which will provide seed for the targeted
species and do not plough down until after 15 March the
following year.
Mixture Option:
Northern WBS 1
Sowing Rate 40kg/ha
OR
2. Spring sow a mixture of at least two crops, one of
which must seed in the first year and one in the second, e.g.
Kale. Plough in after 15 March following last seeding year.
Mixture Option:
Northern WBS 2
Sowing Rate 40kg/ha
Management of Grass Margins and Beetlebanks in
Arable Fields Option 14 5 Year
This option will encourage the creation of grass strips in
and around arable fields to benefit biodiversity and water
quality. Grass strips can serve a dual purpose of reducing
soil erosion and supporting wildlife. Insects overwinter
on grass strips and they can provide food and cover for
birds and small mammals.
Sow a suitable mixture of grass seed with at least one
nectar producing species. Strips should be between 1.5m
– 6.0m in width.
Mixture Option:
BGM 1RC - with Red Clover and Cocksfoot
Sowing Rate 20kg/ha
OR
Mixture Option:
BGM 2RC - with Red Clover, but No Cocksfoot
Sowing Rate 20kg/ha
OR
Mixture Option:
BGM 3 - with White Clover and Birdsfoot Trefoil
Sowing rate 20kg/ha
Wild Bird Seed Mix/ Unharvested Crop
Axis 2 Option 2 5 Year
This option provides support for the practice of leaving
areas unharvested over the winter after spring sowing a
mixture of seed bearing crops. These areas provide both
cover and feeding areas for wild birds. Either:
1. Spring sow a mixture of annual crops, including at least
one cereal, which will provide seed for the targeted species and
do not plough down until after 15 March the following year.
Mixture Option: Northern WBS 1 Sowing Rate 40kg/ha
2. Spring sow a mixture of at least two crops, one of which
must seed in the first year and one in the second, e.g. Kale.
Plough in after 15 March following last seeding year.
Mixture Option: Northern WBS 2 Sowing Rate 40kg/ha
This option in the RP section is exactly the same as in the LMO section.
Grass Margins and Beetlebanks
Axis 2 Option 35 5 Year
You must establish a grass margin strip (between 1.5m
and 6m in width) by sowing a suitable mix of grass seed,
including at least one species of a nectar-rich plant such as
red clover.
Mixture Option: BGM1 RC, BGM2 RC or BGM 3
Sowing Rate 20kg/ha
Creation and Management of Species-Rich Grassland
Axis 2 Option 16 5 Year
The aim of this option is to convert arable ground to
species- rich grassland. This option has been split for 2012.
Option A for wildlife
The wildlife option requires at least 15% mixed native wild
flowers with 85% non aggressive fine leaved grasses
Mixture Option: Option A use mixture SRG + WF
Sowing Rate: 20 kg/ha
Mixture Option: Option B for Bees, Moths, Butterflies
and other Invertebrates. This is a much more prescriptive
option, so please contact our Scottish office at Leith.
Arable Reversion to Grassland
Axis 2 Option 40 5 Year
The grassland must be established by sowing a suitable mix
of grass seed, which should include one or more species
of nectar- feeding plants, such as red clover, into a sterile
seed bed. A normal medium to long term grass ley mixture
would be suitable, provided that it has a component of
seeds of flowering plants. Examples of nectar plants are red
clover, knapweed, ox-eye daisy, yarrow and common vetch.
Mixture Option: BGM1 RC or BGM 2 RC or any
standard mix + 5% Red Clover
31
Species-Rich Grass
and Wildflower Mixtures
Minimum 15% Wildflower inclusion
Species-Rich Wild Flowers
(SRGWF) 15% Ox-eye Daisy 15% Black Medick 10% Ribwort Plantain 10% Black Knapweed 10% Yellow Rattle 10% Meadow Buttercup 10% Self Heal 5% Yarrow 5% Common Sorrel 5% Red Campion 5% White Campion
100%
Species-Rich Grass (SRG) 20% SSMG 20% Red Fescue 20% Meadow Fescue 20% Common Bentgrass 10% Sheeps Fescue 10% Hard Fescue
100%
Grass Margin/ Beetlebank
Mixtures
BGM 1 RC Red Clover
and Cocksfoot
20% Hard Fescue 20% Creeping Red Fescue 20% Timothy 20% Tall Fescue 15% Cocksfoot 5% Red Clover
100%
Sow at 20 kg/ha
BGM 2 RC Red Clover
No Cocksfoot 20% Hard Fescue 20% Creeping Red Fescue 20% Timothy 20% Chewings Fescue 15% Sheeps Fescue
5% Red Clover
100%
Sow at 20 kg/ha
Scottish Mixtures 2012Rural Development Contracts (RDC) – Rural Priorities (RP)
Northern WBS1 (1 year)
40% Spring Triticale
30% Spring Barley
15% Linseed (Chinook)
3% Quinoa
4% Mustard
4% Spring Oilseed Rape
3% Phacelia
1% Fodder Radish
100%
Sowing Rate 40kg/ha
Pack size 20kg Oilseeds treated
Northern WBS 2 (2 year)
40% Spring Triticale
30% Spring Barley
10% Kale
10% Quinoa
5% Red Clover
5% Sweet Clover
100%
Sowing Rate 40kg/ha
Pack size 20kg
Northern WBS 2
- Non cereal
This small seed mixture
without cereals has been
formulated for those who
have access to home grown
cereals and therefore only
require the small seed
element of WBS2.
33% Kale
33% Quinoa
17% Red Clover
17% Sweet Clover
100%
Sowing Rate 5kg/ac
Pack size 5kg
Northern Wild Bird Mixtures
These WBS mixtures are recommended for those parts of
the country where more frost hardy species are required
and species such as millet are less likely to survive.
See pages 26 & 27 for
other mixtures BGM3,
WBS1, WBS2 and
WBS3 as per England
These mixtures have been designed after consultation with both
RSPB Scotland and the Bumble Bee Conservation Trust.
Glastir is the new All-Wales Agri-
Environment Scheme being introduced
by the Welsh Assembly Government. It
is a 5 year whole farm sustainable land
management scheme available to farmers
and land managers across Wales. From
2012, Glastir will replace the four existing
agri-environment schemes, Tir Gofal,
Tir Cynnal, Tir Mynydd and the Organic
Farming Schemes.
Glastir will ensure that future environmental challenges can be met by:
• combating climate change
• improving water management
• maintaining and enhancing biodiversity
It is designed to deliver measurable outcomes at both a farm and landscape level in a cost effective way.
Glastir consists of three elements:
• All-Wales Element (AWE) - a whole farm land management scheme which is open to
application from all farmers and land managers throughout Wales. It is designed to provide
support for the delivery of environmental benefits that meet today’s challenges and priorities.
Successful applicants will make a commitment to deliver environmental goods for five years
under a legally binding contract.
• Targeted Element (TE) – a part farm scheme intended to deliver significant improvements to
the environmental status of a range of habitats, species, soils and water that might also require
changes to current agricultural practices. In order to achieve these specific improvements and
outcomes, financial support from the Welsh Government will be targeted at locations where
action will lead to the required result.
• Common Land Element (CLE) - designed to provide support for the delivery of environmental
benefits on common land.
There is also an additional funding source for an Agricultural Carbon Reduction and Efficiency Scheme (ACRES)
available to farmers who have a contract under the All-Wales Element.
32
Glastir Welsh Environmental Scheme
Option 32 Plant unsprayed root crops on improved grass and arable land
• White Turnips - see Stubble Turnip varieties
and Green Globe Turnips on page 35
• Soft yellow turnips
• Hardy yellow turnips
• Swedes - see page 38
• Fodder beet - see page 37
Option 33 Establish a wildlife cover crop on improved grass and arable land
For mixture options see WBS 1, WBS 2 and
WBS 3 on page 27, Partridge Mix page 22
These mixtures are designed to provide
both nesting sites and a food source for
overwintering birds such as Tree Sparrow,
Finches, Buntings, Skylark, Grey Partridge,
Yellow Hammer and Barn Owl.
Forage Root Crops Selector
Forage root crops provide an extremely
cost effective way of supplementing
livestock rations during times when
fodder may be scarce, during dry spells
in summer and the cold winter months.
They will supply substantial quantities
of palatable material at relatively low
production costs, balancing the amount
of bought-in feed required.
33
DISCLAIMER These tables are given in good faith and intended for general guidance only. Weather, local conditions and crop rotations must always be taken into account.
ICON KEY
CropPage No.
Pack Size
Average Sowing Rate kg per Acre Sowing Date
GuideUtilisation
Period
Average Drill
Depth cm
Average Row
Width cm
Suggested Guide to Seedbed
Fertiliser (kg) ha
Broadcast Direct Drill N P K
Forage Rape 345kg & 25kg
4 2.5May - end of September
July to December 1 - 2 n/a 20 40 40
Stubble Turnip 355kg & 25kg
3 2April - mid September
June to December 1 - 2 n/a 75 40 40
Main Crop Turnip 35 1kg 2 1 - 1.5 May - JulyOctober to February
1 - 2 n/a 40 80 100
Kale 36 1kg 3 1 - 2 April -July September to March 1 - 2 50 100 50 120
Fodder Beet 371 acre
(50,000 seeds)
-Precision drill
50,000 seed/acreMarch - May October to March 2.5 - 3 50 - 60 110 50 50
Swede 38500g
& 1kg2
Precision drill 150-350g/acre grade H
Direct drill 1April - June August to March 1 - 2
45 - 70 graded
40 natural40 80 100
Rapid Root Mixture 39 5kg 2.5 2.5Mid April - mid
SeptemberJuly to December 1 - 2 n/a 60 50 50
Winter Graze Mixture 39 5kg 2.5 2.5Mid July - mid
SeptemberPost Christmas
grazing1 - 2 n/a 60 50 50
LIFTINGSHEEP
GRAZING
Stock should be introduced gradually over a two week period and an area of grassland should be available for animals to return to; water, hay or straw should also be made available. Please contact your supplier for further guidance.
CULINARY USE
CATTLEGRAZING
34
Forage Rape
EMERALD
A rapidly establishing, medium-to-tall, palatable variety
with above average dry matter yields and good general
disease resistance.
Pack Size 5kg & 25kg untreated
Cruiser treatment available (limited)
AKELA ORGANIC FORAGE RAPEWidely grown in Europe, Akela is a leafy, palatable plant
with high protein content, high dry matter yield and good
winter hardiness. It is another very late flowering variety
which performs well whether sown for summer, autumn
or winter use.
Pack Size 25kg untreated organic seed
SPARTA FORAGE RAPEwith good clubroot tolerance
Another new introduction to our portfolio, Sparta is a
high yielding, late flowering rape with the huge advantage
of having clubroot tolerance, enabling it be sown where
clubroot is a problem and there are no alternative sowing
sites. Its late flowering habit allows for sowing flexibility
offering an extension to the feeding period. As with other
forage rapes, it matures ten to twelve weeks after sowing.
Pack size 5kg and 25kg untreated
GREENLAND FORAGE RAPEwith good aphid tolerance
Greenland is a versatile, high yielding rape of medium
height, suitable for all stock types. Very late flowering, it is
a leafy, palatable plant with aphid tolerance, maturing ten
to twelve weeks after sowing. Spring sown, it will provide
summer/autumn grazing with the scope for regrowth for
winter; sown from late summer/autumn it will provide late
autumn/winter grazing. This flexibility of sowing times
means that the crop can be more effectively managed with
usage taking place when feeding value is at its highest.
Pack size 5kg and 25kg untreated
ZOOM BRASSICA MIXTURE
A blend of Winfred Hybrid Brassica and Forage
Rape. This is a very vigorous and quick growing
mixture which is ideal for replacing failed crops or
patching spring sown crops. High seedling vigour
gives a reliable establishment of a high leaf to stem
ratio crop with carefully selected varieties that have
good disease and bolting resistance.
Pack size 5kg.
Cruiser Flea Beetle Treatment
Forage Rape has the advantage of
being a very fast growing crop, suitable
for grazing by sheep or cattle. An ideal
catch crop for boosting midsummer
forage production for livestock farmers
when planted in the spring, it is suitable
for fattening lambs in the autumn/winter.
Forage Rape extends the grazing season
in the autumn and is superb for flushing
ewes.
Forage Rape can be mixed with Stubble
Turnips and Kale to combine the benefits
of these crops (see page 39).
Forage Rape Yield and Feed Quality
Average dry matter yield 3.5 tonnes/ha
Average fresh yields 24 - 35 tonnes/ha
Dry matter 12 - 14%
Crude protein 19 - 20% (mainly leaves)
Digestibility value 65D
Metabolisable energy 10 - 11 MJ/kg DM
Stock should be introduced gradually over a two week period and an area of grassland should be available for animals to return to; water, hay or straw should also be made available. Please contact your supplier for further guidance.
Stubble turnips are a fast growing
catch crop, popular with livestock farmers.
They may be sown after first cut silage for
summer grazing or after winter cereals
for autumn usage. When planting a large
acreage it is advisable to stagger sowing
dates, increasing the seed rate in dry
conditions. If using for dairy cow grazing
it is important to take into consideration
the distance between the field and the
milking parlour. Strip grazing is advisable
if possible to limit wastage.
There are two types of stubble turnip:
bulbing (see Barkant and Vollenda) and
non bulbing (see Tyfon)
BARKANTA winter hardy, highly digestible variety with high dry
matter. This is a proven and reliable stubble turnip.
Pack sizes 5kg & 25kg untreated
VOLLENDA (Tetraploid)A large leafed, highly digestible variety with good
early vigour and good disease resistance. It retains its
palatability throughout the season, and is noted for its
yield, speed of growth and bolting resistance.
Pack sizes 5kg & 25kg untreated
TYFON
A leafy, fast growing cross between Chinese Cabbage and
Stubble Turnip, producing 50 plus tonnes per hectare. It
exhibits high frost resistance and can be utilised within
eight to ten weeks after sowing. There is potential for
regrowth.
Pack size 5kg seed treatment Thiram
Later maturing than Stubble Turnips
with a higher dry matter and better
winter hardiness. They have a growing
period of 12 - 15 weeks.
GREEN GLOBEGreen Globe turnips produce soft easily eaten roots that
are well anchored into the ground, suitable for grazing by
all types of stock. They will provide a very high fresh yield
from large bulbs and are utilised between October and
February, preferably strip grazed to reduce waste.
Pack size 1kg
Sow Late May to July
Sowing rate Drill 1-1.5kg/acre Broadcast 2kg/acreStubble Turnip Yield and Feed Quality
Average dry matter yield 3.5 - 4 tonnes/ha
Average fresh yields 38 – 40 tonnes/ha
Dry matter 8 - 9%
Crude protein 17 - 18% (mainly leaves)
Digestibility value 68 - 70%
Metabolisable energy 11MJ/kg DM
So
urc
e: N
IAB
Variety Barkant Vollenda(T) Tyfon
Relative Yield of Dry Matter 104 102 102
Dry Matter Content (%) 9.5 9.7 8.9
Root Size (9=large 1=small) 4 5 2
Root Anchorage (9=good 1=poor) 5 4 6
Bolting Resistance (early sown) (9=good 1=poor) 6 9 3
Winter Hardiness (9=good 1=poor) 7 7 5
Club Root (9=good 1=poor) 7 8 5
Powdery Mildew Resistance (9=good 1=poor) 5 5 3
Turnips
Bulbing types Non Bulbing types Main Crop Turnip
35
36
Kales
Kale is a brassica traditionally grown
for grazing by cattle in the autumn and
winter. It can also be cut and fed to stock
‘in house’ or as an alternative can be
ensiled as big bale kaleage. Kale is very
useful as it can extend the grazing season.
It is advisable to alternate sowing dates
to ensure it does not over-mature. It is
very adaptable and can grow on most sites
throughout the UK. Kale can also be used
as game cover (See page 14).
Pack size: 1 kg untreated
Variety Maris Kestrel (Control)
Gruner Angeliter
Thousand Head Keeper
Dry Matter Yield 100 111 90 80
Height cm 65 80 78 60
GRÜNER ANGELITERA very high yielding variety with good winter hardiness
and excellent feeding quality with fresh yields 15%
higher than Caledonian Kale and 10% higher than
Bittern in German trials. Grüner Angeliter has been
the mainstay forage variety of Kale in New Zealand for
many years and since its recent introduction to the UK
has become equally popular over here.
THOUSAND HEADThousand Head is a slender stemmed variety bearing leafy foliage with very high D value and dry matter content. It has excellent winter hardiness providing forage for feeding after Christmas.
SOVEREIGNSovereign is a medium-tall forage kale with excellent yield potential and is the leading variety in New Zealand. Being late flowering and with a good leaf-to-stem ratio, the variety has the potential to maintain good quality production over a longer usage period. Sovereign does not produce the large thick stems common to giant kales even at lower plant densities, therefore increasing palatability.
Dry Matter yield is a percentage of Maris Kestrel • Source: 2010 DLF Trifolium Ltd trial at Hailes Farm, Gloucestershire.
Kale Yield and Feed Quality
Average dry matter yield 8 - 10 tonnes/ha
Average fresh yields 60 – 65 tonnes/ha
Dry matter 14 - 16%
Crude protein 16 - 17% fresh,
19 - 25% ensiled
Digestibility value 68D
Metabolisable energy 10 - 11 MJ/kg DM
Grüner Angeliter
OUTSTANDING FORAGE PRODUCT OF THE YEAR
Mr Chris Goodfellow, Chelford, Cheshire October 2011
n
d
k
e
y
2011PRODUCT OF
THE YEAR
★ O
U
TSTANDING
★
EVALUATI
NG
FOR
2013
Fodder Beet is grown as a main root crop, which requires similar husbandry to sugar beet. It can produce substantial yields of high quality fodder and is an excellent supplement to grass silage. The roots are very palatable to stock and have superb feed quality. Specialist harvesting equipment is required to lift the roots and storage is required unless they are strip grazed in situ.
Medium dry matter varieties tend to have a higher percentage of root above ground and can be lifted with a top lifter and therefore have a relatively low dirt tare. These highly palatable roots can be fed whole to stock. High dry matter varieties tend to sit further in the ground and require a sugar beet harvester to lift them. Due to the higher dirt tare and hardness of the root, these varieties may need to be chopped and washed before feeding. After wilting, the tops may be fed to stock and can contribute a further yield of 3-4 tonnes of protein-rich dry matter per
hectare.
Pack size - 50,000 seeds per acre
Seed Treatment - Mesurol, Force Magna, Gaucho and limited untreated seed available
Fodder Beets
ALPES
The ultimate fodder beet variety from the world leading DLF Trifolium plant breeding programme. It has exceptional all round characteristics and is notably the highest yielding, cleanest fodder beet available, thus ensuring less waste and more profit. Alpes benefits from large top size and has 33% of its yellow root above ground which allows for easy lifting. Good resistance to bolting.
MAGNUMMagnum has a consistent root
size and reliable high dry matter yields. It is a very palatable variety therefore increasing appetite and dry matter intake in all stock. Higher dry matter fodder beet has been shown to increase milk yield and daily live weight gain. Due to its high dry matter content it is more frost resistant than other varieties with a high proportion of clean, white root in the ground.
KYROS
A very consistent, high yielding variety producing a clean, highly palatable and easily digestible yellow root at harvest. Kyros will provide a high energy feed whole or chopped.
TROYA
High yields of medium dry matter content. Very good establishment and bolting resistance with 62% of its yellow root in the ground, ensuring clean, easy lifting.
Fodder Beet Yield and Feed Quality
Average dry matter yield 13 - 15 tonnes/ha
Average fresh yields 80 - 90 tonnes/ha
Dry matter 12 - 19%
Crude protein 12 - 13%
Digestibility value 78D
Metabolisable energy 12.5 - 13.5MJ/kg DM
Source: NIAB
Variety Alpes Magnum Kyros Troya
Clean dry matter yield (100=15.2t/ha) 107 107 99 103
As field fresh yield (100=100.4t/ha) 105 96 100 100
Dry matter content (%) 17.3 19.3 16.8 17.5
Establishment (9=good 1=poor) 6.9 7.4 7 6.9
Bolting (%) 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.6
Top size (9=large 1=small) 7.1 6.5 7.2 6.0
% of Root in ground 67 78 67 62
Cleanliness (9=best 1=worst) 7 6.4 6.7 6.6
Rust (9=best 1=worst) 6 4 4 6
Ramularia (9=best 1=worst) n/a 7 4 5
Root Colour Yellow White Yellow Yellow
37
Specialist Fodder BeetsNew types of fodder beet are being bred and evaluated by DLF Trifolium Ltd for high dry matter content stock feed and for biogas production. Some of these new varieties will have Rhizomania tolerance, so will be suitable for growing in the east of the country where sugar beet is an important crop, as well as in the west and other areas.
38
Swedes
Swedes are a full season root crop which are mainly fed in situ;
but can also be lifted and stored in a clamp. They do best in areas
of high rainfall, so are generally grown in the more northerly and
western areas of the UK. Swedes also need good soil conditions
and good drainage as they are sensitive to poor drainage; they do
best in soils with a ph of approximately 6.5. Varieties are generally
classed as fodder or culinary types; however there are some dual
purpose types.
All natural seed is packed in 1 kg packs
Thiram and Sepiret treated
All graded seed is packed in 0.5 kg packs
Cruiser Flea Beetle treated for culinary use
AIRLIE
Airlie is a low to medium dry matter variety with a very high fresh yield and good disease resistance. It is a dual purpose variety suitable for fodder and culinary use with purple skin and creamy white flesh. Airlie is
an early to intermediate use variety.
MARIAN
Marian is a medium dry matter variety with moderate resistance to Club Root. It is a dual purpose variety suitable for fodder and culinary use with yellow coloured flesh and purple skin.
RUTA OTOFTE
Ruta Otofte is a medium dry matter variety with good Mildew resistance. It is a dual purpose variety suitable for fodder and culinary use with purple skin and cream coloured flesh. Ruta Otofte is a popular variety
with sheep farmers.
KENMORE
Kenmore is an early maturing variety with medium dry matter, best suited as stock feed not culinary use. It has good winter hardiness which means it has a very wide utilisation window. Kenmore has bronze skin with white flesh.
Variety Airlie Marian Ruta Otofte Kenmore
Forage
Culinary
Root shape (9=globe 1=tankard) 5 4 5
Skin colour Light purple Purple Dark purple Bronze
Flesh colour Creamy white Yellow Cream WhiteSwede Yield and Feed Quality
Average dry matter yield 7 - 10 tonnes/ha
Average fresh yields 70 - 80 tonnes/ha
Dry matter 9 - 13%
Crude protein 10 - 11%
Digestibility value 82D
Metabolisable energy 12.8 - 13.1 MJ/kg DM
Spacings Row Width
18” 20” 22” 24” 26” 28”
Spacings 2” 174 157 143 131 121 112
Spacings 3” 116 105 95 87 80 75
Spacings 4” 87 78 71 65 60 56
Spacings 5” 70 63 57 52 48 45
Spacings 6” 58 52 48 44 40 37
(For seed size grade H (1.75 - 2.00mm) 1000 seed weight grade H approx 3.2g)
Seed Rate Calculator Guide - No. of Seeds X 1000
39
Root Mixtures
The following two catch crop mixtures
combine the benefits of Stubble
Turnips and Forage Rape, excellent for
fattening lambs during autumn and
winter and providing winter keep for
all stock. These mixtures have been in
great demand over recent years and
the results from stock utilisation have
been excellent.
Packed in 5kg packs untreated
Sow 2.5kg/acre
RAPID ROOT (pre December use)
The Forage Rape element of this mixture ensures quick
establishment and high protein yields, whilst the Stubble
Turnips provide energy and stockholding capacity. The
mixture is ideal for fattening stock and will provide
grazing from July through to December. Sow mid April
- mid September
60% Forage Rape
35% Stubble Turnip
5% Kale
100%
WINTER GRAZE (post Christmas use)
A mixture of palatable, proven varieties ideal for
sowing after winter cereals. The mixture is suitable for
post Christmas grazing as it exhibits very good winter
hardiness, which is improved by the addition of the Kale.
Sow mid July - mid September
60% Barkant Stubble Turnip
35% Forage Rape
5% Kale
100%
Arable Silage Mixtures offer an alternative or additional feed to grass or maize silage and are particularly suitable for farmers wishing to increase their levels of home-produced protein and reduce their reliance on purchased feed and fertiliser. They produce a cost-effective, high quality forage of consistent quality and palatability, with high yields of dry matter even in dry seasons and cold weather. They can be self-fed from the silage-face or as bales and their early harvest allows for earlier drilling of other autumn combinable crops or reseeding of grass.
All mixtures are available packed in 250kg or 500kg bags and are untreated.
The suggested sowing rate for all mixtures is 60 - 90kg per acre. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Root Mixtures & Arable Silage
CONVENTIONAL MIXTURES
Arable Silage Pea & Barley No1
65% Spring Peas
35% Spring Barley
Arable Silage No2
40% Spring Peas
30% Spring Barley
30% Spring Oats
Arable Silage No3
35% Spring Barley
30% Spring Oats
25% Spring Peas
10% Spring Vetches
ORGANIC MIXTURES
65% Organic Pea & Barley No1 (Limited)
30% Organic Spring Peas
35% Organic Spring Barley
35% Spring Peas
65% Organic Arable Silage No2
35% Spring Peas
30% Organic Spring Barley
30% Organic Spring Oats
5% Organic Spring Peas
65% Organic Arable Silage No3
35% Organic Spring Barley
30% Organic Spring Oats
25% Spring Peas
10% Spring Vetches
Stock should be introduced gradually over a two week period and an area of grassland should be available for animals to return to; water, hay or straw should also be made available. Please contact your supplier for further guidance.
Green Manuring can bring many
advantages to the farmer by adding organic matter to the
soil, increasing biological activity, improving soil structure,
reducing erosion, increasing the supply of nutrients
available to plants (particularly by adding nitrogen to the
system by fixation), reducing leaching, weed suppression
and so on. There are some disadvantages and whilst these
are few they should also be noted - lost opportunities for
cash cropping, exacerbated pest and disease problems
(green bridge effect), and the potential for green manures
to become weeds in their own right. These problems can
be overcome with thought and measured usage, and the
benefits to future crops cannot be dismissed lightly.
Green manures not only improve soil status, composition
and nutrient balance but provide a basis for a more
environmentally friendly approach to modern farming.
We need to focus our minds on the twin problems of high
artificial fertiliser prices and the soil’s need for basic nutrients
with these being available in a more sustainable form.
A wide range of plants species can be used as green
manures. Different crops bring different benefits and the
final choice is influenced by many considerations. If the
most is to be made of green manuring, it is important that
they are carefully integrated into the crop rotation and
proper attention paid to their husbandry.
Green manures can be categorised as spring sown for
summer usage and autumn sown for over-winter usage,
intercropping and longer term fertility improvement.
Nitrogen (N) in legumes comes from uptake of soil N
and the fixation of N from the atmosphere. The amount
of N fixed by different legumes is determined by the
inherent capacity of the crop/rhizobium symbiosis to fix
N, modified by the crop’s growing conditions (e.g. soil,
climate, disease), crop management and length of time for
which the crop is grown. Consequently, the influence of
all these factors means that a wide range of values have
been reported by different researchers. The presence of
soil mineral N is generally thought to reduce fixation
capacity. Factors that will increase the soil mineral N
pool include manure application, cutting and mulching,
and grazing. Fixation tends to decrease with legume age,
mainly because the amount of soil N tends to increase.
Where growth of legumes is affected by nutrient
deficiency (or acidity) the potential for soil N build up is
reduced. Phosphorus, Sulphur and some trace elements
(e.g. Molybdenum) are particularly important. Where
there are large off-takes of soil nutrients as in silage crops
both P and K supplies need to be adequate for satisfactory
legume growth. These should be replaced as they are
essential to the legume to enable it to maximise the fixing
of nitrogen.
40
DISCLAIMER These tables are given in good faith and intended for general guidance only. Weather, local conditions and crop rotations
must always be taken into account.
Green Manuring
Green Manuring Selector
CropPage No.
Pack Size
Average Sowing Rate kg per Acre Sowing
Date GuideIncorporation
Period
Broadcast Direct Drill
Longer Term Crops
Lucerne 41 25kg 8 - 10Spring - Early
AutumnAutumn - Spring
White Clover 41 1kg & 25kg 2 - 3Spring - Early
AutumnAutumn - Spring
Red Clover 41 1kg & 25kg 5 - 6Spring - Early
AutumnAutumn - Spring
Yellow Blossom Clover 41 1kg 2.5 Spring Summer - Autumn
Agricultural Chicory 41 1kg & 25kg 3Spring - Early
AutumnAutumn - Spring
Spring Sowing & Summer Incorporation
White Mustard 42 5kg & 25kg 5 - 7 2.5 - 5Spring - Early
Autumn8wks after sowing
Brown Mustard 42 5kg 2 - 3 Spring - Autumn Autumn - Spring
Phacelia 42 1kg & 5kg 2 - 3 2 April - Sept 10 - 12wks after sowing
Buckwheat 42 5kg 20 April - May Summer - Autumn
Crimson Clover 42 1kg & 25kg 4 - 5 Spring Summer - Autumn
Alsike Clover 42 25kg 25 Spring Autumn
Black Medick /Yellow Trefoil 42 1kg & 25kg 4 - 5Spring - Early
AutumnAutumn - Spring
Borage 42 5kg 5+ 5 April - June Autumn
Autumn Sowing & Spring Incorporation
Forage Rye 43 25kg 50 -75 Autumn Spring
Italian Ryegrass 43 25kg 15 Autumn Spring
Cocksfoot 43 20kg 2 - 3 Spring / Autumn Autumn
Forage Rape 43 5kg & 25kg 2.5 - 3 Spring / Autumn Autumn - Spring
Vetches 43 25kg 15 - 25 Spring / Autumn Autumn - Spring
41
Grass and clover leys for long term
fertility building must ‘by their nature’
form part of the rotation. The increased
duration of the sward ensures that the
grass elements provide a very strong
root system valuable for soil aeration,
whilst the legumes with their deeper
root system will improve water filtration
through the soil structure whilst also
providing increased soil nitrogen.
Other crops include:
LUCERNEA longer term perennial clover which fixes large quantities
of nitrogen. The plant has a very long tap root and is ideally
suited to light and chalky soils as well as dry climates.
Lucerne is not one of the most competitive legumes and
in its early stages of development competition should be
kept to a minimum. All Lucerne organic and conventional
seed should be inoculated.
Pack size 25kg pre-inoculated
(Organic seed available)
WHITE CLOVERCan be used very much in the same way as Red Clover
but being shallow rooted makes little growth in dry
conditions. Continued defoliation stimulates root growth
and nitrogen fixation. The species is defined by leaf size
from small to large, with the smaller types being more
suited to grazing and the large ones more suited to
cutting. As with all leguminous crops a careful watch
must be made on the rotation as continued cropping can
lead to disease problems which are difficult to eradicate.
Pack size 1kg & 25kg untreated
(Organic seed available)
AGRICULTURAL CHICORYHas a very deep tap root and when used in conjunction
with grasses and clovers will provide an extra dimension
to the quality of soil improvement. Not only will the clover
species add to the soil reserves of nitrogen but the huge
root development of grass species such as Cocksfoot will,
with the penetrating root system of the Chicory, provide
for improvements in soil drainage, water retention within
the upper strata and improvement of the soil’s capability
to provide a better tilth, coupled with improved humus
and fibre content.
Pack size 1kg & 25kg untreated
YELLOW BLOSSOM CLOVERA biennial crop that will provide a full two years
production when spring sown, thus enabling the plant to
establish and fix atmospheric nitrogen in the first year. It
can then be cut and mulched on to the surface of the soil
prior to seed-set, avoiding damage to the plants’ crowns.
Leave to degrade over the winter and the following spring
it will provide a huge mass of material which can be
incorporated into the soil before the stems become woody.
Yellow Blossom Clover is drought resistant, tolerates
poor soil conditions, is a very good fixer of nitrogen and
develops a long tap root which penetrates the sub-soil, so
improving soil structure.
Pack size 1kg untreated
RED CLOVERA shorter term alternative to White Clover, Red Clover is
an aggressive plant which provides a large mass of green
vegetation plus fixing large amounts of atmospheric
nitrogen. The plant has a large tap root which penetrates
deeply into the ground, thus improving soil structure.
Pack size 1kg & 25kg untreated
(Organic seed available)
Green Manuring Crops
INCORPORATION OF GREEN MANURE With all green manuring crops it is important
to make sure that the plant is incorporated
when it is in its most succulent state; in this
way the amount of carbon within the plant
structure is very low. Decomposition needs
soil nitrogen to break down carbon, the
woodier the plant the greater the carbon
content and hence greater quantities of soil
nitrogen are required to break it down. It
should also be borne in mind that the main
crop should not be sown too soon after
the green manure has been turned under,
since the initial stage of decomposition
is very unfavourable for germination and
the growth of young plants. Therefore, the
incorporation and subsequent decay of the
green manure or cover crop should occur at
the time it will best serve as fertiliser for the
crop it is to benefit.
LONGER TERM CROPS
Spring sown, summer crops are
usually annual crops that as a rule
do not tolerate frost. They are quick
growing and will suppress weeds by
light deprivation as well as providing
organic material to improve soil
structure and organic status. As they
are usually fleshy crops and do not
contain high proportions of carbon
when incorporated into the soil, they
do not substantially reduce stocks of
soil nitrogen to break down the plant
structure.
ALSIKE CLOVEROf Scandinavian origin and better adapted than Red or
White Clover to wet acid soils and cooler conditions,
although lower yielding of biomass. Growth habit is
similar to Red Clover.
Pack size 25kg untreated
MUSTARDMustard comes in two forms, White (Sinapis alba)
and Brown (Brassica juncea). Both are quick growing
and therefore useful for short term scenarios. Both types
produce large quantities of biomass and are excellent
scavengers of nitrogen. They both possess biofumigation
properties (but brown mustard more so) and can therefore
help to reduce wireworm populations. Unlike white
mustard, brown mustard is winter hardy and is especially
useful as over-wintering green cover after maize, potatoes
and sugar beet, reducing soil erosion, fertiliser leaching and
water run-off.
White Sowing rate 5kg/acre Pack size 5kg & 25kg untreated
(Organic white available in 25kg packs)
Brown Sowing rate 2-3kg/acre Pack size 5kg untreated
CRIMSON CLOVERBrightly coloured crimson flowers which attract large
numbers of beneficial insects. Excellent weed suppression.
Fixes good quantities of nitrogen. Lower yields of biomass
than Red Clover but has much shorter growing period.
Crimson Clover adapts to soils of low fertility, but does
have a lime requirement. Biomass degrades very quickly
in the soil.
Pack size 1kg & 25kg untreated
PHACELIA - BEE HAPPYA prolific seeder, very fast to establish and a good weed
suppressant. It produces a mass of flowers providing a
good source of nectar for beneficial insects but it needs to
be cut and incorporated into the soil before setting seed or
the stems will become woody and slow to decompose. A
good nitrogen scavenger but it can be slow to release any
N to the following crops.
Pack size 1kg & 5kg untreated
BUCKWHEATA very quick growing, fast maturing annual with excellent
weed suppression. Somewhat shallow rooted but has the
capability of scavenging phosphorus from the soil and
holding this for later incorporation. The plant will re-grow if
cut after the onset of flowering so is excellent for mulching.
The plant will tolerate infertile soil but performs badly on
heavy, wet, or compacted soils. Frost tolerance is poor.
Pack size 5kg untreated
BLACK MEDICK/YELLOW TREFOILA biennial/annual legume that can give good yields even
on thin calcareous soils. It may be grazed by sheep but
its main use is as a green manure under-sown in cereals.
Because of its low growth habit it may be useful in
vegetable intercropping systems.
Pack size 1kg & 25kg untreated
BORAGE Borage, also known as Starflower, is an annual herb, growing
to a height of 2-3 feet with bright blue flowers; there is also
a white flowered variation. The crop was traditionally
grown for culinary and medicinal uses, although the crop
is commercially grown today for its oil content.
The crop, because of its large leaves and succulent growth,
can be used as a green manure crop if sown in the spring,
the leaves providing an abundant source of easily digestible
material which will readily break down when incorporated
into the soil without reducing the mineral N content within
the soil structure.
Sowing rate 5kg/acre
Pack size 5kg untreated
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Green Manuring Crops
FOR SPRING SOWING AND SUMMER INCORPORATION
Autumn sown crops which go through
the winter will scavenge nitrogen from
soils thus preventing “leaching” and
can be incorporated in the following
spring, or can provide a source of
forage, prior to incorporation. They
also help to control erosion especially
on late harvested maize stubbles.
Certain species can be utilised to
provide a nitrogen fixer which is then
readily available to a spring sown crop.
VETCHESA nitrogen producer for the winter months. Winter Vetch
is very valuable as autumn cover because its large seeds
enable it to be established later than most other legumes
and thus can be fitted in after the harvest of many summer
sown crops. Where vetches grow well they will provide
large amounts of nitrogen which is available to the
following crop. Always ensure that winter hardy varieties
are sown such as Early English Winter Vetch.
Pack size 25kg untreated (limited)
Organic seed available in 25kg packs
ITALIAN RYEGRASSUsed very much in the same way as forage rye but can
be used for spring or autumn sowing. Spring sowing for
autumn incorporation provides a high yield of biomass
and good root structure for soil health improvement.
Autumn sown Italian Ryegrass has one drawback in that
the plant will vernalise in periods of cold weather and this
will lead to seed head production so the grass must be cut
prior to seed shedding or it will come up as seedlings in
the following crops.
Pack size 25kg untreated
COCKSFOOTWhen used as an under-sown species at very low seed
rates into winter wheat, it acts as an excellent soil improver
on soils prone to summer drought. Over a number of
years it will provide a beneficial source of high fibrous root
development which will help improve soil structure and
composition. Sown at 0.5kgs per acre it will not present a
problem in the growing cereal crop as the species throws
very few heads in its first year of production.
Pack size 15-20kg untreated
FORAGE RAPERape is fast growing and winter hardy, making it a good
alternative to mustard if the crop is required to remain in
the ground over winter. Decomposition can, particularly
with the high glucosinolate varieties, release chemicals
into the soil which produces a bio-fumigation effect if
incorporated within 24 hours of cutting. This can be
beneficial in reducing soil-borne pathogens, pests and
weeds.
Pack size 5kg & 25kg untreated
Cruiser treatment available (limited)
Organic seed available in 25kg packs
FORAGE RYEForage winter rye is used for scavenging nitrogen and
preventing leaching throughout the winter months. It
produces abundant growth which can be cut and mulched
into the soil providing an excellent means by which to
improve soil structure and organic content.
Pack size 25kg untreated
INTER-ROW CROPPINGSpecies such as Yellow Trefoil, Cocksfoot, Crimson
Clover and White Clover can be spring sown either into
established winter crops or as a companion to a spring
sown crop. They act as weed suppressants and in the case
of the legumes provide some fixed nitrogen plus biomass
for incorporation after harvest. We have started looking
at other forms of legume for inter-row cropping and will
evaluate these over the next few years for their suitability
under UK conditions.
Inter-row crops sown in the spring can help suppress
weeds and provide a valuable source of nutrient for the
main crop and will also provide excellent green cover after
the main crop is harvested. It is important to use legumes
which will not cause problems with the harvesting of the
main crop.
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AUTUMN SOWING & SPRING INCORPORATION
Italian Ryegrass