2015
3
Foreword
The 2014 grass season saw exceptional levels of
production across the country which has had a
very favourable impact on our customers in the
livestock sector, not only in quantity but also in
quality. It was of course particularly apparent in
young grass fields throughout the growing season
making the case for reseeding all the stronger.
Our Castle Mixtures continue to be at the
forefront of performance, with many customers
achieving notable success in grassland competitions
and national awards for their farm management.
We recently celebrated this in our first newsletter.
We are looking forward to this becoming a regular
feature. If you haven’t yet picked up a copy please
contact us at the office. We are also excited about
the launch of our new website in the spring, with
up to date and helpful information on relevant
issues such as the new CAP reform regulations.
Our close working relationship with key breeders
has been further enhanced with a new agreement
with DSV to assist in the development of their
Aston varieties, bred by the highly respected
breeder Tim Ball here in the U.K. These varieties
are now appearing on the recommended lists and
give further breadth to the varietal offering in
some of our mixtures.
We are continually learning more about the new
CAP reform disciplines and what is the best way
forward on a farm by farm level. The greening
proposals, whilst not completely finalised, will
require reseeding and we are working closely
with the relevant bodies to ensure we keep up to
date. We have assisted the SRUC in establishing
a trial at the Bush, Penicuik, where they have sown
a range of species for post harvest sowing under
the green cover option. Results to follow.
My Uncle Jim passed away in June and is a big
loss particularly to my Auntie Pat and my three
cousins. Jim dedicated his working life to the seed
trade and was inspirational in helping me develop
my business. I would have struggled in the early
days without him. It was no ordinary farm visit
when Jim turned up to take a grass seed order. His
knowledge and focus on the best interests of the
customer set him apart from anyone else I have
known in the trade and Watson Seeds we hope
to follow in his footsteps. So many big businesses
have failed to appreciate that important principle
that Jim held so dearly. If you focus on the well
being of your customers and “serve them as well
as you are able” then the rest of the business
will take care of itself. Too many companies are
obsessed with profit and shareholder returns to
satisfy city institutions.
We at Watson Seeds do appreciate our customers
and wish you all the best in the challenging year
ahead.
Johnny Watson F. R.A.G.S
Johnny and his late Uncle Jim.
4
Cover photograph:
Blackface sheep in a field of Duart Castle Mixture at Troloss Farm,
Elvanfoot, Lanark.
Contents
4/5 Variety Assessment
6CAST
7
Castle Mixtures & Seed Rates
8
Balvenie & Tantallon
9
Tantallon
10
Red Tantallon
11
Red Clover
12Duart
13
Duart & Duart NI
14
Airlie
15
Carrick
16Edzell
17 Brodie
18/19Dundas
20/21Mingary
22
Greenan & Hermitage
23
Fyvie
24Rejuvenation
25
Organic Mixtures
26
Amenity & Game Cover &
Conservation Mixtures
27
Cap Reform - Greening
28/29 Watson Seeds Out & About
30
Forage & Root Crops
31
Swedes & Stubble Turnips
32 Main Crop Turnips &
Rape/Kale Hybrid
33
Forage Rape & Kale
34
Chicory & Forage Mixtures
Javorio
An all round good variety with good quality in the main silage
cuts.
B
Meribel
Very high yielding with very good D values and ground cover for
an Italian.
A
Gemini (T)
Capable of producing high D values for first and second cuts.
Good yields throughout the season.
B
A
to Hymer, it produces good yields at the first
AstonCrusader (T) Similar
conservation cut and overall.
A
Hymer (T)
Good spring growth. Yields particularly well at the first silage cut.
A
Kimber
Produces excellent yields under grazing and cutting regimes.
B
High quality first cuts. Good ground cover and
outstanding quality under grazing.
A new introduction with many of the same
outstanding attributes as AberMagic, including better
mid season D value in the second cut and spring
growth under grazing.
A
AberWolf
An excellent new high sugar variety that produces
good yields under both managements.
A
B
B
AstonBonus (T)
Good all round variety, having high total annual yields under
conservation management.
Very good yields under both managements. Quality is especially
good after second cut.
Calibra (T)
Very high D value under grazing management.
C
Dunluce (T)
Combines good yields either cut or grazed with excellent quantity
under grazing.
Excellent all rounder with very high D values under conservation,
both first and second cut.
The highest yielding variety of its type. Exceptional spring growth
in a grazing situation.
Rodrigo
Eurostar (T)
Seagoe (T)
A
Produces goods yields under both managements and good ground
cover.
Excellent grazing variety. Under a cutting regime produces excellent
quality.
Foxtrot
Excellent performance under both cutting or grazing regimes.
High yielding variety with good persistency and sward density,
excellent for grazing.
Very even performance over the grazing season. First cut
AberBite (T)
and grazing yields are excellent.
An outstanding new high sugar variety. The highest
yielding late tetraploid under both grazing and conservation
AberGain (T)
management. It has the best spring growth and D value
figures.
A similar variety to AberBite, however it does head slightly
AberPlentiful (T)
later. Good yields and quality at the first cut and good
seasonal pattern of growth under grazing.
Has a very dense sward for a tetraploid. Produces excellent quality
Twymax (T)
first and second cut silages.
Mezquita
Best spring growth of the timothys, with excellent ground cover and
autumn performance.
Good all round variety.
Comer
Erecta RvP
A
B
B
A
C
C
C
B
A
B
WHITE CLOVER
A
Outstanding variety for yield and quality under both
cutting and grazing. Excellent autumn growth with
good quality and ground cover.
One of the best varieties for winter hardiness. Excellent mid and
late season growth.
Outstanding new variety, probably the best of its type
currently available.
A
AberMagic
Bree
AberChoice
AberPearl
Small
Good yields in mid-summer with good
ground cover.
Crusader
Medium Very good clover variety, good performance
in both early and late in the season.
Menna
Medium Good early growth contributes to high
annual yields.
Merwi
Medium Productive variety better suited to light
defoliation.
Alice
Large
High yielding and good ground cover.
Barblanca
Large
Good autumn growth.
ROTATIONAL
A good variety with the highest D value in the
second cut.
TIMOTHY
AberEve (T)
B
Drumbo
LATE PERENNIAL
INTERMEDIATE
PERENNIAL
Ground Cover
A
AberGreen
INTERMEDIATE PERENNIAL
NIAB
Recommended
A good all round variety that produces good yields in year of
sowing.
AberDart
6
AFBI Approved
Alamo
An excellent variety with the highest grazing D value of its
type.
AstonChieftain
PERMANENT
EARLY
HYBRID
ITALIAN
All varieties contained in our Castle Mixtures are ‘First Choice’ as
published in the Grass and Clover Varieties for Scotland 2014-2015.
SRUC 1st
Choice
VARIETY
ASSESSMENT
AberAvon
B
C
B
C
RED CLOVER
Global
Early Flowering
Excellent variety with good yields in
years 1, 2 & 3
Merula
Early Flowering
Better performance later in the season
Merviot
Early Flowering
Remains a very good benchmark variety
7
™
Castle Mixtures® For All
Your Needs
The ultimate in clover coating technology
exclusively available from Watson Seeds
CAST
Water reservoir
(absorber) placed around
the seed
Absorber takes in 100
times more water than
non-coated seed
Additional water
for germination and
establishment of the
seedling
Humic acids as a part of
the seed coating
Enhanced nutritional
uptake
Faster germination
Quicker establishment
Promotes root
development
Overcomes stress
situations
Mixture
Duration
(Years)
Advantages of
Bio-Stimulants
Balvenie™
1-2
14-15
Greater Vitality
Tantallon®
2-3
14-15
Quality of plant and
growth will be increased
Red Tantallon®
2-3
14-15
Reduction in the
susceptibility to pests and
diseases
Airlie™
3-4
15-16
Duart™
4-7
15-16
Use of fungicides can be
reduced
Duart (NI)™
4-7
14-16
Efficient and economical
usage
Greenan™
4-7
15-16
Carrick™
4-7
15-16
Edzell®
4-7
15-16
Dundas
4-7
15-16
Hermitage™
4-7
15-16
Brodie
7+
15-16
7+
15-16
7+
15-16
Bacteria
Rhizobia bacteria for
better N-nodulation
(red & white clover)
Mykorrhiza on grass roots
for a better nutritional
uptake
SPOILT FOR FIRST CHOICE
We enjoy a very positive relationship with a range of key
breeders across Europe that enables us to procure the best
varieties possible for our Castle Mixtures.
Our position of independence enables us to take
an objective view on varietal selection with animal
performance at the heart of our selection process.
Mixture changes are only made if we genuinely feel
that by doing so we have improved the potential
performance of the mixture.
(Formerly SAC)
Better varieties
Better mixtures
Better field performance
Better animal performance
Better farm profit
®
™
Mingary
Fyvie™
®
Mainly
Cutting
Dual
Purpose
The proportion of varieties and species used in every
Castle Mixture has been determined after the most
careful consideration of farming conditions in Scotland.
The duration of a grass mixture is mainly dependent
on two factors: the component varieties and the
management regime. Varieties giving higher yields
can often be less persistent so there is a balance to
consider between these two important characteristics.
Our comprehensive range of mixtures covers virtually
all situations. However, should you require the addition
of, for example, red clover or a nurse crop of hybrid
or westerwolds in any Castle Mixture we would be
pleased to oblige. Individually prescribed mixtures can
also be supplied to suit specific situations.
Intensive
Grazing
Extensive
Grazing
Sowing Rate
(Kg/Acre)
See the chart above for a guide to mixture selection.
However, we recommend you consult your distributor,
agent or our office for advice on which mixture best
suits your needs.
If we are forced to make any substitution of varieties in
our Castle Mixtures owing to demand, we will ensure
that we only use the best alternative varieties available.
Castle Mixtures®
Balvenie™, Tantallon®, Red Tantallon®,
Airlie™, Duart™, Duart (NI)™, Greenan™,
Carrick™, Edzell®, Dundas®,
Hermitage™, Brodie™, Mingary®, Fyvie™
1997 John Watson, Skateraw, Dunbar
©
9
8
9
™
®
BALVENIE
TANTALLON
OUTSTANDING 2 – 3 YEAR
MIXTURE FOR INTENSIVE
CUTTING AND GRAZING.
VERY BULKY 1-2 YEAR MIXTURE
FOR INTENSIVE CUTTING OR
GRAZING.
Excellent forage quality.
Up to three silage cuts a year.
Leafier than pure Italian Ryegrass.
Unique mixture of diploid and tetraploid Italian
ryegrasses.
Hybrid added to increase longevity.
Tetraploid variety (T) content - 50%
Excellent aftermath grazing.
Persistency and compatibility of growth are
ensured by only combining hybrids with
intermediate perennials.
Regular winner of national and regional grassland
silage competition.
Requires careful management to ensure optimum
grazing height.
Tetraploid variety (T) content - 49%
Variety
Type
%
Meribel
Javorio
Italian Ryegrass
78.57
%
AberEve (T)
Hybrid Ryegrass
20.0
Intermediate
Perennial Ryegrass
76.43
White Clover
3.57
Hymer (T)
Hybrid Ryegrass
21.43
The Balvenie mixture delivers improved leafiness
in the second and subsequent cuts, against straight
Italian owing to the Hybrid in the mix.
If you are planning to leave your Balvenie for two
full years of production, it may be appropriate to
consider sowing Tantallon particularly if there is a
considerable amount of grazing planned. This can
be supplied without clover if requested.
10
Type
‘Since we started using Castle Mixtures in 2012 we have been very satisfied with the yields of silage and grazing.
We are happy with the fact that we are using the top varieties of ryegrass in Tantallon and this can be reflected well
through our beef finishing and sheep enterprises,’ Willie Barr, Hallhill Farm, Collessie, Cupar.
AstonCrusader (T)
Gemini (T)
Hymer (T)
Variety
‘Grass plays an important roll in our arable livestock farm. We were lucky enough to win the Scottish silage
competition with a Tantallon seed mix which was sown out in the autumn and cut twice to give us high quality silage
and then grazed with yearling cattle. I have bought Watson’s seeds for many years and would like to thank Peter
Addie for his professional advice,’ Michael Martin, Garguston, Muir of Ord, Ross-shire. Seed supplied by Harbro Ltd.
Bree
Rodrigo
Calibra (T)
Dunluce (T)
Rotational
Clover Blend
11
®
RED TANTALLON
Variety
Type
%
Hybrid Ryegrass
25.0
AberEve (T)
AstonCrusader (T)
HIGH PROTEIN 2 – 3 YEAR
INTENSIVE CUTTING MIXTURE.
For silage only (big bale or clamp).
Hymer (T)
Designed to produce high protein silage to replace
bought in proteins.
Bree
Up to three silage cuts a year.
Rodrigo
Calibra (T)
Intermediate
Perennial Ryegrass
50.0
The clover will reduce bought in nitrogen fertiliser.
Addition of white clover to add persistency to the
legume content.
Excellent for fattening lambs on the aftermath.
Dunluce (T)
Rotational Clover
Blend
White Clover
3.57
Specific varieties selected to increase sugar
content which assists in the fermentation of the
low sugar red clover.
Red Clover Blend
Red Clover
21.43
Tetraploid variety (T) content - 48%
‘We are always pleased with the performance of the Red Tantallon mixture from Watson Seeds. It achieves our two
main objectives from a grass sward, quality and quantity. Also, we are pleased with the service we get from Johnny and
his staff at Watson Seeds,’ R&J McDonald, Kelloe Mains, Duns, Berwickshire.
‘2014 has been a fantastic grazing season. The Red Tantallon has been the envy of neighbours! The Mingary reseed
has yielded exceptionally well with consistent quality throughout the season. This has allowed us to extend our dairy
cow grazing season by 6 weeks and increase our ‘milk from forage,’ Jill Bathgate, Castleton Farm, Midlothian.
red clover
is a short lived perennial legume with a life span of about 2 – 4 years. However, new
varieties are being bred that will extend this life span. It has an upright growth habit with a deep taproot. The crown
of the red clover is the plant’s main food storage area. Red clover can be grown on its own or with grass and white
clover. In utilisation, the main aim should be to protect the crown of the plant as damage will reduce performance
or cause the death of the plant.
BENEFITS OF RED CLOVER
Nitrogen fixation (as white clover).
High yields (10 – 15 tonnes DM/ha).
Feed value: protein quality is higher,
but not apparent on a feed analysis
due to the composition of the
proteins.
TO PROTECT THE CROWN OF
THE RED CLOVER
Cutting height of all silage cuts should
be 7 – 8cm. Optimum grazing
height of aftermaths or overwinter
is 4 – 6cm.
TYPICAL ANALYSIS OF RED
CLOVER/RYEGRASS SILAGE
12
ME
9.8 – 11.4 MJ/KG
Crude Protein
14 – 19%
PH
4 – 4.5
(Source IGER)
ESTABLISHING A RED CLOVER
SWARD
• Aim to have 200 plants per
square metre before the first
frosts.
• April to late July optimum for
red clover establishment.
• Soil pH 6 and above.
• Phosphate and potash index 2.
• Nitrogen should not be
needed for establishment,
except in very low nitrogen
indices.
Due to a number of pests and
diseases a five to seven year
rotation is necessary for the
successful growing of red clover.
(The main disease is clover rot and
the main pest stem eelworm).
•
•
•
•
•
CONSERVATION
Do not cut too low (protects crown).
In first year graze lightly in the
Autumn.
No nitrogen applications.
Ensile at 25 – 28% DM.
3 – 4 cuts should be achievable
each year.
BE AWARE
Red clover contains high levels of
phyto-oestrogens which can cause a
reduction in ovulation rates in ewes.
To prevent fertility problems do not
graze ewes on red clover 6 weeks
before and after tupping.
FOR VARIETIES PLEASE SEE
PAGE 5
13
™
DUART
Variety
AberGreen
AberMagic
THE SPECIALIST DAIRY MIXTURE.
AberChoice
Produces outstanding energy and protein levels.
AstonCheiftain
Duart contains a high proportion of the new
generation high sugar grasses.
Drumbo
A high percentage of late perennials allows greater
flexibility in the cutting date.
Varieties have been selected for high D values and late
heading characteristics.
Foxtrot
Type
%
Intermediate Perennial
Ryegrass
13.33
Late Perennial
Ryegrass
86.67
AberGain (T)
Twymax (T)
Excellent ground cover and persistency.
This mixture has won a number of silage competitions.
The silage from Duart is ideal for mixing with maize
silage or wholecrop.
Contains the best varieties from the breeders
Germinal Holding (formerly BSH) and Barenbrug.
Tetraploid variety (T) content - 27 %.
‘Duart variety has been our choice for many years. It meets our requirements for two cuts of high quality leafy silage
to satisfy the needs of our dairy herd,’ Mr Howie, Hillhouse, Kilmarnock. Mr Howie pictured with David Brown of
Jack Lamb (Agric Merchant) Ltd.
Duart is also available with
CAST Rotational Clover Blend
Variety
DUART (NI)™
‘This field is the lead field from the cubicle house which has been down in pasture for a number of years. It was
undersown in Spring 2013 with a Watson’s grass mixture. It was harvested as whole crop in August 2013 and is now
a well developed pasture for long term use,’ Margo Webster, Drumdreel, Strathmiglo.
AberGreen
%
Intermediate
Perennial Ryegrass
15.0
Late Perennial
Ryegrass
85.0
AberAvon
A VERSION OF DUART SPECIALLY
DEVELOPED FOR NORTHERN
IRELAND.
AberChoice
Drumbo
Foxtrot
A specialist all perennial ryegrass mixture for
conservation or grazing.
AberBite (T)
Foxtrot improves sward density, ground cover and
mid-season D value.
Twymax (T)
Excellent ground cover and persistency.
An ideal mixture for dock infested farms wanting
to use non clover safe herbicides.
Tetraploid variety (T) content - 29%.
Dundas (without timothy) is a slightly earlier
alternative to Duart NI.
14
Bree
Type
Duart (NI) only contains varieties from the
Northern Ireland recommended list 2013/2014.
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute at the Plant
Testing Station in Crossnacreevy conducts these
recommended list variety trials on behalf of the
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Duart (NI) is also available with
CAST Rotational Clover Blend
15
™
AIRLIE
™
CARRICK
Variety
Type
%
Kimber
Early Perennial
Ryegrass
23.33
Intermediate
Perennial Ryegrass
33.33
Late Perennial
Ryegrass
32.0
Timothy
8.0
White Clover
3.34
AberGreen
HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE INTENSIVE
3 – 4 YEAR MIXTURE.
A more persistent version of Tantallon.
By only using perennial ryegrass we ensure excellent silage quality.
Ideal for very intensive grazing, tetraploids improve mid-season D value
and conservation yield.
Tetraploid variety (T) content - 49%.
HIGHLY FLEXIBLE MEDIUM TERM
DUAL PURPOSE MIXTURE.
Rodrigo
Calibra (T)
Foxtrot
Suitable for early cuts of hay and silage.
Good ground cover, mid-season digestibility
and grazing yields.
Spread of varieties ensures maximum production
throughout the season.
Twymax (T)
Comer
Rotational
Clover Blend
Available with CAST coated clover blend.
Tetraploid variety (T) content - 25%.
Variety
Type
%
‘We run a flock of high performance sheep, therefore we need high performance grass. The Castle Mixtures from
Watson Seeds have not disappointed us and have done the job we hoped they would,’ Grant Brand, East Fortune
Farm, East Lothian.
AberGreen
Bree
Rodrigo
Intermediate
Perennial Ryegrass
71.0
Late Perennial
Ryegrass
25.0
White Clover
4.0
Calibra (T)
In 2014 The East Fortune flock of Hampshire Downs won male and female champion at the Royal Highland Show.
For the Hampshire Down Breed Society, this flock were awarded best stock ram, best Scottish flock and runner up
for the UK.
Dunluce (T)
Foxtrot
Twymax (T)
Rotational
Clover Blend
‘Longevity and performance are qualities I look for
in my dairy cows, these same qualities are present
in Johnny Watson’s grass mixtures,’ Michael Howie,
Morwick Farm, Northumberland.
16
17
®
EDZELL
BRODIE™
Variety
Hymer (T)
Kimber
INTENSIVE MEDIUM/LONG TERM
CUTTING AND GRAZING MIXTURE.
A TRADITIONAL DUAL PURPOSE
MIXTURE.
Rodrigo
Contains the top later heading perennials with a high leaf to stem ratio ensuring
high quality silage.
An extremely adaptable mixture designed to
withstand the rigours of hard winters and colder
growing conditions.
Edzell® is designed to persist over many years and varieties have therefore been
selected with good all round winter hardiness and persistency.
Spread of species ensures maximum production
throughout the season.
Comer
Our only Castle Mixture containing cocksfoot.
Erecta RvP
Ideal for north facing slopes.
Lidacta
Available with CAST coated clover blend.
Permanent
Clover Blend
Available with CAST coated clover blend.
Tetraploid variety (T) content - 28%.
Tetraploid variety (T) content - 25%.
Variety
AberGreen
Rodrigo
Type
%
Intermediate
Perennial Ryegrass
24.0
Late Perennial
Ryegrass
63.33
Timothy
8.0
White Clover
4.67
Foxtrot
Twymax (T)
%
Hybrid Ryegrass
6.67
Early Perennial Ryegrass
13.33
Intermediate
Perennial Ryegrass
20.0
Late Perennial
Ryegrass
31.33
Timothy
12.0
Cocksfoot
10.67
White Clover
6.0
‘We have used Watson Seeds mixtures over the past 15 years and have been delighted with their performance, our
aim is to achieve a quality grass sward for quality stock in a sustainable manner. The Brodie mixture has been no
exception to this, it established well in a challenging field and has provided an excellent grazing sward throughout the
year,’ Gary Swindlehurst, Proctors Farm Ltd , Slaidburn , Clitheroe , Lancashire. Seed supplied by Agscope Ltd.
AberAvon
AstonCheiftain
Foxtrot
AberGreen
Type
AberBite (T)
Twymax (T)
Comer
Rotational
Clover Blend
‘Watson Seeds mixtures over many years have
provided our dairy herd with quality grass swards,
Edzell is no exception to this in terms of yield and
persistency,’ Harry Gardner, Moss House Farm, Great
Plumpton, Kirkham. Seed supplied by Agscope Ltd.
Harry pictured with James Bretherton of Agscope.
18
19
DUNDAS®
Variety
Type
%
Intermediate
Perennial Ryegrass
38.67
Late Perennial
Ryegrass
48.0
Timothy
8.33
White Clover
5.0
AberWolf
Bree
THE VERY BEST MEDIUM/LONG
TERM MIXTURE SUITABLE FOR
BOTH CUTTING AND GRAZING.
This mixture produces a dense and highly productive
sward.
Using the top intermediates ensures heavy silage cuts.
Rodrigo
AstonBonus (T)
Seagoe (T)
AberChoice
Foxtrot
Full seasonal production from the combination of
first choice varieties.
AberBite (T)
Unique combination of grasses that exploit seasonal
growth.
Twymax (T)
Rotational clover blend is included to maximise
production and livestock performance.
Increased clover content available.
Available with CAST coated clover blend.
Comer
Rotational
Clover Blend
Tetraploid variety (T) content - 39%
‘We have sown Watson Seeds for many years at Ormiston Mains particularly the Dundas mixture which withstands
the very heavy grazing pattern and also returns much fertility to the soil for the following cereal crops,’
Ken Smith, Ormiston Mains, Kelso.
‘Dundas was undersown to spring barley in mid May 2013 and cut for wholecrop in mid August. No sprays were used.
The result has been a fantastic catch of both grass and clover which was grazed by ewes and lambs until mid May 2014
followed by an excellent cut of silage on Highland Show week. A great success as always,’
Daniel Hair, Drumbreddan, Stanraer.
‘The Dundas mixture gives me plenty of grass at the right times. Ewes and lambs were all fattened off the grass with
minimal expense,’ Dougie Runciman, Huntington, Lauder. Seed supplied by John Hogarth Ltd.
20
21
21
Variety
MINGARY®
Type
%
Intermediate
Perennial Ryegrass
20.0
Late Perennial
Ryegrass
65.33
Timothy
8.67
White Clover
6.0
AberGreen
Rodrigo
Dunluce (T)
THE LONG TERM GRAZING MIXTURE.
AberChoice
AstonCheiftain
Designed to produce very dense swards.
Drumbo
The high proportion of permanent clover in the
mixture assists in the palatability and density of the
sward, improving livestock performance.
Foxtrot
Increased clover content available.
Comer
Available with CAST coated clover blend.
Tetraploid variety (T) content - 27%.
Twymax (T)
Permanent
Clover Blend
‘Mingary gives a good early bite for stock and carries on producing right throughout the grazing season,’ George
Hamilton, Ramrig, Duns.
22
‘Due to the use of the best recommended varieties in the mixtures, we have been using Castle Mixtures for the past 15
years to deliver top quality and high yields. I have no doubt this has contributed to the performance of our Simmental
herd,’ Dorothy Moffat, Innerwick Farm, Innerwick, East Lothian. Pictured above with her daughter, Gillian (of Watson
Seeds) and Grandson Struan.
‘We have relied on the Mingary grass mixtures for many years at Holme and get the grass production and animal
performance we are looking for from this Castle Mixture. We are very happy to be dealing with Watson Seeds for
technical advice and quality of product,’ Marcus Maxwell, Holme, Balmaclellan, Castle Douglas.
23
FYVIE™
GREENAN
™
Variety
Type
MORE TRADITIONAL DAIRY
GRAZING MIXTURE.
Only the very top grazing perennials are included
to ensure maximum production over a long
season.
The very high percentage of late tetraploids
ensures excellent yields of highly palatable grazing,
maximising intake.
Similar to our popular Duart with clover but with
the addition of timothy.
Available with CAST coated clover blend.
Bree
Intermediate
Perennial Ryegrass
26.0
Calibra (T)
AberBite (T)
Late Perennial
Ryegrass
Ideal in low N fertiliser situations.
58.67
Twymax (T)
Comer
Rotational
Clover Blend
SPECIALIST GRAZING MIXTURE
WITH A HIGH WHITE CLOVER
CONTENT.
High tetraploid content ensures very palatable
grazing and allows clover to flourish.
Foxtrot
Type
%
Intermediate
Perennial Ryegrass
26.77
Late Perennial
Ryegrass
60.0
Timothy
4.0
White Clover
9.33
AberGreen
%
AberGreen
Variety
Suitable for drought conditions.
Available with CAST coated clover blend.
Timothy
12.0
Tetraploid variety (T) content - 47%
White Clover
3.33
For heavier/wetter conditions we would advocate
the use of Mingary with extra clover.
Rodrigo
AstonBonus (T)
Foxtrot
AberBite (T)
Twymax (T)
Comer
Permanent
Clover Blend
Tetraploid variety (T) content - 43%
Variety
HERMITAGE
Type
%
Hymer (T)
Hybrid Ryegrass
6.67
Kimber
Early Perennial
Ryegrass
10.0
Rodrigo
Intermediate
Perennial Ryegrass
13.33
Late Perennial
Ryegrass
41.33
Comer
Timothy
13.33
Miracle
S S Meadow Grass
2.67
Herald
Creeping Red
Fescue
6.67
Permanent
Clover Blend
White Clover
6.0
™
DESIGNED FOR RESEEDING
HILL GROUND OR RECLAIMING
MARGINS
Native upland species are included to help
maintain sward density under harsher conditions.
Our permanent clover blend ensures excellent
livestock performance and assists in sward density
as well as improving mineral uptake.
Available with CAST coated clover blend.
Tetraploid variety (T) content - 31%
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Foxtrot
AberPlentiful (T)
Tywmax (T)
‘We have been amazed at the improvement in our grass swards and silage yield and appreciate the helpful and efficient
service from the team at Watson Seeds. We have been complimented on our pastures,’ Marion Tilson, Wedderlie
Farm, Berwickshire. Marion pictured with her husband John and their daughter Wanda in a field of adapted Fyvie.
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QMS Beef Farm of the Year winners 2014.
REJUVENATION™
ORGANIC
CASTLE MIXTURES
We have secured a broad range of excellent SRUC first
choice recommended varieties for inclusion in our organic
mixtures for 2015.
Please note the inclusion rate for organic seed for 2015 is 70%
Andrew John Best in one of the fenced off areas of the plots at Quixwood.
On the 4th of June Scotsheep was hosted by the Macfarlane family at Quixwood in Berwickshire. We conducted a
rejuvenation trial as part of the farm tour. The field was an underperforming old sward that was deemed too stony for
ploughing. The 45 acres was split into 9 blocks with a different mixture being sown into each.
A Shakerator was used to elevate the compaction issue and lime was applied to take the PH to 6+. The grass was
sprayed with Diquat prior to sowing and was sown in August 2013 using a Moore Unidrill. A further spray of Diquat
took place two days after sowing. No bagged Nitrogen was applied.
A falling plate meter was used to gauge grass growth and there was certainly a marked increase in yield compared to
the old sward, as well as highlighting interesting differences between the mixtures. The SAC carried out fresh weight
analysis that highlighted that both ME and protein levels had risen significantly.
Short Term
Intensive cutting mixture with inclusion of red clover.
Tantallon
For intensive cutting or grazing. Contains high red clover content.
Airlie
Highly productive 3 – 4 year mixture.
Duart
A specialist all perennial ryegrass mixture for conservation or grazing.
Dundas
The very best dual purpose medium/long term mixture suitable for cutting & grazing.
Mingary
The long term grazing mixture.
Fyvie
Specialist grazing mixture with a high clover content.
Rejuvenation
The mixture to put new life and vigour into ageing swards.
‘We’ve been organic for 7 years and used Watson Seeds from the outset. We’ve been delighted with the performance
of the mixture,’ Alec Hendry, Wester Manbeen, Elgin. Customer of Harbro Ltd. Colin Roger of Harbro pictured below.
Whilst it was not a replicated trial, it did highlight differences in performance and helped to illustrate some of the
benefits of oversowing.
THE MIXTURE TO PUT NEW LIFE AND
VIGOUR INTO AGEING SWARDS.
Variety
Hymer (T)
AstonBonus (T)
Calibra (T)
AberPlentiful (T)
Twymax (T)
Type
%
Hybrid Ryegrass
10.0
Intermediate
Perennial Ryegrass
40.0
Late Perennial
Ryegrass
50.0
Tetraploid variety (T) content – 100%.
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Rejuvenation is also available with
CAST Permanent Clover Blend
Please contact the office on 01368 840655
for our Rejuvenation booklet or alternatively,
visit our website at www.watsonseeds.com.
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amenity Mixtures
GREENING & CROSS COMPLIANCE
UNIVERSAL LANDSCAPE
FINE UNIVERSAL
LOW MOW
For general landscaping,
lawns, parklands, housing
and industrial estates
Non-ryegrass version of
Universal Landscape for
more ornamental use.
Low maintenance
Fine appearance
Strong dense turf
Low maintenance
For low maintenance
situations in general
landscaping, lawns,
parklands, housing &
industrial estates.
Rapid establishment
Strong dense turf
Wear tolerant
Sowing rate 35g/m2
Sowing rate 35g/m2
Outstanding visual merit
Slow regrowth
Rapid establishment
High shoot density
Maintains good winter colour
Sowing rate 35g/m2
2014
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For a full range of specialist landscaping,
sports grounds, golf courses, turf and
wildflower seeds please contact the
office on 01368 840655 for a catalogue.
Game Cover & Conservation Mixtures
At Watson Seeds we have the distinct benefit of local
knowledge of soil types, growing conditions and climate. We
have experienced the difficulties and frustrations of trying to
establish the wide variety of mixtures which are available. We
only include species and varieties suitable for our northern
climate which are robust and cold tolerant. We recommend
practical game cover mixtures which avoid disappointment and
are approved by Game Conservancy Ltd Advisory Services.
Please contact the office on 01368 840655 for our dedicated
booklet on Game Cover & Conservation Mixtures or
alternatively, visit our website at www.watsonseeds.com.
For further advice contact Peter Addie, our game cover specialist.
Mobile: 07813 845577
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Throughout the EEC, greener types of farming practices
are being encouraged. To this end, a significant part of
the pillar 1 budget will be used for greening payments.
Further, to protect the environment under good
agricultural and environmental condition (GAEC)
measures, using pillar 2, targeted support will be available.
Greening could potentially help to address a range of
environmental challenges in Scotland. For example, the
farmland birds’ index has declined since 2008, reflecting
29
decreasing numbers of a range of farmland bird species.
Although there have been some improvements to
water quality in recent years, 18% of water bodies are in
less than ‘good’ status as a result of diffuse pollution from
agriculture. Farming also has an important role to play in
reducing Scotland’s greenhouse gases emission to reach
the statutory targets of the Climate Change (Scotland)
Act 2009.
29
A key feature of the future CAP is a requirement for
Member States to use 30% of their direct payment
funding for a Greening payment. In return for this
Greening payment, farmers must carry out relevant
practices designed to improve the environmental
performance of agriculture across Europe. Failure
to meet Greening requirements could result in loss
of Greening payment and may also incur a further
administrative penalty. The practices aim, in particular,
to halt the loss of farmland biodiversity, reduce diffuse
pollution, improve soil quality and mitigate agriculture’s
contribution to climate change.
Disclaimer:
Please ensure detailed advice is taken before any
decisions are made. The above note is for general
guidance only. All information is correct when going to
print on 28 November 2014.
GREENING AT BALMANNO FARMS
At Balmanno Farms, an advocate of the Greening
principal and its benefits of improving the soil structure
and the soil fertility is Mr Johnny Bruce. His interest has
led him to trial different varieties and sowing rates to
determine which suits his farm conditions the best. A
further requirement of his cover crop was that it did
not grow too tall. This would allow a following crop of
winter wheat to be direct drilled into the aftermath once
it was sprayed.
The trials consisted of the following:
VARIETY
SOWING RATE
Crimson Clover
6kg/ha and 9kg/ha
Alsike Clover
6kg/ha and 9kg/ha
Yellow Blossom
Sweet Clover
6kg/ha and 9kg/ha
Global
6kg/ha, 7.5kgs/ha & 9kg/ha
CAST Global
6kg/ha and 9kg/ha
Merviot
6kg/ha and 9kg/ha
Certainly from observation and yield analysis the red
clover varieties Global and Merviot as well as Alsike
clover excelled in his situation.
Andrew John Best, of Watson Seeds, with Johnny
Bruce of Balmanno.
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WATSON SEEDS OUT AND ABOUT
Right: Johnny with Murdo McLeod,
all the way from Isle of Lewis, at
Scotsheep, hosted by The Macfarlane
family, Quixwood, Grantshouse.
Bottom: Grass Tech open day, hosted
by Dean Anderson at Plewlands Farm,
Morayshire.
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Top: East of Scotland Grassland
Society hosted by John Fleming,
Greenlees, Kelso.
Top:
British Grassland Society
summer meeting part of which
was hosted by Gregor Colquhoun,
Dendoldrum, Angus.
Left: Border Union Agricultural
Society’s School’s Countryside Day
held at Springwood Park, Kelso.
Right: A discussion evening hosted
by John Parker of Select Nutrition in
Wales.
Left: The Peebles Monitor Meeting
held at South Mains, Sanquhar by kind
permission of Douglas Greenshields.
Bottom: Open day held by
& Marion Tilson, along with
daughter Wanda, at Wedderlie
to celebrate the centenary of
Aberdeen Angus herd.
John
their
Farm
their
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FORAGE & ROOT CROPS
Rising feed costs have brought about renewed
interest in forage crops.
Forage crops have the potential to produce
very high yields over a short growing season,
combined with a flexible sowing window from
early summer to the beginning of August. These
crops can be fed ten to fourteen weeks from
sowing.
SWEDES
At Watson Seeds we have selected from the
plant breeders forage crop varieties which will
give our customers a flexible range of crops, thus
offering a suitable option for almost every farm
situation.
Please contact the office on 01368 840655 for
our dedicated booklet on forage and root crops
or alternatively, visit our website
at www.watsonseeds.com.
Root and forage crops can be fed to all
classes of livestock, either for milk production or
live weight gain and are suitable for organic and
conventional farming.
These crops demand relatively modest inputs
of agrochemicals and fertiliser. With their high
dry-matter yields, production costs compare
favourably with those for conserved grass, maize
and whole-crop cereals.
Variety
Dry Matter
Type
Airlie
Low
Bulky and early. Good resistance to mildew. Potential for the shopping
market.
Brora
Medium
A combination of high yields and good club root resistance makes this
variety a popular choice.
Kenmore
Medium
High yielding white fleshed swede with intermediate skin colour.
Medium
A quick maturing white fleshed swede variety that produces bulky crops.
Ruby
Medium
A purple top with a very high fresh and dry matter yield. Good resistance
to mildew.
Ruta Otofte
Medium
Popular all rounder, capable of large yields.
Gowrie
Medium/
High
Very high dry matter yields (highest in SCRI trials). Can be utilised in the
autumn or winter. Bred in Scotland by SCRI.
Lomond
Medium/
High
12% higher yielding than Ruta Otofte. Can be grazed pre or post Christmas.
Mildew and club root resistant. Bred in Scotland by SCRI.
Organic
Lomond
Medium/
High
Natural and Grade H seed available.
Magres
Medium/
High
Excellent resistance to mildew and splitting. Very popular for the shopping
market.
Invitation
High
Marian33
Description
The best club root resistant variety available. Ideal for utilisation after
Christmas. Produces large leaves for extra grazing potential.
Main nutritional characteristics of forage crops
Crop
Stubble Turnips
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Sowing
May-June
July-August
Dry Matter
Crude Protein
D Value
8-9%
17-18%
69
STUBBLE TURNIPS
Crop
Description
Delilah
Has outperformed all existing varieties in breeder trials. Ideal for fattening lambs and will
produce huge tankard shaped bulbs. Resistant to mildew.
Rape/Kale Hybrid
July-August
12-16%
15-24%
66
Forage Rape
May-August
12-14%
19-20%
65
Rondo
A globe shaped type that is very quick establishing, green skinned with good winter
hardiness, best variety for post Christmas use.
Kale
May-June
14-16%
18-19%
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Samson
Samson can produce huge tankard shaped purple roots, which are very palatable to both
sheep and cattle. In trials, Samson has shown to be preferentially grazed which can lead
to higher intakes and live weight gains.
Swedes
May
9-13%
10-11%
82
Tyfon
Turnips
May-June
8-10%
11-12%
80
Whitestar
A globe type with a white skin and erect leaves. Customers have been impressed with
the winter hardiness and palatability of this turnip. We would recommend this variety as
an alternative to Rondo.
Chicory
May-June
10-13%
22-26%
78
Organic
Dynamo
Available now. This variety has excellent root anchorage, which can help reduce wastage
in the field.
A very fast growing hybrid, virtually bulbless.
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MAIN CROP TURNIPS
FORAGE RAPE
Variety
Dry Matter
%
Skin
Colour
Flesh
Colour
Imperial Green
Globe
8.2
Green
White
Traditional white fleshed variety, with
some winter hardiness.
Yellow
A very high yielding variety of good
keeping quality. A replacement for
Greentop Scotch. Graded supplies of this
variety are limited.
Massif
9
Green
Description
Crop
Description
Hobson
A highly digestible variety with good standing power and mildew resistance.
Interval
A fast establishing winter hardy variety with good mildew resistance.
Stego
Good combination of yield and disease resistance.
RAPE/KALE HYBRID
A brassica crop that is a cross between rape and kale with superior regrowth ability. The rape genes
give it the ability to grow very fast while the kale genes give it good winter hardiness.
It is ideally sown in late summer/autumn planted as a winter catch crop, ideal for all stock types, with
high animal performance achieved. Utilisation 10-13 weeks after sowing.
Crop
Pulsar
Description
Used as a summer crop for fattening and finishing or as an autumn sown crop for
winter feed.
Redstart
High quality, can be grazed 70-90 days after sowing.
Swift
Higher yielding than Redstart, but later to mature.
‘Redstart is a fine, even crop. I have found it to be less
stalky than other rape/kale hybrids so the lambs are
eating better,’ Fraser Campbell, Ancaster Estate, Crieff.
‘Redstart gives us a great amount of quality forage, for
both cattle and sheep. It covers the ground quickly and
suits our organic system well,’ Giles Henry, Oakwood
Mill, Selkirk.
‘The crop was sown in mid July, establishing in ideal conditions and will be grazed off by finishing lambs. It was sown
to assist in breaking up the previous grass sward and will be reseeded next year with Castle Mingary mixture. I used
the Swift hybrid mixture last year for the first time and was impressed by the hardiness and late season growth. I
have always put in stubble turnip along with rape helping to add further bulk to the crop,’ Duncan Fraser, Newton of
Ferintosh, Conon-Bridge, Dingwall.
Duncan Fraser, pictured above, with his neighbour Ewan Macdonald of Conon Brae Farms, Torgorm, checking the
growth of a crop sown with a mixture of Swift rape/kale hybrid and Samson stubble turnip. Customer of Harbro Ltd.
KALE
Variety
Description
Bittern
A tall high yielding variety, particularly well suited as a game cover crop.
Caledonian
Very high yielding marrow stem type with extra winter hardiness and unique
club root resistance.
Grampian
Bred in Scotland by SCRI. Very high yields with some club root resistance.
Keeper
Ideal for game cover as very leafy and canopy forming. Good winter hardiness
and lodging resistance.
Maris Kestrel A good all rounder producing bulky digestible crops. The most popular variety
for sheep.
Merlin
34
34
From the same breeding programme as Maris Kestrel. Good general purpose
variety.
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GREEN GROW THE GRASSES GROW!
‘This crop of Maris Kestrel kale is a great feed for out wintering cattle and a good way to start preparing old ground for
new grass,’ Ed McNeill, McNeill Estates, Shennanton, Newton Stewart.
Chicory One
Chicory Two
Chicory Three
Variety
Puna II Chicory
Tonic Ribwort Plantain
Red Clover Blend
Variety
Puna II Chicory
Tonic Ribwort Plantain
Crusader White Clover
Variety
Puna II Chicory
Tonic Ribwort Plantain
Red Clover Blend
Crusader White Clover
Recommended seed rate for these mixtures: direct drill - 4kg/acre
broadcast - 5kg/acre
Following recent research, Watson Seeds would not recommend the prolonged feeding of red clover
to rams prior to sales. There is a potential copper toxicity problem on some soils. Beltex and Texel
breeds are more susceptible to copper and all breeds could be affected by the oestrogenic effects of
red clover. Do not use mixes Chicory One and Chicory Three which contain red clover.
FORAGE MIXTURES
Due to legislation we now cannot mix forage species together, however, by including a small quantity
of italian ryegrass we are able to dispatch the seed mixed.
Mixtures
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Description
Rape 1
A rape and stubble turnip mixture suitable for early drilling.
Rape 2
An adaptation of Rape 1 with the inclusion of main crop turnips.
Rape 3
A stubble turnip and rape mix with fast establishment for later use.
Kale 1
A winter hardy mixture containing kale, rape and main crop turnip, ideal
for fattening lambs.
‘Auld Nature swears, the lovely dears
Her noblest work she classes, O
Her prentice han’ she try’d on man,
An’ then she made the lasses, O’
Robert Burns
37
Holly Young with her daughters, Evie and Millie, in a field of Dundas.
Crummock Bank, Wigton, Cumbria.
Customer of New Breed Uk
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Skateraw, Dunbar, East Lothian EH42 1QR
Local Rate Telephone No: 0845 872 8873
Tel: 01368 840655 Fax: 01368 840677
Email: [email protected]
NEW WEBSITE: www.watsonseeds.com
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