Pasture Seed Guide
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Serve-Ag services
Contents
1. Serve-Ag services
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2. Germinator use guide 4
3. Success with new pastures
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4.
Germinator Premium Pasture Blends:
- Premium HR and Germinator 750i
- Germinator Excell and Germinator Winter Elite
- Germinator Grazier LR and Germinator HDL
- Winter Rye
- Germinator Vortex
- Custom blends
5.
Key variety descriptions:
- Bealey Perennial Ryegrass
- Impact Perennial Ryegrass
- Shogun Hybrid Ryegrass
- Storm White Clover
- NEA endophytes
- Barberia Long-Rotation Ryegrass
- Aston Italian Ryegrass
- Vortex Annual Ryegrass
- SARDI 7 Series II Winter Active Lucerne
- Dictator 2 True Forage Barley
6. Serve-Ag contact details 2
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Back page
Serve-Ag supports growers
to help them make informed
decisions on forage and
pasture management options.
With experienced staff across Tasmania,
Serve-Ag works to find solutions for dairy,
beef and sheep and specialist fodder
producers.
Services include:
• Soil testing and interpretation
• Fodder and pasture sampling and testing
• Pasture measurements and feed budgeting
• Weed and pest management
• Animal nutrition
Demonstration sites across Tasmania give
producers the opportunity to see first-hand
new forage/pasture varieties and techniques,
and are also designed to demonstrate how
different species offer different advantages
or feed gaps.
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Germinator Use Guide
USE
PATTERN
Long-term
pasture
Success with new pastures
ENTERPRISE
RAINFALL
GUIDE
GERMINATOR
BLEND
PAGE
Dairy, Beef, Higher
rainfall, Irrigation
750mm+
/ Irrigation
PREMIUM HR
6
Dairy, Beef, Sheep,
Dryland medium
rainfall
650mm+
GERMINATOR 750I
6
Dryland Beef / Sheep
500mm+
GERMINATOR
GRAZIER LR
8
The most expensive pasture is the one that fails to establish
properly. Such pastures have reduced productivity and carrying
capacity, are more prone to weed invasion and have a reduced
ability to combat various aspects of soil degradation. These
deficiencies continue throughout the entire life of the pasture.
Successful pasture establishment is the
result of correct preparation and planning,
often starting at least 12 months before
any pasture is sown. The more time spent
on preparation, the better the final result.
Cutting corners on preparation is the biggest
reason for poor pasture establishment.
A year before sowing
2-4 Year
Rotational
/ Pasture
Phase /
Oversowing
1-2 Year Short
Pasture Phase
Fast Winter
Feed
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Dairy, Beef, Lamb,
Oversowing,
Irrigation
650mm+
GERMINATOR EXCELL
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Dryland, Beef,
Sheep, Cropping
pasture phase
500mm+
WINTER ELITE
7
Grazing, Silage, Hay,
All stock classes
500mm+
WINTER RYE
8
Grass break, Lamb
finishing, N-fixing
Early or Late Sowing,
Bulk silage/hay,
Winter Grazing
500mm+
450mm+
GERMINATOR HDL
GERMINATOR VORTEX
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Reducing competition from existing weeds is
one of the most important first steps. Key to
this is identifying which weeds are present and
then following a well-planned control program.
Probably the singular biggest issue in renovating
pastures is the removal or reduction of the weedseed burden from annual grass weeds. Sometimes
various broad-leaved weeds can be a problem,
but they can usually be readily controlled with
skilful selection of post-emergent herbicides.
A cropping phase, fallow periods and techniques
such as pasture topping can be useful in the year
prior to sowing a new pasture. Your Serve-Ag
agronomist can develop a specific program for
your situation.
Year of sowing –
Late summer / autumn pre-sowing:
Soil-test if not already done, and act appropriately.
After a decent rain event (or pre-irrigation), wait
for the weeds to germinate and then spray out
paddock with knockdown to kill weeds and any
remnant pasture species. Consider an insecticide
where populations of pasture pests are likely in
early autumn, especially in no/lo-till situations.
Cultivation may be needed to break up old turf
mats and to help provide a good seed bed, and
may assist with developing a smoother surface for
future fodder production.
Importance of weed & pest control
Weeds and pests have the capacity to severely
reduce the value of a new pasture. Once a new
pasture has been sown, monitor at 10-14 day
intervals for pests and disease including leaf
decolouration, insect attack and weeds. The
likelihood of insect pests being present is generally
greater in direct drilled than conventionally sown
new pastures. Direct-drilled pasture, heavier soil
types, higher pH and trash load all contribute to
potential damage from slugs and snails. Consider
the slug or snail burden and make provisions to
include a molluscicide at, or just after sowing.
Seed coating with Agricote or Pro-Tech will provide
useful protection from sucking insects including
mites. Cut-worms, cockchafers, armyworm, corbies
and other caterpillars, along with grasshoppers and
crickets may also need attention.
Weeds can prove devastating to a newly sown
pasture. Quite often it may be a narrow window of
opportunity to spray due to weather, soil condition,
weed/pasture growth stage, stock movement etc.
It is often wise to spray sooner rather than later in
order to control weeds and pests early.
First year grazing management
Once grasses are 10-15cm tall and under good
growing conditions with adequate moisture, a quick
grazing will enhance tillering and root development.
However, it is important not to graze too hard and
leave at least 2.5cm (25mm) of growth. Do the
‘pull check’ by grabbing the leaves of the grasses
and pulling. The leaves should tear and the plants
remain rooted. If the plants pull out, then postpone
grazing until the plants are well anchored. Be careful
not to graze newly sown pastures early under dry
conditions, or if grasses are poorly developed as
stressed plants will be slower to recover.
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GERMINATOR PREMIUM HR
Suitable for:
• High production systems
•Dairy
• Beef Production
• Lamb finishing
• Silage, Hay
• Irrigation / Higher rainfall
45% Bealey NEA2 perennial ryegrass (Tet)
40% Impact 2 NEA2 perennial ryegrass (Dip)
7.5% Storm white clover (L)
7.5% Weka white clover (M)
Sowing rate: 25-35 kg/ha
GERMINATOR 750i
Suitable for:
• High production on tougher sites
•Dairy
• Beef Production
• Sheep enterprises
• Silage, Hay
• Irrigation / Medium-Higher rainfall
42.5%Kidman AR1 perennial ryegrass (Dip)
42.5%Impact 2 NEA2 perennial ryegrass (Dip)
7.5% Storm white clover (L)
7.5% Weka white clover (M)
Sowing rate: 25 kg/ha
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Long Term
Pasture
750+ / Irrig.
5.8 - 7.5 pH
(water)
Features:
• Elite genetics, benchmark in current
pasture breeding.
• Very late flowering with low aftermath.
(Bealey +25 days, Impact 2 +18 days)
• Superior cool-season growth and long
spring-summer production.
• NEA2 endophyte for animal health
of persistence.
• Vigorous, persistent and productive
white clovers.
• First choice blend for producers with
highest expectations.
Long Term
Pasture
650+ / Irrig.
5.5 - 7.5 pH
(water)
Features:
• Latest release diploid ryegrasses, evaluated
over many dryland sites over many years.
• Excellent autumn, winter, and spring
production, suitable for irrigation.
• Low after-math heading – great feed quality
for diploid ryegrasses.
• No staggers with good insect tolerance
through novel endophyte technology.
• Vigorous, persistent and productive
white clovers.
• Good choice blend for production and some
summer hardiness.
GERMINATOR EXCELL
Suitable for:
• Top-end performance for 2-4 years
• Oversowing existing pastures
• 2-4 year cropping pasture phase
• Dairy, Beef, Lamb finishing
• Silage, Hay
• Irrigation / Medium-Higher rainfall
60% Shogun NEA hybrid ryegrass (Tet)
40% Bealey NEA2 perennial ryegrass (Tet)
Sowing rates:
Oversowing 20 kg/ha
New Stands 30-35 kg/ha
GERMINATOR WINTER ELITE
Suitable for:
• Pasture phase in cropping systems
• Sheep enterprises
• Beef Production
• Dryland dairy
• Silage, Hay
• Summer-dry areas / Irrigation
85% Barberia ryegrass (Dip)
7.5% Storm white clover (L)
7.5% Weka white clover (M)
Sowing rate: 20-25 kg/ha
2-4 Year
Pasture
650+ / Irrig.
5.8 - 7.5 pH
(water)
Features:
• Highest production multi-year blend.
• Very late flowering with low aftermath.
(Bealey +25 days, Shogun +26 days)
• Superior cool-season growth and long
spring-summer production.
• NEA2 endophyte for animal health
of persistence.
• Larger seed size suits oversowing into
existing pastures.
• Excellent option for increased cool-season
performance and extended summer feed.
2-4 Year
Pasture
500+ / Irrig.
5.5 - 7.5 pH
(water)
Features:
• Unique ryegrass – long-term persistence
with similar growth to Italian ryegrasses.
• Very early flowering to enable summer
dormancy mechanism if needed.
• Low after-math heading to allow for leafy
growth in summer if water available.
• No staggers
• Vigorous, persistent and productive
white clovers.
• Good choice for lower-rainfall cropping
areas with or without irrigation.
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GERMINATOR GRAZIER LR
Suitable for:
• Beef Production
• Sheep enterprises
•Hay
• Long-term dryland
• Lower-medium rainfall areas
• Periods of set-stocking
40% Kidman AR1 perennial ryegrass (Dip)
8% Safin fine leaved cocksfoot
16% Lawson phalaris
26% Denmark & Campeda sub clovers
10% Storm white & Vista balansa clovers
Sowing rate: 20-25 kg/ha
GERMINATOR HDL
Suitable for:
• Sheep & beef enterprises
• Lamb finishing
• Grass-free pasture phase
• Quality hay
• Nitrogen fixation
• Irrigation / low-medium rainfall
40% Storm white clover
30% Laser Persian clover
30% Vista balansa clover
Sowing rate: 10-12 kg/ha
Long Term
Pasture
500+
5.2 - 7.0 pH
(water)
Features:
• Blend of high performance, hardy perennial
species.
• Dry tolerance and suitable for periods of
set-stocking.
• New soft & fine leaved cocksfoot.
• Tough ryegrass with no ryegrass staggers,
low alkaloid and productive phalaris.
• Reliable and resilient sub clovers with good
re-seeding ability.
• Suited to long-term sheep and beef enterprises
in typically summer-dry areas.
1-2 Year
Pasture
550+ / Irrig.
5.2 - 7.0 pH
(water)
Features:
• Fast establishing and very productive
clover blend.
• Good cool-season growth when sown early
autumn, continues well summer.
• Storm white clover with high yield and good
stolon density for persistence.
• Improved late season yield for grazing or hay.
• Suited to sites where pH or soil drainage issues
rule out the use of lucerne.
• Good option for systems looking for
lamb-finishing and a grass-free cropping break.
GERMINATOR VORTEX
Suitable for:
• Early or late sowing
• Autumn & winter feed
• Bulk silage or hay
• All stock classes
• Most conditions
• Irrigation or dryland
20% Vortex annual ryegrass (T)
80% Dictator 2 true forage barley (awnless)
Sowing rate:
Good conditions 100 kg/ha
Marginal/tougher 75 kg/ha
Fast Winter
Feed
450+ / Irrig.
5.2 - 7.5 pH
(water)
Features:
• High yielding and high quality bulk feed and
fodder option.
• Sow in late summer/early autumn for fast feed.
• Best option when looking for a late autumn or
winter sowing option.
• Higher feed value than other cereal options.
• Very suitable for silage or hay production.
• Good choice when looking for a quick,
productive and quality feed over winter.
Custom Blends
The Germinator Premium
Pasture Blends will suit many
situations and applications.
There are however many
different expectations,
conditions and enterprises
within agricultural systems.
Serve-Ag welcomes the opportunity to
develop specific packages for forage
production systems or rotational
requirements. A custom blend option
is available.
Please get in touch with your Serve-Ag
representative or agronomist for advice
and solutions.
Notes:
WINTER RYE
Suitable for:
• 1-2 year grass pasture
• Winter feed
•Silage
•Hay
• All stock classes
• Most areas
40% Diploid Italian ryegrass
60% Tetraploid annual ryegrass
Sowing rate:
Oversowing 20 kg/ha
New Stands 25-30 kg/ha
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1-2 Year
Pasture
500+ / Irrig.
5.2 - 7.5 pH
(water)
Features:
• Highly productive annual / biennial ryegrass
blend.
• Late flowering for extended season if required.
• Prospects for two silage / hay cuts in
many cases.
• Suited to autumn sowing as a short-term
pasture phase.
• No ryegrass staggers.
• Productive and economical choice for a
short-term grass cover and quality feed.
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BEALEY
STORM
BARBERIA
SARDI 7 SERIES 2
• True perennial ryegrass
• Highly palatable tetraploid
• Very late flowering (+25 days)
• Excellent winter & summer growth
• Excellent for oversowing
• High autumn, winter and early spring
growth rates
• NEA2 endophyte: Persistence, no staggers
• Preferred choice for highest production systems
An Australian bred and developed white clover.
It has a tall and aggressive habit to enable it to
establish and compete well amongst competitive
ryegrass varieties. Storm was selected for excellent
cool season growth and exhibits good summer
production potential.
This is a step-change variety that incorporates a
large-leaf size with high stolon density, enabling
high yield and persistence under close grazing in
various situations.
• 3-5 years+ option
• Very fast establishment
• Early flowering, with low after-math
• Excellent for oversowing
• High autumn, winter and early spring
growth rates
• No staggers
• Dryland or irrigation
IMPACT 2
NEA
ENDOPHYTES
• Latest release from the highly regarded
SARDI-Heritage Seeds’ breeding program
• Genuine overall improvement on the reliable
and popular SARDI 7
• Strongest disease and pest tolerance variety
available, including new virulent strain of
blue-green aphid
• Increased winter activity (7.4)
• More broadly adapted: improved performance
in wet, cold environments
• Well suited to grazing with a low, dense crown
and bush habit
• Improved leaf-stem ratio for high feed quality
- Versatility
- Irrigation
- Dryland
- Grazing
- Silage
- Hay
- Mixed pastures
• Diploid perennial ryegrass
• Excellent persistence
• Late flowering (+18 days)
• High overall yield with proven all-season growth
potential
• NEA2 endophyte: Persistence, no staggers
• Developed from Bealey genetics to offer high
yields, ease of management with some drought
hardiness and wet tolerance
SHOGUN
• Break-through variety
• Combines the growth pattern and yield of the
best Italians with extra 1-2 years’ persistence
• Very late flowering (+26 days)
• Bealey x Italian background
• NEA endophyte: Persistence, no staggers
• Ideal for over-sowing into high-performance
tetraploid situations or as a specialty 3-5 year
pasture option
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The NEA series of endophytes was introduced
and developed by Agriseeds New Zealand, sister
company of Heritage Seeds. It emerged through
the breeding of a family of ryegrasses, with genetics
that are the natural host of NEA, conferring good
symbiotic benefits to the varieties in the breeding
program. NEA2 is a mixture of endophyte strains,
and will express very low levels of lolitrem B,
low levels of ergovaline and standard levels of
peramine. This balance of alkaloids offers good
insect resistance and excellent animal performance.
NEA2 endophyte has been used in various varieties
in Australia since the late 1990’s with staggers
never reported in any class of grazing animals, with
excellent animal acceptance and performance in
all seasons. NEA is the singular strain of the NEA2
complex that is present in Shogun hybrid ryegrass
and both offer the following benefits:
• Good levels of insect protection: Argentine Stem
Weevil, Black beetle, Root aphid
• Freedom from ryegrass staggers
• Excellent animal acceptance and performance
• Available in well adapted, high-performance
cultivars for a range of applications:
Bealey NEA2 tetraploid perennial ryegrass
Impact 2 NEA2 diploid perennial ryegrass
Rohan SPR NEA2 diploid perennial ryegrass
Shogun NEA hybrid ryegrass
ASTON
• High yielding tetraploid
• Very fast establishment
• Suited for 1-2 year pastures
• Excellent for oversowing
• Highest performing Italian available, proven in
most conditions, over many years
• Late heading
• Also suits spring sowing
VORTEX
DICTATOR 2
• High yielding tetraploid
• Very fast establishment
• Suited for 8-12 months
• Excellent for oversowing
• High autumn, winter and spring growth rates
• Mid-late heading
• Longer season and higher yielding than
other annuals
• Fastest winter growth of all true forage cereals
• Ideal for late sowing
• Very suitable or fast feed with an early sowing
• Well suited to spring sowing in southern
Australia as a very late grazing or fodder option
• Quick re-growth after grazing
• Awnless – suited to hay and silage
• Excellent for oversowing
• Highest feed quality of all forage cereal options:
Higher ME
Lower NDF
• Exceptional stock acceptance
• Suitable for mixing with other species such as
peas, vetch or ryegrasses
• Dryland or irrigation
• Unmatched for combination of rate of growth,
feed quality and versatility
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Contact Us
HEAD OFFICE
6181 Frankford Road,
(PO Box 690 Bellfield),
Devonport Tas 7310
[email protected]
Ph: 03 6498 6800
Fax: 03 6427 0801
HUONVILLE
6181 Frankford Road,
Huonville Tas 7109
Ph: 03 6264 8390
Fax: 03 6273 6688
SMITHTON
4 Brittons Road
Smithton Tas 7330
Ph: 03 6456 0790
Fax: 03 6452 1998
ULVERSTONE
30 Short Street
Ulverstone Tas 7315
Ph: 03 6490 8500
Fax: 03 6425 4811
HAGLEY
Hoggs Lane
(PO Box 40)
Hagley Tas 7292
Ph: 03 6392 2206
Fax: 03 6392 2192
LONGFORD
10 Wellington Street
(PO Box 214)
Longford Tas 7301
Ph: 03 6391 4650
Fax: 03 6391 3156
SCOTTSDALE
30 William Street
Scottsdale Tas 7260
Ph: 03 6352 0600
Fax: 03 6352 3920
WYNYARD
16647 Bass Highway
Wynyard Tas 7325
Ph: 03 6443 8690
Fax: 03 6442 4989
Experience and Innovation in Agriculture www.serve-ag.com.au
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