With ground conditions finally favourable and excellent grass growth levels, now is an ideal time to take the opportunity to reseed.

The never-ending debate always raises its head at this time of year as to ‘when is it too late to reseed?’. Although, the calendar acts as a guide to reseeding, it is not always the primary criteria and especially not this year.

At this stage, it is a matter of deciding between risk versus reward. If your plan is to reseed a certain percentage of the farm each year, it is important to stick to this plan and reseed now especially while ground temperatures are very good and there is excellent and almost unseasonable grass growth.

Making the decision to defer reseeding may only put additional pressure on next year. Autumn 2017 is a recent good example of this scenario as in that year, the weather was difficult, and many reseeding jobs were not completed. With a slow spring in 2018 and a drought hitting in early June, it meant that much of the ground not completed for reseeding in autumn 2017 had returned little in terms of new herbage by mid-summer.

Management Guide:
The objective of reseeding at this stage is to have the crop established before the winter sets in and to have the post emergent spray (if available) applied. In doing so, there are some important key factors that need to be taken into consideration:

Soil Fertility:
Reseeded pastures will not perform to their potential if soil fertility is not correct. To achieve maximum results, it is vital that the new reseed receives adequate levels of 10:10:20 and lime levels to balance pH requirements and kick start early growth.

Reseeding Method:
With a lot of ground burnt off beyond the recommended three weeks at this stage, some of the destroyed vegetation is now beginning to re-establish. It is therefore imperative that this ground is cultivated as soon as possible.

By now, it is becoming too late for reseeding methods such as minimal cultivation or direct drilling. Once you past the middle of September, ploughing or discing are the most reliable methods, as they create the best environment to facilitate germination.

Seeding Rate:
Increasing the seeding rate by 15-20% will maximise the rate of success and compensate for lower ground temperatures and growth levels at this time of year.

Clover inclusion is also essential when reseeding, with current research indicating that 1kg of clover is typically recouped with one month of clover growth. Rather than leaving clover out, we recommend increasing the level in the hope of achieving a better strike rate.

At Agritech, we have long recognised the importance of including optimal levels of clover in our grass seed mixtures. Our Tipperary Grass Seed mixtures are also treated with a biological seed stimulant called, GroQuik®, to ensure maximum germination and a stronger well rooted plant, even in more difficult growing conditions. The application of GroQuik® is especially beneficial to clover establishment as it has a more extensive and complicated root structure.

Post Management:
Watch out for the three most significant pests of reseeds, frit fly, leatherjackets and slugs which are particularly problematic in the autumn.

For further advice or to find out more about our 2020 Tipperary Grass Seed mixtures, contact your local Agritech sales representative or distributor. 

Since making the switch to dairy farming, Co. Roscommon farmer, Enda Doran believes that following an autumn reseeding plan which focuses on soil fertility and using grass seed of the highest quality has been a major contributing factor into achieving a successful and profitable dairy business.

Located in Kilbegly, Co. Roscommon, Enda runs a spring calving, grass based dairy farm of 140 British-Friesian Holstein cross cows, having converted from sheep and suckler farming in 2016.   

In the video below, Enda outlines the key traits that he looks out for in a grass seed mixture and why selecting the most suitable one for his farm has given him the best return on investment:

Selecting the right grass seed mixture

According to Enda’s local Agritech Sales Representative, Melissa Kelly, “Farmers are increasingly recognising the benefits of reseeding with good quality grass seed. However, in order to get the biggest return on investment, it’s critical that you choose the most suitable grass seed mixture for your own individual system.

“At Agritech, our Tipperary Grass Seed Range has a mixture to suit every requirement, whether that is intensive grazing, cutting, zero-grazing or overseeding. For Enda, Tipperary Grass 4A was chosen as the most suitable mixture as it successfully encompasses all of the key traits that he looks for in a grass seed mixture; high digestibility, palatability and a good inclusion of clover.” 

Tipperary Grass Seed – GroQuik® Benefits

What makes the Tipperary Grass Seed range unique is that every mixture is treated with a biological seed stimulant called, GroQuik®, which accelerates germination and especially root growth in both grasses and clover. The application of GroQuik® is especially beneficial to clover establishment as it has a more extensive and complicated root structure.

Recent on farm experiments have highlighted the benefits of an improved root structure by comparing dressed and non-dressed grass mixture plots. Despite both plots receiving the same management in the same field at the same time, it was found that dressed plots showed a significant increase in herbage yield compared to the non-dressed plots.

Melissa concludes, “Going forward, seed stimulants such as GroQuik® will play a vital role in improving herbage output. Seedling establishment has improved significantly for Enda with results seen just one week after sowing. The benefits of GroQuik®, can also be seen for years after sowing, with older sown paddocks still producing high yields for Enda.”

Autumn Reseeding Tips

On the same day we met with Enda, Melissa Kelly also outlined what she attributes as top tips when reseeding this autumn:

For further advice on autumn reseeding or to choose a suitable grass seed mixture from the Tipperary Grass Seed Range, contact your local Agritech sales rep/distributor or click here.

Increased stocking rates particularly on dairy farms has meant that herbage output is more critical now than ever before. The recent Teagasc Moorepark Open Day highlighted that the anticipated further growth of the national dairy herd must be achieved in an environmentally sustainable way .

The application of biological seed stimulants is a key step in exploiting the potential of grass; something which has been adopted by Agritech from early on. Every grass seed mixture in the Tipperary Grass Seed Range is treated with a unique germination dressing called GroQuik®.

GroQuik® is a biological seed stimulant which accelerates germination and especially root growth in both grasses and clover. Environmental sustainability is very much at the forefront as the ingredients used in its manufacturing are 100% non-chemical and they even qualify for inclusion in grass seed mixtures for use on organic farms.

The application of GroQuik® is especially beneficial to clover establishment as it has a more extensive and complicated root structure. This is critical for Irish farmers, with research by Teagasc continuing to highlight that clover has a central role to play on all farms, whether the farming system is intensive or extensive.

Improved root structure

The benefit of an enhanced and more developed root structure helps to ensure that the grass plant has access to more nutrients from the soil, thereby ensuring improved efficiency and extra herbage yield.

Recent on farm experiments have highlighted the benefits of an improved root structure by comparing dressed and non-dressed grass mixture plots. Despite both plots receiving the same management in the same field at the same time, it was found that dressed plots showed a significant increase in herbage yield compared to the non-dressed plots.

Initially, it was thought that this benefit would last for a few months post sowing, however it is now very clear that the benefits last for years. Commenting on this, Agritech Sales Director, John Kenny states, “Going forward, stimulants such as GroQuik® will play a vital role in Irish Agriculture by increasing herbage output in an environmentally sustainable way. The benefits of the technology can be seen by farmers long after sowing by facilitating healthier plants and improved yields.”

For any further advice on autumn reseeding or to choose a suitable grass mixture from the Tipperary Grass Seed Range, contact your local Agritech distributor or click here.

Now is the time of year that grass quality is the most difficult to manage. However, those who make swift management decisions at this stage will be rewarded in the long term.

All grasses are programmed to ‘head out’ in June. As grasses ‘head out’, there is less leaf area for the remainder of the growing season. Animal performance is dependent on a high leaf to stem ratio in our farm grass swards, therefore it is highly recommended that farmers assess the ryegrass content of their swards now.

Paddocks should be grazed as they reach 1250 to 1350kg/dm/ha and all surplus growth above this should be conserved for silage bales at 1800kg/dm/ha and fertilised quickly to return to the next grazing rotation. Fields that have a poor clean out or reduction on animal performance should be assessed and if they contain less than 50% ryegrass, they should be identified for immediate reseeding.

Reseeding

Once old wild grasses head out, their response to fertiliser reduces. As a result, many Irish farmers will reseed now as recovery post grazing or cutting.

The conventional system of full reseeds on intensive dairy farms has reduced in popularity in countries like the UK, New Zealand, Finland and other pasture-based milk producing countries. Their system is simple; cut or graze the sward tightly and use a special grass seed mixture like our Tipperary Grass Rejuvenation/Overseeding Mixture.

This mixture is specifically formulated to extend the life of an existing sward and maintain yield and quality. The inclusion of larger late tetraploid seeds will allow it to establish and compete with the existing sward and it is also GroQuik dressed to ensure faster germination.

In addition to using a high quality grass seed mixture, following the below management practices will be critical in achieving a good reseed:

• Using a stitching machine (Moore, Vergo Drill), cut a slot in the existing sod and drop the new seed into it.
• Spread two bags of 10:10:20 and two bags of granulated lime or one tonne of ground lime after sowing.
• The ground should also be rolled with a land roller to give excellent soil to seed contact and to help prevent pest attacks.
• Keep a close eye on the emerging grass plants and graze at 14 day intervals to get maximum results.

For more information, contact your local Agritech distributor or view our Tipperary Grass page

A high level of management is required to ensure that the reseeding process is carried out properly, as too often, the return on investment is restricted due to poor sward establishment. The two most important things to focus on are; the quality of the swards and the fertility of the soil.

Like any investment, grassland reseeding should be carefully planned to minimise the cost and maximise the return.

1. Identify the lowest performing areas, i.e. below farm average grass growth/ha or a noticeable drop in animal performance.
2. Identify the resources behind this drop in performance. For example, does the sward contain less than 40% perennial ryegrass?
3. Has the soil received adequate Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) and Lime? Carry out a soil sample if required.

Soil Testing 

To achieve maximum results from your new reseed and to improve the productivity of the sward, soil fertility must be correct. Prior to reseeding, it is crucial to carry out soil tests for Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) and pH, testing to a minimum of 10 cm soil depth.

Fertiliser Plan 

Your fertiliser plan is crucial, as this will address any soil fertility issues. Where soil fertility is below the recommended rate, it will require 2 to 3 bags of 10-10-20 to provide enough P to feed the sward, kick start early growth and allow the sward to reach its full potential. Early P is essential for root development, as it feeds the roots and the roots feed the leaf. Nitrogen (N) without P, only feeds the leaf and does not achieve the same response.

Grass Mixture Choice

According to Agritech’s Business Development Manager, Bil Ryan, once you identify your areas for reseeding, decide whether it will be used for grazing or silage, as this will influence your grass mixture type.

“Agritech’s Tipperary Grass Seed Range has a mix for every situation and has built an excellent reputation with farmers throughout the country for delivering optimal germination, establishment and increased yield in new grass leys,” states Bil.

Agritech’s flagship premium mixture, Tipperary Grass No. 4A is suitable for intensive paddock grazing, whereas Tipperary Grass No.2 can be used for a less intensive grazing system. Tipperary Grass No.5 is designed to produce up to five cuts of high quality forage as zero grazing or three cuts of silage and the traditional Tipperary Grass No.3 is ideal for two cuts of silage, plus shoulder grazing.

For further advice on reseeding or to choose a suitable grass mixture from the Tipperary Grass Seed Range, contact your local Agritech distributor. 

The recent release of the Recommended List and the Pasture Profit Index (PPI) of grass varieties for 2018 shows a change in the order of merit of the top late varieties. AberPlentiful now holds the pole position on the list having increased its total value by €36 to €203 in 2018. AberPlentiful is a late tetraploid with very good growth characteristics, especially spring growth where it is also the highest in its category. AberBite is listed on the Recommended List for the first time this year. It will be a highly sought after variety as it features excellent grass quality characteristics and it is the No 1 Late Variety for silage.

Both AberPlentiful and AberBite are available from Agritech’s Tipperary Grass Seed Range this year. Commenting on the news, Agritech’s Sales Director, John Kenny stated “Tipperary grass mixtures have built an excellent reputation with farmers throughout the country for delivering quality, yield, persistence and especially animal performance. This latest ratification further enhances the reputation of our range of grass mixtures”.

With a two-year reseeding backlog on most farms, farmers will now be taking every opportunity to carry out reseeding this spring. Agritech’s advice is to choose a mix of grass seed that will improve animal performance, increase forage yield, be easily managed and have good persistency.

For any further advice on spring reseeding or to choose a suitable grass mixture from the Tipperary Range, contact your local Agritech distributor.

Agritech is renowned for quality grass seed mixtures. The Tipperary range is formulated to deliver high production, digestibility, palatability and persistency, with the Tipperary 4A mixture Agritech’s premium flag bearer. These essential characteristics give farmers the highest return available from their investment in reseeding. The end result is increased animal performance.

Grass seed assembly is the backbone of Agritech. They have long recognised that the key criteria in the assembly of grass mixtures is including varieties that complement each other, coupled with optimum levels of clover. New Teagasc research has confirmed that cows grazing tetraploid varieties and clover based swards yield significantly increased levels of milk. Furthermore, recent research is coming round to the Agritech opinion that tetraploid varieties are persistent and that groundcover is not a correct barometer of persistence after all. Our flagship mixture Tipperary 4A has, since its initial formulation in 1977, been based on the inclusion of adequate levels of tetraploids coupled with 1kg of clover.

Another key step in exploiting the potential of grass, achieved by Agritech, is the application of biological seed stimulants to every grass seed in all of the mixtures. The GroQuik® seed dressing is specifically designed to improve seedling establishment by accelerating germination and root development in both ryegrasses and clover. GroQuik® was originally demonstrated at London University to improve the establishment of the grass crop by 20%. Through extensive in-house research and trials, Agritech have continued to enhance GroQuik® with the addition of further bio stimulants to the dressing. The end result for farmers today is that the benefits of GroQuik® in grass swards persist for years post-establishment.

View Tipperary Grass brochure here