ML66 Optimal plant - S&W Seed Company Australia
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
LUCERNE UPDATE 2021 Optimal plant Pests and Newly released density Diseases ML66 Tips on the easiest What to look for Looking for high pest and way to check your and how to manage. disease resistant lucerne? lucerne density. ML66 is a great option.
S&W Seed Company Australia
14-16 Hakkinen Road
Wingfield SA 5013
AUSTRALIA
T +61 (0) 8 8445 1111
F +61 (0) 8 8445 7777
info@swseedco.com.au
swseedco.com.au
Contributors
Michael Christensen, James Cook, Lucy Damin,
Rob Damin, Tom Damin, Jack Edwards, Tim
Francis, Ian Freebairn, Hugh Graham, Cameron
Henley, Dennis Jury, Shane Kable, Tom McCooey,
Millie Moore, Anthony Telfer, Denham Thompson.
Design and Production
Jaz Effect Design
Printer
Contents
Hodgson Print Most parts of eastern Australia have
recently experienced favourable seasonal
conditions and is set for a fantastic
autumn season ahead. This guide offers
S&W Seed Company Australia has taken all valuable advice to gain the most out of
reasonable care in the preparation of this publication.
The information contained is thought to be correct your lucerne enterprise in 2021.
at the time of publication. Always seek professional
advice from your local agronomist or S&W Seed
Company representative prior to purchase. On the cover: S&W territory manager Ian
Seeding rates can vary. S&W Seed Company, Freebairn checking on the performance of
Establishment Guarantee™, XtraLeaf®, Goldstrike®, an L56 Lucerne pivot with Ella Bailey near
Goldstrike LongLife®, Goldstrike LongLife® XLR8™, Tarpeena in South Australia.
XLR8™, Low Bloat™, Super N Fixer™, SOWsmart®,
GTL® and MultiLeaf® are registered trademarks or Inside front cover: Contented cattle in
trademarks of S&W Seed Company. Poncho® Plus abundant feed of L56 Lucerne, over sown
and Gaucho® are registered trademarks of Bayer with Jackpot Diploid Italian Ryegrass and
Crop Science. Protek™ is a registered trademark of Compass Chicory are rotated through four
DLF Seeds. All other company names, brand names paddocks to grow more feed and improve
and/or product names referenced, may be registered
liveweight gain.
trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners
and/or the particular company.
Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved.
05 Tim’s wrap 26 Lucerne Dormancy 5
07 Meet the Team 27 Lucerne Dormancy 3
08 Talking with Tom 28 Best Management Practices
10 Lucerne Dormancy 9 34 Pests and Diseases
16 Lucerne Dormancy 7 37 Varietal Selection Chart
22 Lucerne Dormancy 6 39 Our Team
LUCERNE UPDATE 2021 3
T H E P O D C A S T
Millie Moore
Territory Manager , Kangaroo Island, Fleurieu
Peninsula, Upper South East, Mallee & Wimmera
“I feel quite fortunate that in the period that
SEASON 1 I decided to pursue the vision that I had,
maybe I was fortunate that it coincided with
Emerge The Podcast explores the origins a bit of a shift in the industry as well”
and development behind great innovations – David Morello, founder at Morellofert
in agriculture.
Listen to the Emerge Podcast now on Apple
Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.
WAYS TO LISTEN
FOREWORD
Tim’s wrap
Most parts of eastern Australia Our impressive lucerne range is digital copy of Emerge magazine direct
have recently experienced bolstered by the launch of our long- to your inbox (or mailbox if you prefer)!
awaited ML66 Lucerne. The second
favourable seasonal conditions Agricultural field days are the heart of
MultiLeaf® variety released by S&W,
our local communities and bring the
and is set for a fantastic autumn ML66 brings a high leaf to stem ratio,
agricultural industry together. While
season ahead. I am excited with perfect for grazing and high-quality hay
only for a few days, it’s great to catch-up
production.
anticipation of the results we will and ask all the questions in one place.
see on-farm in 2021. To help you choose the right lucerne I’m thrilled to see these slowly returning
from our extensive range, I encourage as we navigate this new COVID-safe
Now, the demand for high-quality you to speak to your local S&W territory landscape, and I can’t wait to meet both
lucerne varieties is high as growers are manager, for friendly expert advice and familiar and new faces across Australia
chasing high-value leaf to stem product. guidance on selecting the right lucerne throughout 2021.
Varieties like S&W Seed Company Q31, for your operation.
Best of luck with lucerne season ahead.
SW6330, GLT®60, and proven performer Also, jump online and visit swseedco. We’re here to support you and offer
L56, are clear stand-outs when you are com.au, our refreshed website is a advice if and when you need us.
looking to produce the quality hay you’ve go-to hub for all Australian producers,
come to expect from our lucerne range. providing extensive technical
If dual-purpose grazing and hay fit your information across our entire product Tim Francis
system better, you can’t go past our L71, range, alongside the latest news and National Sales Manager
SW7403, L92 and SW9720 varieties. insights. While you’re there, sign-up S&W Seed Company Australia
to receive our news, updates, and your
LUCERNE UPDATE 2021 5
SW7403
LUCERNE
Medicago sativa
Seeding Rate kg/ha
A 28-day cutting cycle
Dryland 4-8
High Rainfall/Irrigation 10-20 provides the potential
Seed Treatment Goldstrike LongLife® XLR8™ for eight cuts of hay for
Description
Multi-purpose winter active variety providing
the season...
strong persistence and high yields across a wide
range of environments
"It's been working out
Market Segment/Target
Grazing, hay and silage around 2 ¾ tonnes per
Features
Winter active
High leaf to stem ratio
hectare per cut."
High pest and disease resistance
Benefits
Alan Neale
Multi-purpose Southwest Hay Supplies St George
High yielding
Persistent across a wider range of environments
6 Emerge
MEET THE TEAM
Jo Williams
Lucerne Research & Development
In 2010, after five years with SARDI on
the Eyre Peninsula running the NVT
trials, Jo Williams returned home to her
family farm with her husband at Field in
the upper southeast of South Australia.
At the same time, she began work for
S&W Seed Company Australia in lucerne
research and development. Over the
last 11 years, this role has progressed
into lucerne breeder for the Australian
program.
Lucerne has always been a passion for
Jo and her family. Their 5,000 breeding
merino sheep operation relies heavily
on lucerne pastures, providing a much
needed, high quality feed option for
their stock. They also produce up to 300
hectares of dryland lucerne seed each
season.
The global lucerne-breeding program
at S&W is heavily focused on producing
high forage and seed yielding varieties,
with high resistance across the pest and
disease profiles. The breeding program is
also focused on a range of traits, including
salt tolerance, low lignin and high-quality
varieties. Having a global program, allows
the breeders at S&W to take advantage
of the two growing seasons in both the
northern and southern hemispheres
each year. This means that they can
concurrently run the screening trials
globally. Jo elaborates on the benefits of
simultaneous breeding programs, “For the
farmer this means quicker turn-around of There are some very exciting new
material going from the evaluation stage products that will shortly be available
to domestic growers from the global
“If you want a lucerne
to the commercial stage – Best genetics,
faster.” breeding program. These include varieties that has high forage,
Plant selections are made across all major
with a range of dormancy from 5-10,
catering for all domestic lucerne growing
great pest and disease
lucerne growing regions globally. These
selections are then crossed to produce F1
regions and end use systems, whether profile and produces
it be cut and carry or grazing. These
seed, the first generation of seed of a new
varieties have been extensively screened
really good quality,
variety. This breeding line is then entered
into all screening programs, including,
through the forage and seed yield as well then S&W lucerne is the
as the pest and disease trials, producing
dormancy, forage, seed, salt, pest and
elite, high quality lucerne varieties. lucerne for you.”
disease trials. Once a breeding line has
shown to meet the high standards that Jo continues to enjoy the challenge of When she’s not busy breeding lucerne or
all S&W lucerne varieties must achieve breeding lucerne varieties that fit a global sheep farming, you will find Jo with her
to progress in the program, the breeding marketplace with exceptional yields husband and two children enjoying the
line is then advanced to the seed build up and quality. She gains great joy and beach, savouring a glass of bubbles.
stage and then onto commercialisation. satisfaction from seeing the S&W lucerne
This process can take up to seven years varieties performing well for growers and
to ensure that all varieties produced from adding to the profitability of their farming
the S&W breeding program continue to be businesses.
leaders in the marketplace.
LUCERNE UPDATE 2021 7
TA L K I N G W I T H T O M
Tom Damin talking lucerne density
Tom Damin
Pasture Research Lead
Australia
Lucerne is a perennial plant, From this chart you can see in higher
rainfall and irrigation areas a higher
and its value as a crop is highly
plant density is optimal because it is
related to the plant density of the achievable. The plant density in lower
lucerne stand. rainfall scenarios is less because in times
of moisture stress, if the plant density is
The target plant density however, depends
too high, competition between plants,
on certain situations and purposes of use.
simply to survive within the stand, will be
Lucerne is a very poor recruiter of new
too great and will be detrimental to stand
plants from seed, and because of this we
life.
can’t rely on it to ‘self-thicken’ stands that
are starting to thin out. This also means However, in higher moisture situations,
that you need to start with your optimal such as irrigated areas, the higher
plant density when establishing lucerne plant density is desirable because as
in the first place. the number of plants per square metre
increases, so does the potential yield
Tom Damin, S&W Seed Company’s Roughly 1/10th of a square metre, as
of the stand if there is no limitation on
Pasture Research Lead for Australia, says outlined within the ‘square’ made by
available moisture and nutrients. This
that, “Generally lucerne tends to thin out these boots contains 4 plants. Our
also explains the different recommended
in most situations in the first 12 months simple calculation of 10 x 4 gives an
sowing rates for lucerne in different
to match the growing conditions it is approximation of 40 plants/m2 for the
rainfall areas.
in, particularly in response to moisture paddock. For best results, take counts
availability. Tom also believes that plant density is as you walk across the whole paddock
also a very useful guide to determine and then form an average. It is easiest
“However, it is a good practice to work
when a lucerne paddock has reached the to see individual plants as they are
on trying to establish a lucerne stand
point where it is not able to be productive shooting fresh growth following a
with close to the optimal plant density to
enough and re-establishment or removal grazing or cutting event.
begin with. This saves on seed cost and
could be an option.
reduces the risk of creating too much
plant competition within the stand to “If plant density dips 30 percent below Tom believes the easiest way to check for
begin with.” the ideal after six months in the table, it plant density is to make a ‘V’ with your
is probably time to consider options.” boots, then count the number of plants
One of the most limiting factors to plant
within the ‘square’ that is made if you
density and survival of lucerne is rainfall “In dryland areas, this may be topping
use the ends of your shoes as a guide.
and water availability. Tom believes the the lucerne up by sowing in a companion
An average size 12 foot will give you an
following chart is a good guide to match species for the short term, to boost the
area covered roughly 1/10th of a square
your situation to your target plant density. productivity while recognising the plant
metre, so multiply your plant count by 10,
numbers in the stand are still producing a
and you have a rough calculation of plant
considerable amount of quality feed until
Water Plant density after six density per metre squared. i.e. you put
the lucerne has finally thinned out too
availability months your boots together and count 4 plants;
much.”
4 x 10 = 40, so you have roughly a plant
“In irrigated areas, the decision may be density of 40 plants/m2. If you do this a
450mm 40-50 plants/m2 greater than the cost of re-establishment an even better indication where your
due to the higher input and output stand is at, and if your plant density is
Irrigation >100 plants/m2
expectations.” adequate or not.
8 Emerge
GTL®60 High leaf to stem ratio
Lucerne Broad and low set crown
Rapid regrowth after grazing or cutting
These traits make S&W Seed Company GTL®60
Lucerne the ideal hay and grazing lucerne for a
persistent quality stand.
The GTL stands for Grazing Tolerant Lucerne,
GTL®60 has proven to be a top performer in
persistence and grazing tolerance.
Talk to your local rural store about S&W GTL®60.
Image: Catombal Park, Wellington NSW
LUCERNE DORMANCY 9
ML99 MultiLeaf® SW9720 L91
LUCERNE LUCERNE LUCERNE
Medicago sativa Medicago sativa Medicago sativa
Seeding Rate kg/ha Seeding Rate kg/ha Seeding Rate kg/ha
Dryland 4-8 Dryland 4-8 Dryland 4-8
High Rainfall/Irrigation 10-20 High Rainfall/Irrigation 10-20 High Rainfall/Irrigation 10-20
Seed Treatment Goldstrike LongLife® XLR8™ Seed Treatment Goldstrike LongLife® XLR8™ Seed Treatment Goldstrike LongLife®
Description Description Description
Rapid establishing highly winter active lucerne Outstanding yields and quality under salty An economical option with strong growth in
with an increased forage/fodder quality conditions autumn and winter maximising year round
production
Market Segment/Target Market Segment/Target
Grazing, hay and silage Grazing, hay and silage Market Segment/Target
Grazing, hay and silage
Features Features
MultiLeaf® expression Highly winter active Features
Highly winter active Developed in saline conditions Economical option
Excellent seedling vigour High leaf to stem ratio Highly winter active
Outstanding seedling vigour
Benefits Benefits
Higher leaf component compared to other highly Improvements under saline conditions Benefits
winter active varieties Extended cutting and grazing opportunities in Extended grazing ability and hay in autumn and
Rapid establishment autumn and winter winter
High quality winter grazings High yields and quality Good for rotations in both dairy and cropping
Quick to establish and to first graze or cut
L92
LUCERNE
Medicago sativa
Seeding Rate kg/ha
Dryland 4-8
High Rainfall/Irrigation 10-20
Seed Treatment Goldstrike LongLife® XLR8™
Description
Multiple hay and silage opportunities throughout
the season and in a range of environments
Market Segment/Target
Grazing, hay and silage
Features
Highly winter active
Very quick regrowth after cutting or grazing
High forage yield
Benefits
Multiple opportunities for high quality hay and
silage cuts year round
Persistent under a wide range of conditions Image: SW9720 closeup.
Suited to a wide range of soil types
10 EmergeFA R M E R F E E D B AC K | L U C E R N E
Dairy impressed by L92
For a Yarradulla Dairy, situated near Mundulla in the South The 300 cow herd at Yarradulla calves all year round and is fed
East of South Australia, growing quality green feed over the a combination of pasture, hay, silage and grain. The L92 pivot is
arid summer period is critical for milk production for their 300 direct grazed and provides a few kilograms of high quality green
Holstein cows. After discussions with their local agronomist, the feed to boost milk production through the dry six month summer
Schmidt’s planted S&W Seed Company L92 Lucerne on an 18 to autumn period, also bulking up winter feed supplies when the
hectare pivot. They were impressed by its overall production and dryland is growing, but growth rates are slow.
its ability to handle the wet patches, which comes from excellent
The Schmidt’s were so impressed with L92 they said they’re
disease resistance in the variety.
“hoping to get four to five years out of it’s stand and then will
The Schmidt’s chose the highly winter active L92 because they re-seed to keep production at its peak to meet the pasture needs
need as much feed as possible through late autumn and winter, of the herd.” They are also planning on getting another pivot
along with good growth through summer. Lucerne is a great planted down with L92 this spring.
pasture to grow in the Mundulla environment and responds well
to irrigation through the long, hot, dry summers that the region
faces every year. Image: Brad and Evan Schmidt are impressed with L92‘s ability to
handle the wet areas on their Yarradulla Pivot in the South East of
SA, pictured with Josh Modra (Centre).
LUCERNE UPDATE 2021 11FA R M E R F E E D B AC K | L U C E R N E
L92 just right for
Dalby’s climate
Kody Kajewski’s farm is just outside of Dalby, on the Darling
Downs, in Queensland.
After speaking to S&W Seed Company territory manager Paul
Kleinhanss, Kody planted S&W Seed Company L92 Lucerne, as
he was after a variety that could handle Dalby’s hot often dry
summer climate.
Kody was very impressed with the L92 variety saying, “Not only
does it perform extremely well in winter time, it also backs it up
with performance in the warmer months with excellent yields.”
L92 is known for its excellent winter production, it’s rapid
regrowth after cutting and it’s high resistance to multiple pests
and diseases.
“We have been very impressed with the L92,” Kody remarked, “It
grows to a good height whilst still maintaining great leaf retention
even in the dry hot weather.”
Kody went on to say that they’ve also found that when irrigating
it, “It doesn’t need the same amounts of water as the Q75 we
grew to receive similar yields. Our last cut went 66 bales per
acre, with an average bale weight of 24 kilograms.”
L92 - another quality lucerne product from the S&W Seed
Company portfolio.
Image: (left) A healthy stand of L92 on Kody Kajewski's Dalby
property.
Image: (top) Showing impressive growth and leaf prior to cutting
and baling.
Image: (bottom) Under irrigation following first baling.
12 EmergeT R I A L R E S U LT S
Live Weight Grain Trial
Penfield Research Station | Trial Sown 05/08/2016
Total average kg/day weight gain
Kg/Day weight DM t/Ha
An irrigated six hectare paddock was divided into 12 half gain average produced total
hectare sections. On August 5, four of these sections were each L92 1.32 7.7
sown with L92 Lucerne, Sequel and SARDI 10 Series 2. Sequel 0.95 6.6
Sowing rate was kilograms per hectare. SARDI 10 Series 2 1.25 7.2
24 Santa Gertrudis steers were split into three grazing 1.80 7.8
7.7t 7.2t
groups of eight steers, with an average starting weight of 325 1.60 7.6
kilograms. 1.40 7.4
6.6t
The three groups simultaneously grazed each of the varieties
Total average kg/day weight gain
1.20 7.2
throughout the duration of the trial.
1.00 7
Total DM t/ha produced
The trial ran for 12 weeks, in which each variety at least would 0.80 6.8
be grazed for a four week duration by each group of cattle.
0.60 6.6
No other sources of feed or supplements were given to the 0.40 6.4
117% 100% 110%
animals. 1.32 0.95 1.25
0.20 6.2
kg/day kg/day kg/day
0.00 6
L92 Sequel SARDI 10 Series 2
DISCUSSION:
Average kg/day weight gain
The trial protocol dictated that all three varieties would be grazed Average kg/day
First rotation Second rotation Third rotation
equally by each cattle group. Also all of the varieties would be weight gain
simultaneously grazed by the three cattle groups. Throughout the L92 1.10 1.30 1.55
12 week period, each group of cattle spent four weeks on each Sequel 0.92 0.95 0.97
variety, with the three groups moving through the paddock on a SARDI 10 Series 2 1.05 1.28 1.41
different variety each. Each cattle group was weighed initially and
then weighed again after spending four weeks on a variety. Over 2.00
Average kg/day weight gain
the 12 week period all three lucerne varieties were exposed to the 1.80
1.60
same grazing conditions and all cattle groups had grazed each 1.40
L92
lucerne variety equally. 1.20
1.00 Sequel
By running the trial this way, the only changing variable throughout 0.80 SARDI 10 Series 2
0.60
the 12 week period is which of the lucerne varieties that the cattle 0.40
would be grazing, eliminating other factors that might influence 0.20
the weight gain results. 0.00
First Rotation Second Rotation Third Rotation
Conditions were favourable for establishment in the middle of
August and as soon as the lucerne was established enough to be Average kg dm/ha/day
grazed the cattle were sent in. The first four week grazing period Average kg
First rotation Second rotation Third rotation
showed quite similar results to between the three varieties. As DM/Ha/day
the trial progressed however both the L92 Lucerne and SARDI L92 79 93 102
10 Series 2 both exceeded the Sequel in dry matter production Sequel 65 82 91
per day as well as live weight gain increase per day. There was SARDI 10 Series 2 69 90 99
significant summer rainfall throughout the trial period and high
temperatures and the lucerne thrived. It was the improved 105
varieties that maximised this natural rainfall however and
Average kg DM/ha/day
95
performed much better than the Sequel in terms of both overall
dry matter production as well as resulting live weight gain on the 85
cattle. With better growth and regrowth from the L92 Lucerne
compared with the Sequel, the result was also better quality 75
feed in terms of digestibility and in the last two grazing rotations
65
the L92 Lucerne showed improved weight gain alongside the First Rotation Second Rotation Third Rotation
improved forage production where the Sequel did not increase its
rate of weight gain. Feed Tests
L92 Sequel SARDI 10 Series 2
ME (MJ/kg) 11.20 11.10 11.40
First, second and third rotation % Crude Protein 25.70 26.10 26.10
% ADF 21.2 27.3 21.8
First rotation Second rotation Third rotation
% NDF 31.7 33.8 32.2
02/12/2016 - 30/12/2016 31/12/2016 - 27/01/2017 28/01/2017 - 24/02/2017 RFV 212.4 186.1 207.5
Average results from feed test taken prior to grazing throughout the trial (three tests).
LUCERNE UPDATE 2021 13T R I A L R E S U LT S
Lucerne Oversow Trial
Penfield Research Station | Trial Sown 15/05/2015
Many older lucerne stands suffer from thinning and lack of The ryecorn was also quick to establish, but the Outback Forage
winter feed. The following trial assessed seven different Oats did not fare well from a later sowing, ideally the Outback
species with known excellent winter forage production Forage Oats needed longer to establish or needed to be sown
oversown into a thinning lucerne stand to see which could earlier in the year in better conditions.
provide a solution to both problems.
The forage cereals however all began to suffer from their short
A small block of ML99 MultiLeaf ® Lucerne was sown at 15 season nature, and before the third and final grazing most of the
kilograms per hectare on September 14, 2011 to be a grazing Moby Forage Barley and ryecorn was out to head, and looked
block for sheep. to recover very poorly from grazing. The Jivet Tetraploid Annual
Ryegrass and Icon Diploid Italian Ryegrass both produced
The block was winter cleaned each year, and grazed frequently reasonably well but were a little behind the cereals in the early
for three and a half years, resulting in significant thinning of the cuts, however both of these varieties started to produce more dry
stand. matter than the cereals in the final cut. If the trial continued, the
After a heavy grazing event, sheep were removed in early Jivet Tetraploid Annual Ryegrass and Icon Diploid Italian Ryegrass
May 2015, and then an early winter clean with Sprayseed was could have at least had another grazing or two and recovered well,
applied around May 15. unlike the forage cereals which were well past their prime. The
Perun Tetraploid Festulolium did poorly in comparison to the other
On May 25, the block was oversown using a disc seeder with grass species and this is probably due to the original sowing time
seven different winter active forages in two replications. of the trial.
The varieties trialled were: Ryecorn, Moby Forage Barley, Perun Tetraploid Festulolium needs to be sown at the earlier end
Outback Forage Oats, Jivet Tetraploid Annual Ryegrass, Icon of the sowing window in autumn or it can be sluggish and in this
Diploid Italian Ryegrass, Perun Tetraploid Festulolium and trial situation where the winter forages were sown quite late in the
Cavalier Spineless Burr Medic. window it did not perform well in this trial. The Cavalier Spineless
The forage cereals were sown at 50 kilograms per hectare, the Burr Medic was the least successful variety in the trial, and this
grasses at 15 kilograms per hectare, and the medic was sown at is probably due to the management. Eight weeks was much too
10 kilograms per hectare. early for grazing the Cavalier Spineless Burr Medic, and the variety
never recovered well after the first grazing.
After eight weeks the trial was grazed, as well as three other
grazing events throughout the late winter and spring; each If the Cavalier Spineless Burr Medic was managed correctly, the
grazing event consisted of three days of hard grazing to achieve ideal situation would be to let the Cavalier Spineless Burr Medic
a very low residual, following by up to four weeks of recovery establish well, then graze it only a few times, and finally let it seed
time. down for following years of production, however in this trial it ever
had a chance to seed and was only assessed as an annual.
Dry matter production was measured prior to each grazing.
Feed quality tests were also taken throughout the trial of the mix
of winter forage and lucerne, and the results indicate that all of the
material from the winter forages was very high quality.
DISCUSSION:
The lucerne component resulted in all the mixed pasture having
The practice of oversowing thinning lucerne stands with a winter very high levels of Crude Protein, good levels of ME and also low
forage is a good way to get some continued life out of the levels of ADF and NDF across all species.
stand, as well as attempt to compete and control winter weeds
during a problem time of the year for weed control in lucerne. All of the species in this trial could be used in high performance
All species in the trial were chosen for their strong winter growth pasture situations to improve winter production of a lucerne stand
and establishment vigour. A lighter sowing rate than normal in while maintaining elite levels of animal production.
these species was used to oversow the lucerne. All the varieties in
the trial were compared in dry matter production to a section of
lucerne that had no winter forage sown.
This allowed for the additional dry matter production from
the winter forages to be adequately compared with what
lucerne would have achieved by itself. The highest dry matter
production during the trial was from the Moby Forage Barley,
the vigorous early growth of Moby Forage Barley had the barley
well established before the first grazing, as well as being able to
recover from that grazing quickly.
14 EmergeT R I A L R E S U LT S
Ryecorn Moby Outback Jivet Icon Perun Cavalier Lucerne
1st Cut – 07/08/2015 3.1 3.4 2.8 3.0 2.8 2.9 2.7 1.6
2nd Cut – 31/08/2015 2.8 3.2 2.4 2.2 2.5 2.3 2.1 1.3
3rd Cut – 02/10/2015 3.7 3.8 2.4 2.9 2.9 2.4 1.9 1.5
4th Cut – 30/10/2015 2.9 3 2.7 3.2 3.2 2.7 2.7 2
Total 12.5 13.4 10.3 11.3 11.4 10.3 9.4 6.4
Additional Total 6.1 7.0 3.9 4.9 5.0 3.9 3.0 0
+ DM/ha
Results from feed test taken prior to first grazing
ME (MJ/kg) 11.2 11.8 11.85 11.2 11.3 10.85 9.95 10.85
% Crude Protein 27.7 25 24.35 27.9 25.6 25.6 28.25 29.95
% ADF 21.8 20.9 19.15 19.05 18.15 19.75 21.9 21.3
% NDF 37.15 39.5 37.8 35.35 35.6 39 37.15 32.45
% Digestibility (DMD) 74.55 78 78.35 74.55 75.1 72.7 67.25 72.4
Before sowing Eight weeks after sowing
Ryecorn Jivet
Residual after first grazing Outback Cavalier
Moby Perun
Icon
LUCERNE UPDATE 2021 15LUCERNE DORMANCY 7
L70 L71 SW7403
LUCERNE LUCERNE LUCERNE
Medicago sativa Medicago sativa Medicago sativa
Seeding Rate kg/ha Seeding Rate kg/ha Seeding Rate kg/ha
Dryland 4-8 Dryland 4-8 Dryland 4-8
High Rainfall/Irrigation 10-20 High Rainfall/Irrigation 10-20 High Rainfall/Irrigation 10-20
Seed Treatment Goldstrike LongLife® Seed Treatment Goldstrike LongLife® XLR8™ Seed Treatment Goldstrike LongLife® XLR8™
Description Description Description
Cost effective, reliable and robust alternative to Developed through partnership between NSW DPI Multi-purpose winter active variety providing
Aurora and S&W Seed Company. Regularly outperforms strong persistence and high yields across a wide
under dryland and irrigated conditions. range of environments
Market Segment/Target
Grazing, hay and silage Market Segment/Target Market Segment/Target
Grazing, hay and silage Grazing, hay and silage
Features
Economical option Features Features
Good leaf retention Highly grazing tolerant Winter active
Good pest and disease package High pest and disease rating High leaf to stem ratio
High leaf retention High pest and disease resistance
Benefits
Reliable yields under wide conditions Benefits Benefits
Persistent under high disease pressure Highly persistent Multi-purpose
Covered by S&W Seed Company Establishment Offers a high quality flexible option High yielding
Guarantee® program Produces high quality hay Persistent across a wider range of environments
Q75
LUCERNE
Medicago sativa
Seeding Rate kg/ha
Dryland 4-8
High Rainfall/Irrigation 10-20
Seed Treatment Goldstrike LongLife® XLR8™
Description
Demonstrated superior quality characteristics in
laboratory tests and animal feeding trials
Market Segment/Target
Grazing, hay and silage
Features
Winter active
Excellent leaf retention with large leaf size
High quality
Benefits
Increased greenness in the bale
Improved forage quality and winter production
Produces high quality feed Image: Q75, Conochie Dairy Farm, Scenic Rim Qld. Michael Christensen, Territory Manager,
Wide Bay Burnett South East Central, Far North Qld & NT.
16 EmergeFA R M E R F E E D B AC K | L U C E R N E
Southwest Hay
Supplies praise’s
SW7403
Lucerne and Rhodes grass hay is a major
component of the cropping operations at
Allan and Kerrie Neale's Southwest Hay
Supplies at St George. Normally, in this
region, lucerne crops are irrigated by
pivots or sub surface drip.
"We try not to grow lucerne on the furrow
irrigation out here, as flooding the lucerne
when it's hot often kills it," Allan noted.
Damage to the existing lucerne stands
under the pivot, caused by the lack of
water during the drought, led to the need
for a furrow irrigated paddock to be sown
in 2020, while the pivot was prepared for
resowing.
S&W Seed Company Technical Services
Territory Manager Shane Kable, visited
Allan and Kerrie during 2018-19 to
discuss the option of using S&W Chomper
Forage Sorghum for hay production.
Shane mentioned the benefits of SW6330
and SW7403 lucerne’s in passing. When
it came time to sow the flood-irrigated
paddock, they reached out to the S&W
team to get more details on these lucerne
varieties.
SW7403 was ordered and trial bags of
SW6330 were provided as a comparison
"We normally sow in August," commented “We are trying not to flood the beds and
to be sown in the same paddock. The
Allan, "so with the early sowing, we're up keep the water in the furrows, but you
lucerne was sown on April 19, 2020 at 25
to five cuts so far in early February." A 28- would expect to lose plants [out of the
kilograms per hectare on beds, drilled in
day cutting cycle provides the potential stand], despite this summer being milder,"
as rows. "We used the machine that we
for eight cuts of hay for the season. he said.
purchased to sow lucerne into our Rhodes
grass stands. It looked like it nearly all "That’s the advantage of the longer season Shane Kable, has confidence that the
came up," Allan said. here at St George, we can often get that SW7403 will continue to perform. "I've
later cut at the end of the season." seen the plant stand data from S&W’s
contracted seed crops, it's very consistent
When asked about productivity and
"We would expect irrigation scheduling, Allan reported,
and persistent once a plant stand is
established."
quite a few plants not "We do either big squares, 8x4x3's, some
rounds but mainly small bales or Barons. When discussing the results Allan has
to survive the flood It's been working out around 2 ¾ tonnes seen so far under the flood irrigation
irrigation but as you can per hectare per cut." Regarding irrigation
amounts and cycles Allan observed,
on the clay soils at St George, "I expect
the SW7403's highly resistant rating to
see by the stand, we've "It's been working out to two irrigation Phytophthora Root Rot would be part of
[cycles] per cut and between 1 to 1.5 the reason for the success."
lost very few." megalitres per hectare [per cut]."
Image: Lisa Anderson, Branch Manager,
Due to the need to control a late winter Allan thought the SW7403 deserved CGS , St George inspecting Allan Neale’s
influx of aphids as well as weed control, praise for it’s performance on the furrow SW7403 at St George Qld.
an early, lighter cut was taken in August. irrigation and plant stand, "You would
With herbicide and aphid control applied not normally expect this plant stand to
to the block, another cut was taken about survive the flood irrigation.
five and a half weeks later. From then on, “Even in the furrows where the water
the target is to cut every 28 days, weather covers the plants and we run over the
permitting. plant with the tractor, they are still there.
LUCERNE UPDATE 2021 17FA R M E R F E E D B AC K | L U C E R N E
Image: (above) Ben Coxhead standing in
SW7403.
Image: (left) Bruce Coxhead and Ben
Coxhead inspecting SW7403 Hay at
“Newhaven Park” Kootingal near
Tamworth.
“Emergence was
very good and it
got up away better
than some other
varieties.”
Plant SW7403 for great hay
Lucerne for hay and occasionally silage is previously that, “We sow lighter than the fingers on the rake,” which can affect
the primary enterprise for Bruce and Ben other people but that way we can grow the that next cut and potentially the lucerne
Coxhead at “Newhaven Park” Kootingal paddocks as partially irrigated when we stand.
near Tamworth. S&W Seed Company have less water available.”
The seven cut per season target has a
Technical Services Territory Manager
“Emergence was very good and it, (the water budget of six megalitres per hectare
Shane Kable, had previously visited
SW7403), got up away better than some with irrigation applied as sub surface drip.
Newhaven Park during 2018-19 summer
other varieties. The paddock had been “That’s the advantage we have as most of
with Greg Worland of Pursehouse Rural
two years of corn prior to the lucerne these blocks are drip (irrigation), so we
Tamworth, establishing a grain sorghum
being sown,” so was well prepared for can partially irrigate them if we think
trial on a block being rotated out of hay
being sown to lucerne. it’s going to rain. We’ll stop and start
production.
irrigations keeping them partially dry
A late winter influx of aphids and lucerne
With a long history and plenty of when there’s rain forecast,” Bruce said.
flea required two treatments, one of which
experience in growing lucerne, Bruce
was combined with weed control. Starting On seeking an overall opinion of the
was asked to try some of the S&W lines
either late August to early September, SW7403, the consensus was that so far it
but a lack of water due to drought meant
the goal is to cut every 28 days weather had “made some very good hay,” and was
that no new production blocks were being
permitting, aiming for seven cuts per comparable to the other 7’s (dormancies)
sown until conditions improved.
season, but doesn’t always work out that they had grown in the past. Ben noted,
Improved rainfall and water availability way. “It has been a challenging season for “We have that in a couple of blocks,
in early 2020 led to some of the fallowed hay making,” Ben remarked. we have a strip of S&W Seed Company
blocks being prepared for lucerne sowing. GTL ® 60 Lucerne beside some Sardi 7 and
“We cut 61 8x3x3 big bales off this block
With a preference for 6-7 dormancy another block of Sardi 7 as well. It will be
before Christmas, but it was more like
lucernes, SW6330 and SW7403 were good to sit down and compare them all at
a cut and a half by the time we waited
discussed with the SW7403 being the end of the season."
for the weather to make hay,” Bruce
selected.
commented, “We’d rather wait, if you cut
The six hectare SW7403 block was it and have it laying on the ground, the
sown late April 2020 at 14 kilograms lucerne comes up through it and you can
per hectare. Bruce had commented break off the new shoots with the tyres or
18 EmergeFA R M E R F E E D B AC K | L U C E R N E
L71 proving to
be an all-round
performer in the
Northern Rivers
Scott and Therese Humphreys own and
manage Welbatch Pastoral Company west
of Casino, in the Northern Rivers of New
South Wales.
Scott’s family has been associated with
farming in Mummalgum New South
Wales, since 1920. Originally starting
out with dairy operations, where they
successfully grew and fed dairy cows
on lucerne twenty five years ago. In
recent times they have focused mainly
on breeding Santa Gertrudis/Hereford
cross, European Union accredited steers
and heifers for the local market, as well
as running a Santa Gertrudis stud which
was established in the late 1980’s.
The 2,000 acre property consists mainly
of native pastures in rainforest country,
backing onto the Richmond Range. In
recent years the decision was made to
go back to growing lucerne on the fertile
alluvial creek flats.
With significant genetic improvement over
the years, Scott wanted to grow a highly
persistent variety with a good balance
between annual yield and forage quality.
After consulting with his local agronomist
at Nutrien Ag Solutions in Casino,
S&W Seed Company L71 Lucerne was
recommended, having been a high
performing variety in the region and
ticking all the right boxes for Scott’s
enterprise.
“We leant towards L71 because of its “The attraction of lucerne for us is the Image: Scott Humphreys of Welbatch
winter activity and its hardiness,” high protein content and its survivability Pastoral NSW with Denham Thompson,
explained Scott. – we hope to get at least three to five years S&W Seed Company Territory Manager,
out of this paddock, with high production Southern Qld & Northern NSW, discuss the
“In the year we established this paddock,
through the summer period,” said Scott. performance of L71.
it was about the worst conditions you
could get to establish a dryland block of Scott noted a standout feature of L71,
lucerne and to its credit, it established
well and really has been very productive “We’ve found the variety has very good
for us in the 18 months since we planted.” leaf retention, even in difficult hay
making conditions.”
Scott’s goal in planting the paddock was
to grow and conserve high quality fodder “This block was cut two weeks ago
through the warmer productive months and achieved excellent yield results,”
to assist in offsetting the cost of feeding continued Scott, “It was beautiful fine
bulls, supplementing steers and also stemmed lucerne with plenty of leaf. Both
provide an opportunity to finish some blocks have been performing really well
cattle. and we hope to be making more hay here
in two to three weeks time.”
LUCERNE UPDATE 2021 19T R I A L R E S U LT S
L70 v Aurora
L70 Lucerne offers higher disease and pest AGRONOMIC FEATURES High resistance to more pests and
package compared to Aurora. diseases
S&W Seed Company L70 Lucerne has Improved persistence across all rainfall
Superior forage genetics - higher leaf to become a leading winter active lucerne zones.
stem ratio. variety in the Australian market and
an excellent fit for both grazing or Very good forage quality
Minimum 90 percent germination Fine stems and superior leaf retention
forage production. The L70 Lucerne
standards exceeds current minimum compared to other winter active
advantage compared to Aurora include
certified standard for Aurora of only 65 varieties.
the following agronomic characteristics:
percent.
Better establishment vigour
L70 Lucerne seed production is derived
Consistently faster to establish,
from dryland seed production stands only.
providing a competitive edge. Ideal for
This ensures the dryland integrity and
undersowing crops or in pasture mixes.
performance of L70 Lucerne is maintained
when utilised in dryland grazing Higher winter production (activity
enterprises. rating of 7 vs 6)
Faster to recover after cutting or
These attributes, combined with superior
grazing and extends growth to bridge
plant genetics, makes L70 Lucerne an
late-autumn and early spring feed gaps.
excellent new alternative to Aurora.
Superior yield
L70 Lucerne offers producers higher
Greater year-round returns from hay
returns and allows them to plant with
and grazing and increases nitrogen
confidence knowing they are covered by
fixation in rotations.
the Establishment Guarantee™ program,
whereas common lucernes are not.
LEAF TRAIT COMPARISON
L70 LUCERNE (LEFT) EXHIBITING
DISEASE RATING COMPARISON HIGHER LEAF CARRYING TRAIT
COMPARED TO OLDER PLANT
VARIETY SPOTTED BLUE GREEN PHYTOPHTHORA ANTHRACNOSE BACTERIAL STEM GENETICS EXHIBITED IN AURORA
ALFALFA APHID ROOT ROT WILT NEMATODE
APHID
(RIGHT)
L70 Lucerne HR HR R R R R
Aurora HR HR R MR LR R
L70 AURORA
L70 LUCERNE V AURORA TRIAL RESULTS
YIELD RESULTS & PRICING COMPARISON Increased
20
L70 Lucerne offers very competitive pricing to Aurora and Forage Quality
therefore similar per hectare input seed costs.
Yield (t/ha)
15 L70 Aurora Better Disease
18.5 17.0 Profile
L70 AURORA
Total yield 18.5 t/ha 17.0 t/ha Higher DM
10
Production
Hay returns/ha at $200t $3,700/ha $3,400/ha
Increased
5
EXTRA HAY RETURNS $300 PER HECTARE, PER YEAR Germination %
Variety
Source: S&W Seed Company, L70 Lucerne Grazing Trial, 2011, Penfield Research Station.
Five years, four irrigated sites, 46 cuts. EIGHT PERCENT Establishment
Locations: Virginia SA, Struan SA, Forbes NSW & Wagga Wagga NSW. YIELD INCREASE Guarantee™
GERMINATION STANDARDS COMPARISON
VARIETY SEEDS/KG SEEDS SOWN/M2 MINIMUM VARIABLE ESTABLISHED RATE
@ 4KG/HA GERMINATION SEEDS /M2 50%
% SOWN 38 percent
Goldstrike LongLife L70 ®
300,000 120 90% 108 54 increase in plant
Lucerne establishment
Coated Aurora 300,000 120 65% 78 39 per m2 with
*Minimum certified standard for Aurora Lucerne is 65 percent. L70 Lucerne
20 EmergeT R I A L R E S U LT S
15 percent
better weight
Live Weight Grain Trial gains with
L71 Lucerne
Penfield Research Station | Trial Sown 23/05/2014
Throughout the duration of the trial, all varieties were exposed
to the same environmental conditions and assessed equally Total average g/day weight gain
by being grazed simultaneously by three grazing groups
Kg/Day weight gain average DM t/Ha produced total
of steers; one group on each variety at any time. With each
L71 1.41 5.012
cattle group grazing each different variety for a four week
Aurora 1.23 4.592
rotation, this allowed us to exclude the differences in the
SARDI 7 Series 2 1.25 4.872
grazing performance of the different cattle groups from being
a variable factor. 1.80 5.1
4.592t 4.872t
An irrigated six hectare paddock was divided into 12 half hectare 1.60 5
sections. On the May 23, four of these sections were each sown with 1.40 4.9
L71 Lucerne, Aurora, and SARDI 7 Series 2.
Total average kg/day weight gain
1.20
4.8
Sowing rate was 15 kilograms per hectare. 5.012t
1.00
Total DM t/ha produced
4.7
24 Hereford steers were split into three grazing groups of eight 0.80
steers, with an average starting weight of 299 kilograms. 4.6
0.60
The three groups simultaneously grazed each of the varieties 4.5
0.40 115% 100% 102%
throughout the duration of the trial. 1.41 1.23 1.25 4.4
0.20
kg/day kg/day kg/day
The trial ran for 12 weeks, in which each variety at least would be 0.00 4.3
grazed for a four week duration by each of the four grazing groups. L71 Aurora SARDI 7 Series 2
No other sources of feed or supplements were given to the animals. Feed Tests
L71 Aurora SARDI 7 Series 2
% Dry Matter 17.20 16.40 14.70
ME (MJ/kg) 11.50 11.70 11.70
DISCUSSION:
% Crude Protein 30.20 31.40 32.00
Throughout the duration of the trial, all varieties were exposed to % ADF 24.9 26.5 25.7
he same environmental conditions and assessed equally by being % NDF 30.5 31.8 30.7
grazed simultaneously by the three grazing groups of steers; one RFV 212 199.7 208.7
group on each variety at any time. With each cattle group grazing Average results from feed test taken prior to grazing throughout the trial (three tests).
each different variety for a four week rotation, this allowed us to Lucerne average kg dm/ha/day
exclude the differences in the grazing performance of the different
cattle groups from being a variable factor. Average Kg
First rotation Second rotation Third rotation
DM/Ha/day
The trial focused on the true variable being the variety of lucerne L71 62 57 60
that was being grazed. During the trial measurements on dry matter Aurora 57 52 55
production of the varieties were also taken, as well as samples taken SARDI 7 Series 2 60 57 57
for feed quality analysis. All varieties established well, and the cattle 70.00
performance in the first four week rotation was good all round. Prior
kg/day weight gain
60.00
to the trial commencing there was a very dry early spring period, 50.00
without much natural rainfall. The trial was irrigated, but there was 40.00
still a lack of soil moisture deep in the soil profile and this caused L71
30.00
some periods of moisture stress between watering. Aurora
20.00
SARDI 7 Series 2
This resulted in particularly the second rotation showing a drop off 10.00
in dry matter production from all varieties, but also daily weight gain 0.00
in the Aurora and SARDI 7 Series 2. However, dry matter production First Rotation Second Rotation Third Rotation
and weight gain began to increase again in the third rotation across
Average kg/day weight gain
all varieties.
Average Kg/Day
First rotation Second rotation Third rotation
The results indicate that the L71 Lucerne was able to maintain quality weight gain
and resulted in higher levels of intake during these times. The feed L71 1.27 1.26 1.71
analysis shows a lower percentage of ADL and NDF values, this Aurora 1.20 0.97 1.53
SARDI 7 Series 2 1.26 1.07 1.41
could likely account for the higher levels of kilograms per day weight
gain achieved by the L71 Lucerne throughout the trial. The results
2.50
are consistent with the key features of L71 Lucerne; which is a highly
kg/day weight gain
persistent and high quality variety, able to perform in both irrigated 2.00
and dryland conditions that are less than ideal. 1.50
L71
First, second and third rotation 1.00 Aurora
First rotation Second rotation Third rotation SARDI 7 Series 2
0.50
06/10/2014 - 02/11/2014 02/11/2014 - 30/11/2014 01/12/2014 - 28/12/2014 0.00
First Rotation Second Rotation Third Rotation
LUCERNE UPDATE 2021 21LUCERNE DORMANCY 6
NEW
SW6330 ML66 MultiLeaf® RELEASE GTL®60
LUCERNE LUCERNE LUCERNE
Medicago sativa Medicago sativa Medicago sativa
Seeding Rate kg/ha Seeding Rate kg/ha Seeding Rate kg/ha
Dryland 4-8 Dryland 4-8 Dryland 4-8
High Rainfall/Irrigation 10-20 High Rainfall/Irrigation 10-20 High Rainfall/Irrigation 10-20
Seed Treatment Goldstrike LongLife® XLR8™ Seed Treatment Goldstrike LongLife® XLR8™ Seed Treatment Goldstrike LongLife® XLR8™
Description Description Description
Recovers rapidly from grazing and cutting and has Offers a new generation of MultiLeaf® lucerne with Broad and low set crown, high forage values, high
shown excellent persistence improved persistence and quality ruminant palatability with high pest and disease
ratings
Market Segment/Target Market Segment/Target
Grazing, hay and silage Grazing, hay and silage Market Segment/Target
Grazing, hay and silage
Features Features
High pest and disease rating Highly expressive MultiLeaf® trait Features
Moderately active Low crown Low crown
High leaf to stem ratio Flexible option High leaf to stem ratio
Rapid regrowth after grazing or cutting
Benefits Benefits
High yielding Produces high quality hay and silage Benefits
Recovers rapidly after cutting and grazing Persistent under heavy traffic Very highly grazing tolerant
High stand persistence Can be used in multi operation farming systems Produces high quality forage
Increased grazing rotations
Like most producers, Malcolm wanted to try this new product to
see if it would fit his system. He had the perfect small paddock for
his own on-farm trail, before committing to planting it on one of
his larger hay blocks.
Malcolm strongly believes in preparation being the most import
thing if you want a successful stand of lucerne.
“This paddock hasn’t had lucerne in it for as long as I can
remember,” recounted Malcolm, demonstrating the perfect way
to break disease cycles caused by pathogens, that can survive for
years in the soil, and infect newly planted lucerne.
The paddock was limed with about two tonnes per hectare in
August, incorporating it before sowing in late October. Lucerne
prefers a pH range of six to eight in calcium chloride, for
maximised performance and nodulation.
“We sowed the paddock at 18 kilograms per hectare and I was
Preparation is key to really impressed with the speed at which the ML66 established.
The vigour was impressive, especially given how cool and mild
successful establishment the spring and early summer have been,” Malcolm reported.
The multiLeaf® trait in a semi winter dormant lucerne leads to
of ML66 Lucerne increased persistence with a low set crown and high leaf to stem
ratio.
Malcolm Sibley has been producing high quality lucerne hay “The season has definitely been very favourable, but the cooler
in Mudgee, New South Wales, for many years. Over the years, weather and rain has meant reduced yields in a lot of my other
Malcom has always been keen to be on the forefront of new established lucerne paddocks,” Malcolm said, evaluating his
lucerne varieties to the market to asses for himself if they can results, “The first cut on the ML66 has produced 98 big square
improve on his yields and quality. bales over the six hectare paddock.”
After consultation with his local agronomist, Malcolm heard “So far I’m impressed with the ML66 and looking forward to the
about S&W Seed Company’s new semi winter dormant, ML66 second cut.”
MultiLeaf® Lucerne.
Image: Malcolm standing in his paddock of ML66, nearly ready for
its second cut.
22 EmergeFA R M E R F E E D B AC K | L U C E R N E
GTL®60 gets the thumbs up
For Brett “Barrel” Barnes, S&W Seed Company GTL ® 60 Lucerne “On the dryland last year, we were able to cut it five times for
has been the perfect fit for the mixed farming operation he’s in hay,” Barrel explained, most impressed with the persistence of
charge of as manager of Parklea in Nagambie, Victoria. the variety. From intense stocking then going straight into hay
production, GTL ® 60 has proved itself as the variety to beat.
Barrel runs both a composite ewe operation whilst producing
quality hay for the demanding equine market. Given the On the dryland country, plant populations have been excellent
pressure to deliver superior hay, confidence in your variety is and the flexibility that it offers Barrel’s operation is a testament
key. to the variety. Barrel states, “Overall, it is the best multipurpose,
lamb fattening and hay producing variety we’ve come across.”
With the results Barrel has been getting from GTL ® 60, it’s easy to
Barrel was very quick to give GTL® 60 see why he is so enthusiastic about this extraordinary variety for
the thumbs up saying, “Given that his operation and the future of lucerne production on the farm.
it is a grazing tolerant variety, I have Image: Brett "Barrel" Barnes, Manager at Parklea in Nagambie Vic
inspecting his GTL® 60.
seen no compromise in hay quality.”
Barrel uses GTL ® 60 to its full potential throughout the year by
grazing and lambing down his ewes, then locking it all up for
hay in the summer. Barrel has put GTL ® 60 on both dryland and
irrigated stands across the farm for the last six years and has yet
to find a variety that fits his operation better.
LUCERNE UPDATE 2021 23FA R M E R F E E D B AC K | L U C E R N E
Image: Dairy heifers grazing a GTL®60 paddock sown in
August 2019 at Richard’s property south of Bordertown, SA.
GTL®60 goes the distance
Many of our readers would be familiar with Richard Storch as Richard sticks to his original August sowing time, rather than
previously featured in S&W Seed Company Emerge magazine. an autumn sowing like most dryland stands. When asked about
this sowing time, Richard boldly stated, “Once I find something
In the 2016 spring edition, Richard explained that after sowing
that works, I like to stick with it,” continuing to take advantage
S&W Seed Company GTL®60 Lucerne across 140 hectares,
of spring rainfall to allow the seedling stand to establish strongly.
insect pressure resulted in him lodging an Establishment
Management is kept simple, working closely with his agronomist
Guarantee claim and resowing.
to ensure fertilizer and spray applications are strategically spread
Back in 2016, Richard said, “If I look after the GTL ® 60, I across the season.
anticipate it will provide my stock with good grazing for another
Richard puts a lot of work into his property. Extensive clay
five to ten years.” Well, we can now tell you, five years later, that
delving and spreading was performed to improve soil texture
decision has paid off.
and structure, and a combination of lucerne and clover pastures
His original stand of GTL ® 60 is still going strong, with seed established, as well as a crop rotation to maximize production
harvested in January 2021 yielding well. Rainfall events from paddocks to run both sheep and dairy cattle. “Sheep are
throughout the start of February totalled upwards of 40 great to have to follow up with in any paddocks needing a clean-
millimetres, and with the strong recovery traits of GTL ® 60, up,” explained Richard, with lambs currently turned out onto
wether lambs can be turned onto the paddock in late February. lupin paddocks to utilize any remaining grain left from harvest.
Having established pastures at varying growth stages allows him
Since his first sowing, Richard has continued to sow GTL ® 60
to always have plenty of feed for stock. In fact, in spring last year,
across his property south of Bordertown, South Australia at six
he needed to buy in stock just to try and keep the amount of feed
kilograms per hectare, with 500 hectares in total now sown.
under control.
24 EmergeFA R M E R F E E D B AC K | L U C E R N E
The aim is to continue to sow more areas with GTL®60, and
with paddocks still producing quality seed and feed for over six
years, it is certainly an investment Richard believes is worth
making. Continual farm development ensures Richard continues “Once I find something that
a profitable and sustainable enterprise for years to come, with
GTL ® 60 providing the backbone for his perennial pastures. works, I like to stick with it,”
Images: (left & right) Richard Storch’s original GTL®60 paddock,
sown in August 2015 at 6kg/ha and harvested for seed 4 weeks
prior to these images (images captured February 17, 2021).
Image: Sheep grazing on GTL®60.
LUCERNE UPDATE 2021 25L U C E R N E D O R M A N C Y 5 | FA R M E R F E E D B AC K
L56 makes a convincing case
Sam Martin operates a 350-cow dairy The bloat risk Sam was concerned
at Wall Flat in the Murraylands region about has hardly crossed his mind since L56
of South Australia. After many years of planting lucerne, “The key is to not put
shying away from lucerne due to other them on there when they are starving LUCERNE
growers’ historical bloat stories, Sam – let them on the feed pad first, then Medicago sativa
decided to take the plunge and run a put them on the lucerne.” This concern
small trial of three S&W Seed Company has now been eliminated by the TMR
varieties. transition, as feed intake can be strictly Seeding Rate kg/ha
managed. Dryland 4-8
In autumn 2019, he sowed a swampy High Rainfall/Irrigation 10-20
flood bay with S&W L56, Q75 and ML99 Sam’s approach has allowed him to refine
Lucerne at 25 kilograms per hectare his operation and understand what really
Seed Treatment Goldstrike LongLife® XLR8™
each and was very impressed with the works – with 16 tonnes per hectare of feed
performance of L56. The variety tolerates needing to be generated from the farm to Description
waterlogging prone areas well, making supply his cows, he plans to sow a further The benchmark dual purpose grazing and hay
it suited to the swampy river paddocks, 25 hectares of L56 within his swampy lucerne in Australia
while the persistence and feed quality of areas, leading the way to further expand
the variety ensured it could be utilised by Sam’s dairy operation into the future. Market Segment/Target
Grazing, hay and silage
stock for maximum milk production.
The flexibility of the variety in terms Features
High pest and disease rating
of suitability to both grazing and hay
High yielding
operations has also been an advantage to Semi winter dormant
Sam, as in the last 18 months, they have
Image: Sam Martin, Wall Flat (Murraylands,
transitioned the farm from grazing into Benefits
SA) in his perfectly established L56 pivot, Adaptable to a wide range of soil types
a feedlot using the Total Mixed Ration
sown at 25 kilograms per hectare in Produces high quality hay
(TMR) system. Currently rations are being
October 2020. Highly persistent
generated from lucerne, maize, ryegrass,
millet and other opportunistic crops. The
aim is to eventually generate their entire
ration on their own farm.
In October 2020, Sam sowed a 16-hectare
half-pivot with L56 on his highland area,
with the stand establishing well and Image: Sam utilises the irrigation system to
resulting in a 6 tonne per hectare first boost recovery and encourage year-round
cut at the start of February. A second growth. This L56 stand was first cut at the
16-hectare pivot was also sown in spring start of February 2021, yielding 6 tonnes
of 2020, with this being cut and baled in per hectare (image captured 2.5 weeks
mid-February. after cutting).
Sam’s favourite features of lucerne,
and particularly L56, is the flexibility
of chemical options in established
stands, the persistence, and the ease
of management with a high return of
valuable feed. Fertilizer application is
kept simple, with a liquid N product
applied after each cut, and the high
resistance ratings of L56 keeping pest
and disease risk to a minimum. Having a
winter activity score of 5, L56 generates
consistent feed year-round, particularly
with the assistance of irrigation in the
drier months.
Within a dairy system, the key is
maximizing nutritional value of feed to
maximize milk yields – utilizing lucerne
provides a consistent product which is
palatable, digestible, and easily managed
with plenty of bulk generated each
season.
26 EmergeYou can also read
