Maximise summer forage crop performance

Maximise summer forage crop performance

Winter checks, early prep make all the difference

If summer forage crops are part of the feed budget this season, there’s no better time than now to start firming up plans for successful spring sowing.

Healthy, high-yielding crops are profitable crops, and the foundations for that profitability are laid months before any seed is sown.

Whether it’s chicory or forage brassicas, when it comes to setting up a good result, there’s no substitute for selecting the right paddocks, and preparing them well.

Some pastures may already be tagged for spring cropping as part of annual renewal. Regardless, it’s always worth checking all paddocks to see how they’ve come through winter, and make sure they are set to perform well in the year ahead.

Look for pugging or treading damage, bare ground, and/or high weed populations – basically anything that will limit feed yield and farm productivity.

• Grazing data from the previous season can also be helpful, if it’s available. Did that paddock actually pull its weight last year, or is it lagging behind, despite looking okay?

Next, organise a soil test if one hasn’t been done recently and apply whatever fertiliser might be required for the crop in question as recommended by an agronomist. Cutting corners here is false economy.

The same goes for weed control. Spraying weeds early gives a better result, and is more economic. Know what species are present, and seek expert advice on herbicide timing and application.

Insect pests can decimate spring sown crops from early germination onwards. From slugs to greasy cutworm, vigilance is key. Budget for slug bait, treated seed and insecticide, starting from the initial spray out if populations are high.

Allow plenty of time to prepare a good seedbed. Most summer feed crops are sown shallow and establish best when soil is fine and firm. Chicory and forage brassicas can establish well from direct-drilling, but only if weed and pest management are spot on.

• Chico chicory, Marco summer turnip, and Rifleman and Pillar forage rapes and Kea Kale are all ideal for spring sowing.