cover crop forage - prairie creek...
TRANSCRIPT
FORAGE COVER CROP
R E S O U R C E G U I D E2 0 16
On behalf of Prairie Creek Seed, I would like to welcome you to our new resource guide. We hope it is useful for your forage seed selection.
It is our commitment to bring you the highest quality seeds
along with reliable information about them. No gimmicks or
lofty claims. Prairie Creek Seed is the expert when it comes
to forages and cover crops. With years of experience in forage
and farm-seed management plus practical experience on my
own cattle operation, Prairie Creek Seed is confident we can
supply you with predictable results that will bring solutions to
your challenges. Our dealers are committed to the same level
of expertise as we are and will give you no-nonsense answers
about seeds, forages and cover crops.
Have questions about what forage to plant this year? We’ll
give you a no-nonsense, innovative solution based on your
specific operation. Join our team and put us to work for you.
We sincerely thank you and appreciate your business.
Sincerely,
Karl Dallefeld, President
Prairie Creek Seed
ALFALFA
pages 4–7
CLOVER
pages 8–9
COOL-SEASON ANNUALS
pages 10–11
FORBS AND BRASSICAS
pages 12–15
GRASSBLENDS
pages 16–19
GRASSES
pages 20–21
WARM-SEASON ANNUALS
pages 22–27
COVER CROPS
pages 28–35
OUR VARIETIES:
WELCOME
Pillar is a high-yielding alfalfa featuring the unique StandFast® Fast Growth trait that offers up to 30% faster growth than competitive alfalfa varieties, resulting in extra cuttings and more harvestable yield each season. Pillar can produce an extra 4–6" of growth in the first 21 days after each harvest. Pillar will reach harvest maturity 3–5 days ahead of other alfalfas. This fast recovery after cuttings provides the potential for an additional cutting through the growing season. Pillar’s fast establishment increases the opportunity for better, thicker new seeding year stands, resulting in longer life and finer stems for improved forage quality.
Q Pillar was selected for high yield potential, persistence and high forage quality.
Q Fast recovery and additional harvest cuttings are the keys to Pillar’s high yield potential. As a fast-recovery alfalfa, Pillar’s regrowth after cuttings is extremely impressive.
Q Pillar is very fast to establish, setting the opportunity for thicker stands and improved forage quality.
Q Pillar is highly resistant to the major alfalfa diseases, improving stand life, yield and quality.
Q Pillar is ideal for the 4 to 5 cutting system.
Fall Dormancy Rating 4.0Winter Hardiness Index 1.5
Diseases
Anthracnose HRAphanomyces Race 1 HRBacterial Wilt HRFusarium Wilt HRPhytophthora HRVerticillium Wilt HR
Insects
Pea Aphid RSpotted Alfalfa HR
Nematodes
StemNorthern Root Knot HR
PILLAR
Leading Edge is the highest pest- and disease- resistance alfalfa that Prairie Creek Seed offers. We brought Leading Edge into the lineup for its high disease tolerance and exceptional yields compared to other commercial varieties in the research trials. Leading Edge is highly resistant to both Aphanomyces races 1 and 2 and also to the major diseases, giving it a 30/30 resistance rating. Leading Edge is faster to recover after harvest than most standard alfalfas, making it an ideal companion for either Pillar or Upper Edge. The fast recovery and disease tolerance give Leading Edge great establishment and persistence.
Q Leading Edge was selected for extreme disease tolerance and high yield capability.
Q Exceptional disease tolerance leads to better stand establishment and persistence.
Q Improved quality and palatability for livestock is an added benefit with the high resistance to diseases and pests. Healthy forages have less tissue damage and less anti-quality characteristics.
Q Faster recovery than standard alfalfa varieties makes Leading Edge a great companion to other alfalfa varieties.
Q Better establishment and great disease ratings extend the life of an alfalfa field and will produce more revenue per acre.
Q Leading Edge is ideal for 3, 4 and 5 cut systems.
Fall Dormancy Rating 4.2Winter Hardiness Index 1.5
LEADING EDGE
Upper Edge is an alfalfa that offers the best of both worlds: superior forage quality and exceptional yield potential. This high multi-leaf expression alfalfa was specifically bred for a higher Relative Forage Quality (RFQ), resulting in better fiber digestibility and more milk per acre. Upper Edge is highly resistant to all major alfalfa diseases including Anphanomyces races 1 and 2, allowing for Upper Edge to perform well on tougher soils where disease pressure is an issue. Upper Edge will respond well to heavy traffic situations and has been tested in 3, 4 and 5 cut scenarios. Upper Edge had a yield advantage over the heavy traffic benchmark alfalfa used as a check.
Q Medium maturity allows for a wider window for optimum quality, tonnage and greater harvest
flexibility. Also works well with grass as a companion forage in the alfalfa stand.
Q Excellent winter hardiness and disease resistance for more productive and longer production fields.
Q Greater forage quality with a higher leaf-to-stem ratio. Upper Edge has a high multi-leaf expression that will lead to better leaf-to- stem ratios under sound fertility programs.
Q Exceptional traffic tolerance for extended stand life and higher yields. Tested under heavy traffic, Upper Edge outyielded the benchmark varieties.
Q Upper Edge is ideal for a 3 or 4 cut system.
Fall Dormancy Rating 3.0Winter Hardiness Index 2.0
Diseases
Anthracnose HRAphanomyces Race 1 HRAphanomyces Race 2 HRBacterial Wilt HRFusarium Wilt HRPhytophthora HRVerticillium Wilt HR
Insects
Pea Aphid R
Nematodes
Stem MRNorthern Root Knot HR
UPPER EDGE
ESTABLISHING ALFALFA
Diseases
Anthracnose HRAphanomyces Race 1 HRAphanomyces Race 2 HRBacterial Wilt HRFusarium Wilt HRPhytophthora HRVerticillium Wilt HR
Insects
Pea Aphid R
Seedbed preparation. Alfalfa seed is a very small seed at approximately 210,000 seeds per pound. With any seed as small as alfalfa, good soil-to-seed contact for germination and establishment is critical. Most small seeded forage planting depths should be shallow for good emergence. Small seedlings don’t have the energy reserves to push out of the soil as well as larger seeds such as corn. Failed stand establishment can generally be attributed to planting depth and poor seedbed preparation. Small seeded forages need to be planted at ¼" into a firm, clod-free seedbed with a minimal amount of previous crop residue.
Seeding rates vary with soil fertility and management practices. 20–25 pounds of alfalfa seed per acre is a normal seeding rate for most producers. Depending on soils and management, seeding rates can be increased or decreased from this recommendation. Available equipment for seeding alfalfa also affects seeding rates. Broadcasting alfalfa seed or drilling into rows defines the seeding rate for alfalfa. When broadcasting seed, the seeding rates should be higher as the seed is
spaced farther apart. When drilling, if the seed is concentrated into rows spaced closer together, then the rates can be reduced from the recommendation.
Seeding Checklist Q Double check previous herbicide applications for carryover concerns.
Q Create a clean clod-free seedbed before planting.
Q Soil should be firm to assist in control of planting depth.
Q Calibrate drill ahead of planting, checking seeding rate and planting depth.
Q Seed at 20–25 pounds of alfalfa per acre.
Q Plant alfalfa seed at approximately ¼" in depth.
Q Young seedlings are sensitive to competition and shading.
Q Use an appropriate nurse crop and harvest it in a timely fashion.
Q If no nurse crop is used to establish alfalfa, be prepared to use a herbicide for weed control.
Q Once established, harvest the new seeding when appropriate and when conditions are good to prevent damage to the new stand.
Q Allow enough growth in the fall to provide cover and allow alfalfa to build adequate root reserves for winter survival.
Q Both preplant and post-establishment fertilizer should be applied for stand establishment and the health of the new seeding.
ALFALFA
4 5
Every NITRO-COATED™ seed begins with an Advantage. NITRO-COAT™ is an integration of proven research, innovative technology and state-of the art systems designed to help plants reach their full establishment and yield potentials. We call it the NITRO-COAT™ Advantage!
ADVANTAGE: Multi-Strain™ RhizobiaJust like naturally occurring Rhizobium in the soil aren’t equally beneficial, those applied to seed can vary in quality and performance. NITRO-COAT™ Rhizobium strains are specifically chosen for each seed type.
Multi-Strain™ Rhizobium for AlfalfaOur Multi-Strain™ technology for alfalfas is an exclusive blend of four Rhizobium strains, developed from over 30 years of research. While others only offer one strain, NITRO-COAT™’S four-strain Rhizobium is an added insurance policy.
Rhizobium for CloversWith NITRO-COAT™’S coating process you can be assured that only the top-performing and crop-specific Rhizobia will be applied to ensure your clovers reach maximum nodulation, stand establishment and yield potential.
Naturally HygroscopicA key to any successful establishment and early seed development is moisture. NITRO-COAT™ is naturally water absorbent and helps attract soil moisture to the seed, getting your stand established quickly.
Available in OrganicIf you need an all-natural, organic coating, look no further. An organic version of NITRO-COAT™ is available for alfalfas, clovers and legumes. Our coating has been reviewed and listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI).
Apex Seed Coating is a carefully formulated mix of minerals, special compounds and Rhizobia bacteria specifically designed for any type of legume seed and bonded to each seed in a dense, durable coating. Apex coating provides for a protected germination zone and microenvironment to ensure seed-to-plant survivability and to stimulate vigorous growth in young seedlings.
University and field trials have shown that Apex Seed Coating ensures: Q Nodulation
Q Improved seedling emergence
Q More uniform stands
Q Potentially higher yields
Q More plants per pound of seed
Q Increased seed survivability – 50% more
Q Superior performance over uncoated seeds
Q Easier handling and even distribution
With Apex-coated seeds you get more plants per bag, even though you are actually planting less seed. And while uncoated seed performs well under perfect field conditions, only Apex Seed Coating provides superior performance under ALL conditions. Also Avalable as Registered Organic.
BOOST YOUR YIELD WITH THE NITRO-COAT™ ADVANTAGE
APEX SEED COATING...PROVEN PERFOMANCE
ADVANTAGE 1: IMPROVED STAND DENSITY
ADVANTAGE 2: HEALTHIER ROOTS ADVANTAGE 3: ENHANCED NODULATION
UNTREATED SEED
UNTREATED SEED NITRO-COAT™ TREATED SEED
UNTREATED SEEDNITRO-COAT™ TREATED SEED NITRO-COAT™ TREATED SEED
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Diversifier is a blend of six different legume species. This unique blend offers a wide diversity of plants that will grow and mature at different stages throughout the grazing season. This diversity will benefit the soil biology and increase the quality of the pasture during the grazing season. Legumes supply nitrogen to the grasses, reducing the amount of supplemental nitrogen needed to be applied to the fields.
Diversifier is the result of requests to diversify pasture stands with more than one or two legume species. Forage analysis shows that the more species that are present, the better the overall profile for digestibility and forage quality. Improved forage quality and variations in maturity and plant adaptability allow Diversifier to enhance a pasture for both production and quality.
Diversifier is best suited for establishing new pastures and interseeding into existing stands of grass. Frost seeding is a viable option for increasing the diversity of a decreasing stand. Prairie Creek Seed recommends using best practices to interseed clovers into existing stands such as a no-till drill for ideal seed placement. When frost seeding is the only option, it is important to have bare soil exposed so that good soil-to-seed contact is made. Frost seeding is more successful when the daytime temperature is above freezing and the nighttime temperatures fall well below freezing. This freezing and thawing action pulls the seed into the soil surface and aids in germination. This blend is well suited for the Upper Midwest and under irrigation in the Northern Plains and Intermountain West.
Seeding Rate Q 4–6 lbs/acre is the suggested seeding rate for a new establishment along with 15–18 lbs/acres of Renovator or a straight grass blend.
Q 5–8 lbs/acre interseeded into existing stands with a no-till drill is adequate.
Q 6–12 lbs/acre is recommended for a frost seeding application.
Seeding Depth Q ¼" is an ideal seeding depth into a firm, clod-free seedbed.
DIVERSIFIER LEGUME BLEND
Alice white clover (Trifolium repens) is a perennial legume that spreads through the sward with branching stolons. As with other legumes, such as alfalfa and red clover, white clover has the ability to produce its own nitrogen through a symbiotic process with Rhizobium bacteria in the root nodules. White clover is mainly used in grazing pastures for its high nutritive value (both protein and minerals). Traditionally, there are two types of white clover: the small leafed and highly persistent varieties, and the large leafed and less persistent varieties. Alice white clover is the first variety that successfully combines production (large leaves) and persistence.
Like other legumes, Alice white clover has the ability to fix nitrogen from the air. In fact, Rhizobia that live on the roots of white clover fix the nitrogen for the plants. This nitrogen becomes available to the clover plants and to the grass that grows with the white clover. Alice shows remarkable nitrogen-fixing capacity as is demonstrated in many cases.
Q High nitrogen fixation
Q Winter hardy and persistent
Q Large leafed
Q Very palatable
Q Tall, vigorous growth
Q When planted with grass, 2–3 lbs/acre is sufficient. For frost-seeding, 4 lbs/acre is recommended.
Seeding Rate Q Seeding with grass: 1–3 lbs/acre.
Q Frost-seeding into grass: 3–5 lbs/acre.
Seeding Depth Q ¼" is an ideal seeding depth into a firm, clod-free seedbed.
ALICE WHITE CLOVER
Freedom! MR – so named because of its freedom from pubescence (non-glandular hairs) – is one of the latest red clovers developed exclusively for Barenbrug USA. Research indicates the attributes of Freedom! MR make it ideal for hay production. With less pubescence than typical red clovers, Freedom! MR promotes faster drying in the field and reduces the chance for loss of quality due to untimely rainfall. In addition, less pubescence also reduces the dustiness of hay, thus improving air quality. Freedom! MR is also well adapted for grazing and silage.
Freedom! MR is generally utilized in mixed plantings with grass for hay, but can also be successfully applied to a wide range of applications. One popular application is silage. During ensiling, red clovers tend to maintain a high proportion of true protein. This greatly enhances the feed value of the silage. Freedom! MR also thrives in a grazing program and provides high-quality forage with fast regrowth.
Freedom! MR is a rapidly establishing legume. It should generally be fall planted at least eight weeks before a killing frost. However, in the northern regions a frost-seeding in the early spring is also a suitable option. Freedom! MR
can be established via a full-cultivation, no-till seeding, or broadcast when frost-seeding. Freedom! MR is pre-inoculated and available with Yellow Jacket, a proprietary coating that contains ZEBA, a patented compound that absorbs a minimum of 600 times its weight in water and increases healthy plant establishment.
Seeding Rate Q Seeding a pure stand: 15–20 lbs/acre.
Q Seeding with grass: 8–10 lbs/acre.
Q Frost-seeding into grass: 10–12 lbs/acre.
Seeding Depth Q ¼" is an ideal seeding depth into a firm, clod- free seedbed.
FREEDOM! MR RED CLOVER It has long been recognized that the forage quality of legumes, including clovers, is generally higher than that of most forage grasses. Legumes are usually higher in crude protein, digestibility and many minerals and vitamins. Legume forages are digested more rapidly than grasses. The result is better animal performance.
The total yield of forage per acre from grass/legume mixtures is usually increased over grass alone. For example, studies conducted over many years at the University of Kentucky have shown that red clover grown with tall fescue produces a greater total forage yield than tall fescue fertilized with 180 lbs/acre.
Reduced Animal ToxicitiesClovers can play an important role in offsetting various livestock disorders caused by other forages, especially forage grasses. In a recent survey in two southern states, “growing legumes with tall fescue” was found to be the number-one strategy used by beef cow and calf producers to cope with the endophyte of tall fescue. Grass tetany is another animal disorder reduced or eliminated by the presence of clovers in animals’ diets.
Increased ProfitabilityThe use of clovers in forage crops can have an enormous impact on the economics of pasturing grazing animals. Nutrition is generally recognized as the primary limiting factor on most livestock farms, and legumes usually provide higher nutrition levels than grasses. Better nutrition means more milk production, higher weaning weights and increased likelihood of high reproductive efficiency. These factors positively impact gross income.
Cover forages also help reduce expenses by lowering nitrogen fertilizer expense, which typically accounts for 20–40% of the cost of producing forage from grasses (and nitrogen prices have generally been on the increase since the early 1970s). Clover seed usually costs $10 to $25 per acre depending on the seeding rate. Other costs associated with establishing clovers depend on the growing site, situation and method of seeding, but are typically less than the seed costs. Often the value of nitrogen fixed by clovers will more than offset the cost of their establishment.
Thus, the use of clovers in forage programs has dual benefits. When clovers are present, animal performance increases while expenses decrease. Clovers are truly sustainable plants. Research results, farmer experience and many demonstrations have clearly shown clovers to be agronomically sound, environmentally friendly and economically advantageous. © 2011 Oregon Clover Commission —
All Rights Reserved.
BETTER FORAGE QUALITY
CLOVER
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Annual ryegrass establishes quite rapidly, which gives high productivity in the planting season. Annual ryegrass is used mainly as a nurse crop for establishing other forages and will generally not survive winters in northern areas. Jumbo is a late-maturing tetraploid annual ryegrass from Barenbrug. It has good rust resistance and cold tolerance with high yields. Jumbo is suitable for silage as well as grazing.
Spring triticale maturity fits well between forage barley and forage oats as a nurse crop for alfalfa or as a standalone forage. Prairie Creek Seed triticale are specific varieties for forage production. They will be awnless or awnletted for palatability if the forage would be delayed in harvest. Awns tend to diminish palatability because of the awns’ or beards’ stiffness and can irritate cattle when consuming the harvested forage. Triticale will mature at about the same time as a mid-season or late oat variety. Dry-matter yield will be close to high-yielding forage oats and fit into an operation with a high level of management. Best harvest timing will result in a very high-quality forage. Triticale works well as a companion forage with forage barley or forage oats.
ANNUAL RYEGRASS: JUMBO FORAGE TRITICALE
Forage oats and especially EverLeaf 126 are late maturing and significantly higher yielding than most grain oat varieties. As forage they are outstanding in both quality and yield. Being later in maturity, EverLeaf 126 can be utilized as either a nurse crop for establishing perennial forages or as a forage crop alone. EverLeaf 126 is a true spring oat with dark green foliage, an erect growth habit and very good standability. EverLeaf 126 has leaves that actually extend above the canopy at heading. EverLeaf 126 is a delayed heading oat, and much of its forage mass and quality come from an extended maturity. Since the plant is naturally vegetative for a longer period, biomass accumulation is extraordinary. At boot stage, EverLeaf 126 is highest in crude protein and in percentage of digestible fiber. At milk stage forage tonnage is optimized, with a corresponding reduction in crude protein and digestibility. EverLeaf 126 has shown resistance to rust and most other leaf and stem diseases. Evaluation is continuing on rust resistance and tolerance. EverLeaf 126 is susceptible to Barley Yellow Dwarf virus. A seed-treat insecticide can be beneficial for combating this problem. EverLeaf 126 has the same requirements as other spring-planted forage cereals.
FORAGE OATS
Q A wide variation in yield potential exists between oat varieties, with early maturing varieties yielding the least and late maturing varieties yielding the most.
Q Barley reaches the late boot stage about the same time as early maturing oat varieties. Yields are also similar to early oats.
Q Triticale is similar in yield to barley and early maturing oats. It matures about the same time as a mid-maturity oat variety.
Q Prairie Creek Seed has identified two forage oats that are in a class by themselves, one of them being EverLeaf 126. They will be significantly higher yielding than even a full-season oat or several of the oat varieties identified as a forage oat. EverLeaf 126 will mature about a week later than a full-season oat and should be harvested at boot stage to maintain quality.
Seeding Rate Optimum seeding rates depend upon species planted, planting date and if the cereal is being used as a companion crop with alfalfa.
Q Oats at 70–90 lbs/acre.
Q Barley at 80–100 lbs/acre.
Q Triticale at 100 lbs/acre.
Adjustments to these rates need to be made as follows: Q Seed at the lower end of the range for early planting and the higher end of the range for late planting (after mid-May).
Q If alfalfa is underseeded, lower seeding rates by 30% to reduce competition with the legume.
Q Strive for early planting (as soil conditions allow), but late planting for a forage harvest remains an option. Yields from late planting will be more dependent on temperature and moisture conditions.
Harvest timing is important to achieve desired forage quality. Depending on temperature and moisture conditions, small grains will advance quickly through the various stages of maturity. Oats, for example, will move from a mid-boot stage to milk stage in less than two weeks. Small grains cut in the boot stage will be over 80% whole plant moisture. Wilt the crop to between 55 and 65% moisture depending on the type of storage unit. Harvesting small grain silage that is too wet will result in an undesirable fermentation, causing a high pH and high levels of butyric acid. Grass silages often respond favorably to silage inoculants.
Q As a legume companion crop, cool-season annuals compete well with weeds and reduce soil erosion on vulnerable soils.
Q Although dry-matter yields are less than that of alfalfa or corn silage, spring small grains offer producers a good forage alternative in years of short forage supply.
Q When cut in the boot to early heading stages, small grain forage is high in energy and protein.
Follow recommended agronomic practices to obtain maximum yields and forage quality.
Excerpts from Focus on Forage University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, 2003.
Forage barley works well as a nurse crop for establishing other forages or as forage in a rotation that will mature earlier than other cereal crops. Prairie Creek Seed is dedicated to utilizing the best in forage barley varieties, and we offer both Lavina and Haybet in our selections. Both Lavina and Haybet are hooded barley varieties that will have leaflets over the berries on the head instead of awns or beards. This makes them more attractive as forage with less of the undesirable traits associated with bearded barley. Forage barley is as early maturing as an early grain oat. This will make forage barley valuable as a nurse crop where less tonnage is required and easier on the new establishment of alfalfa.
FORAGE BARLEY
Forage peas will increase the protein content of cereal crop forages. The ability of a forage pea to enhance the quality of our other grass nurse or forage crops is why we offer forage pea and cereal crop mixes. Prairie Creek Seed offers Flex pea because its late flowering, similar to a winter pea, allows it to match up with the maturity of an oat or triticale in a blend better than any other spring forage pea. Flex’s white flowered characteristic brings better palatability and digestibility when compared to a colored flowered pea. Late flowering and white flowers mean better quality. Flex’s stooling capability comes from its winter pea parent, and along with smaller seed size can lower seeding rate and cost per acre. In conjunction with high forage yield and quality, we have a great spring forage pea.
FORAGE PEA
GUIDELINES FOR SPRING CEREAL CROP PRODUCTION
COOL-SEASON ANNUALS
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Q Herbal blend consists of forbs and legumes described as having characteristics that are beneficial to animal nutrition. These fine forbs extract minerals from the soil, if available, at a higher rate than grasses and legumes. They have the ability to scavenge for minerals that are essential to create true proteins for the ruminant animal to utilize. They are highly mineralized and have beneficial compounds for all classes of livestock.
Q Herbal blend contains the following forbs and legumes: ribgrass or plantain, chicory, sheep’s parsley, small burnet, Canadian milkvetch and cicer milkvetch. Herbal blend is designed to complement other grass and legume species in your pasture sward and enhance the bio-
diversity of your pastures. The blend may change with the availability and adaptability of the included species.
Q Perhaps the best time to introduce herbal pasture blends to a farm is in the rotation of pastures. It can be added with the other seed in the drill. This will give a boost to the diversity of your pastures and provide the elements for animal health that only a very diverse plant population can do.
Seeding Guide Q Herbal blend should be seeded at 3–4 lbs/acre with a grass and legume blend to complement a new seeding. The grass and legume blend should be seeded at a 20–25-lbs/acre rate to achieve a dense pasture stand.
Q Seed 7–10 lbs/acre of herbal blend with 10–15 lbs/acre of a grass and legume mix to achieve a heavier forb component. This is beneficial for isolating livestock to receive the full benefits of a forb paddock. Do not overgraze this pasture, and remove the livestock from the pasture when the average stubble height is 4". After grazing allow a long recovery period to reestablish the root reserves of the various species.
Q Seed herbal blend at the rate of 5–7 lbs/acre into an existing pasture. It is best to no-till the seed rather than frost seed. Management is critical to ensure good stand establishment.
HERBAL BLEND FORB BLEND
Q The summer and autumn production of Tonic can make a marked difference to the overall dry-matter production of pastures.
Q Due to Tonic’s growth into the summer and faster recovery in the fall, the ability to consistently generate extra production is remarkable. This enables extra feed during transitioning seasonal periods.
Q Tonic has also shown real potential as a medium- to long-term pasture option, although it does not provide the reliable longevity of some of the more commonly used grass species.
Q Tonic is an excellent source of the micronutrients Copper (Cu) and Selenium (Se), which makes it an excellent choice for pasture grazing.
Tonic plantain is the only certified plantain cultivar. Tonic is a flexible cultivar for pastoral systems, cover crops and all agriculture. Tonic is a perennial, upright, cool-season forb. It has a unique root structure, allowing surface scavenging and deep mining of the soil.
Drought tolerance and winter productivity in a wide range of environments and soil conditions makes Tonic an important consideration with all grasses and legumes. As cool-season forage, Tonic extends pasture quality in hotter regions traditionally dependent on warm-season feed.
Tonic has been referenced to elevate Cu and Se in sheep and deer, and is also a good source
of Calcium (Ca) and Sodium (Na). Using Tonic is a great way of supporting a high level of animal health.
Tonic’s noted micronutrient levels can improve animal health. It contributes to a sustainable farm system. The upright nature of Tonic and its high digestibility improve feed intake and efficiency.
Sowing Guide Q Seed at 2–3 lbs/acre in a perennial pasture mix.
Q Seed at 4–5 lbs/acre in a chicory or clover mix.
Q 3–4 lbs/acre with prairie grass.
TONIC PLANTAIN
Q Winfred forage brassica is a cross between a turnip and kale, generally termed a rape.
Q Winfred is the most versatile of brassicas, being suitable for a wide range of soil fertility and environmental conditions, stock classes and sowing times.
Q Early maturing at 10–12 weeks.
Q Due to the potential of an earlier first grazing, Winfred has the ability to be grazed up to three times through summer and early fall, at which time it is regularly shut up for winter feed.
Winfred has good frost tolerance and retains leaf and stem quality in frosty or cold conditions. This feature may extend grazing times from early summer into early winter.
Once established, Winfred is tolerant of dry conditions. This product becomes a flexible multifaceted tool ideal for summer, fall and winter feeding.
Winfred is supported by an aggressive root system. This makes it an excellent cover-crop option in soil improvement systems incorporating grazing.
Sowing Guide Q Suggested sowing time from March–June and Aug.–Nov.
Q Seed at 3–4 lbs/acre.
Q Time to first grazing 8–10 weeks. May be grazed earlier in cooler summers and in winter in California.
Q Sow with Crusader Italian ryegrass (10 lbs/acre) at 2 lbs/acre for extended summer/fall grazing under irrigation.
WINFRED FORAGE BRASSICA
Q Chicory is classified as a forb. Forbs are non-leguminous broadleaf plants that are rich in minerals and other compounds. They typically are known for the suppression of internal parasites in livestock and other beneficial attributes.
Q Management for chicory is slightly more intense than for other forbs. This higher level of management is generally rewarded with the benefits of the plant’s natural ability to sequester the nutrients that make chicory a very nutrient-dense forage.
Q Chicory is fast to establish and can be grazed the first year with economical returns.
Q This variety was bred in France after screening in the U.S. It has greater resistance to bolting than other varieties. Less bolting also means more leaves and higher energy. Forage Feast is highly palatable to livestock and wild game.
Seeding Guide Q Seed at 1–2 lbs/acre in a grass legume pasture mix.
Q Seed 2–4 lbs/acre into an existing pasture. It is best to drill into an existing stand.
FORAGE FEAST CHICORY
FORBS AND BRASSICAS
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Q Hunter is a fast establishing crop, with the first grazing possible at 6–8 weeks (45–55 days).
Q Providing excellent quality forage, Hunter can increase liveweight gain on animals.
Q Hunter was bred for tolerance to turnip mosaic virus, cauliflower mosaic virus and most clubroot strains.
Q Selected for vigorous regrowth and fast recovery from grazing, Hunter has the ability to yield in the second, third and sometimes fourth regrowth cycle.
Q Best suited to heavier soil conditions with periodic summer moisture or irrigation where multiple grazings can be achieved.
Hunter is a hybrid developed by crossing turnips with related Asiatic leaf vegetables of the same species. The resulting quick-growing, leafy turnip, with minimal bulb development, is best suited to multiple grazings for summer and early fall feed requirements.
This hybrid is excellent quality forage, providing high liveweight gains for finishing stock to target weight in summer/fall.
When given moisture, Hunter recovers very quickly from multiple grazings for excellent subsequent yields. It is an integral component of “cocktail cover crops.”
Sowing Guide Q Seed in spring to the end of summer, with given moisture.
Q Seed at 4 lbs/acre.
Q Time until first grazing 6–8 weeks.
Q Sow with 10 lbs/acre Crusader Italian ryegrass (2 lbs/acre Hunter) for extended grazing, from summer through fall.
HUNTER FORAGE BRASSICA
Q Forages of the Brassica family are very useful for extending the grazing season when other forages are less productive. Brassicas can provide higher crude protein and digestibility at half the cost of hay or conserved forages.
Q Brassicas have extremely high yield potential when grown on high fertility soils and carefully managed.
Q Cold, drought and heat tolerant, these crops commonly provide valuable feed when other crops are less productive.
Q Barkant is a truly improved forage turnip variety. Bred for leaf production, it outyields most other available turnip varieties. Barkant is a popular variety in countries where the use of Brassicas already is more common, such as New Zealand, Australia, England and other European countries.
Q Barkant requires good soil drainage and a pH between 5.3 and 7.5. Seed should be planted in a firm, moist seedbed. Brassicas should be planted no longer than 2 consecutive years to prevent disease and pest problems.
Seeding Guide Q Barkant can be broadcasted or drilled with 6–8" rows at 2–3 lbs/acre. It is very important not to plant the seed too deep; one eighth of an inch will work best.
Q Seed at the rate of 1–3 lbs/acre with cereal crops for extended grazing.
BARKANT TURNIP
Q Graza is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant radish that can be grazed multiple times as it rapidly regrows after grazing.
Q During summer when weight gains are difficult, Graza offers a palatable solution to the effects of cool-season pastures.
Q Graza survives hot, wet summers and can persist for a year without flowering in Oregon and Louisiana. This provides a whole new dimension to pastoral farming.
Q After 17 years of crossing, this radish has evolved into a uniquely smooth-leaved, low-crowned and late-flowering crop.
Graza’s palatability, yield and quality under grazing compares favorably with the typically used leafy turnips.
This radish has a remarkable digestible dry matter and metabolizable energy level, higher than corn or sorghums.
Graza is a cost effective cultivar to grow, easy to sow and quick to germinate. It also does not need special tillage or planting equipment as it’s easy to drill into stubble.
A major advantage of Graza is its persistence, resulting in more grazing cycles.
Sowing Guide Q Seed at 7–10 lbs/acre, as a pure stand.
Q 6–8 weeks maturity required before first-time grazing.
Q Capable of 2–4 grazings.
Q Compatible with chicory, herbs and plantain.
Q Minimal ripening required.
Q Can be spring or fall sown.
GRAZA FORAGE RADISH
FORBS AND BRASSICAS
SpeciesDays to dry-matter
maturity Annual/perennialCompanion with annual grasses
Companion with cool-season cereals
Companion with warm-season annuals
Recovery after grazing
Multiple grazing option Cover crop Spring planting Early August planting
Late summer/ fall planting
BARKANT Tankard turnip 50 Annual 3 5 2 BARKANT 3 1 5 1 5 3
HUNTER Leaf turnip 40 Annual 3 5 3 HUNTER 2 2 5 4 5 5
WINFRED Forage rape 90 Annual 5 3 5 WINFRED 5 5 5 5 5 2
GRAZA Forage radish 30 Annual 4 5 5 GRAZA 3 4 5 5 5 5
HERBAL BLEND Forb blend 60 Perennial 1 1 1 HERBAL BLEND 5 5 1 5 5 1
FORAGE FEAST Chicory 45–60 Perennial 1 1 1 FORAGE FEAST 5 5 1 5 5 1
TONIC Plantain 45–60 Perennial 5 1 1 TONIC 5 5 1 5 5 1
SCALE 1–5 (1 = POOR, 5 = EXCELLENT) SCALE 1–5 (1 = POOR, 5 = EXCELLENT)
USAGE REFERENCE CHART
14 15
Key Features Diversemaster is a formulation of grasses and legumes designed to meet the needs of producers that want a very biodiverse pasture. This multiple-species mix contains all of Barenbrug’s top grasses including the latest releases of improved grasses such as soft leaf tall fescue, meadow fescue, orchardgrass and perennial ryegrass. Hakari brome, festulolium, timothy and Italian ryegrass enhance this blend to give different maturities for a longer period of time, maintaining quality. In addition Diversemaster includes red clover, white clover, alfalfa and birdsfoot trefoil. The legume portion allows for a wide variation in rooting types and nutritional qualities.
Seeding Rate Diversemaster should be seeded at the rate of 20–30 lbs/acre into a clean, firm seedbed. Interseeding into an existing stand, the rate should be 10–15 lbs/acre. It is best to use a no-till drill to interseed into established stands.
Seeding Depth The seeding depth for Diversemaster is ¼" into a firm, clod-free seedbed. No-till drilling into an established stand the seed depth is suggested at ½".
History and Development Diversemaster is designed for a wide range of applications. The more variation a farm has with soil types and fertility levels, the more important it is to have a higher level of diversity. This diversity allows the opportunity for better stand establishment and a more persistent stand life. The variation of plant species is the key to this success. Added diversity also lends itself to better forage quality over an extended period of time. With this maximum diversity of plant species, Diversemaster can be managed for mob grazing and managed grazing operations successfully.
Management Keys Diversemaster will need a longer rest and recovery period to assist in persistence of diversity. The quality of forage and diversity of plants will lend
itself to grass finishing beef operations or grass- based dairies on more variable soil types. With the wide range of seed sizes, it will be best suited to broadcast seeding and rolled in for best soil-to-seed contact, or a drill that can handle the different seed sizes will be a must.
Key FeaturesRenovator is a multi-species blend of grasses designed to support grass diversity in a new or existing pasture. This blend of six different grasses offers varied maturities and growth patterns throughout the course of the growing season. Together with Diversifier, the diversity of plants increases forage quality and yield.
Seeding RateRenovator should be seeded at 15–18 lbs/acre along with 4–6 lbs/acre of Diversifier legume blend. Seeded alone as a straight grass pasture, Renovator is recommended to be seeded at 20– 30 lbs/acre. Interseeding into existing grass and legume stands should be 10–15 lbs/acre.
Seeding Depth¼" is ideal seeding depth into a firm, clod-free
seedbed. No-till drilling into existing pasture the seed depth is suggested at ½".
History and DevelopmentRenovator is a six-species blend designed to provide diversity and compatibility to support forage yield and quality across varied soils and management types. We have observed that the better the diversity of all plant species in the pasture, the higher the forage quality. Overall enhanced plant performance in yield during the grazing season is an added benefit of this diversity.
Management KeysRenovator is best suited for new pasture establishments and interseeding into existing pastures. This unique blend of grasses is well suited for the Upper Midwest and
under irrigation in the Northern Plains and Intermountain West. Prairie Creek Seed recommends planting a legume blend in new establishments to support nitrogen production and the plant health of this mix. Italian ryegrass is a component of the blend that can be used as the nurse crop for establishment if desired.
Key FeaturesStockman blend is a mixture designed to handle harsher conditions and withstand continuous grazing pressure. Stockman blend is a combination of long- lasting perennial grass species and is fast to establish species to allow for grazing sooner.
Seeding RateStockman should be seeded at 15–18 lbs/acre along with 4–6 lbs/acre of a legume. Seeded alone as a straight grass pasture, Stockman blend is recommended to be seeded at 20–30 lbs/acre. Interseeding into existing grass and legume stands should be 10–15 lbs/acre.
Seeding Depth¼" is ideal seeding depth into a firm, clod-free seedbed. No-till drilling into existing pasture the seed depth is suggested at ½".
History and DevelopmentStockman is a blend of five different grass species to provide diversity for soils and conditions that require hardier species. In addition, both annual ryegrass and perennial ryegrass are included to establish fast to cover the soil and allow grazing to resume. Stockman will be best for the producer that sets stocks or with pastures or soils that have tougher conditions.
Management KeysStockman blend is best suited for new pasture establishments and interseeding into existing pastures. This unique blend of grasses is well suited for the Upper Midwest and under irrigation in the Northern Plains and Intermountain West. Prairie Creek Seed recommends planting a legume blend in new establishments to support nitrogen production and the plant health of this mix. Annual ryegrass is a component of the blend that can be used as the nurse crop for establishment if desired.
Key FeaturesWaterway Mix is a multi-species blend of grasses designed to control erosion and allow for harvest of the waterway through mechanical harvest or grazing.
Seeding RateWaterway Mix should be seeded at 25–30 lbs/acre along with a legume of choice. Seeded alone as straight grass-erosion control, Waterway Mix is recommended to be seeded at 30–40 lbs/acre.
Seeding Depth¼" is ideal seeding depth into a firm, clod-free seedbed. No-till drilling into crop residue the seed depth is suggested at ½".
History and DevelopmentWaterway Mix is a five-species blend designed to provide erosion control and the possibility for hay production. We put together grass species that are sod forming and will not have the tendency to clump, making it rough to cross the waterways. Annual ryegrass is included to establish quickly while the
slower-developing species establish. Prairie Creek Seed includes only varieties that will work for erosion control and livestock feed. We do not put in cheaper varieties that could compromise animal health such as Kentucky 21 tall fescue. We have observed that the better the diversity of all plant species in the pasture, the higher the forage quality. Overall enhanced plant performance in yield during the grazing season is an added benefit of this diversity.
Management KeysWaterway Mix is best suited for new waterway developments or interseeding into existing waterways. Waterway Mix could be used for pastures in environments that are suited for sod- forming species and in tougher traffic areas. This unique blend of grasses is well suited for the Upper Midwest and under irrigation in the Northern Plains and Intermountain West. Prairie Creek Seed recommends planting a legume blend in new establishments to support nitrogen production and the plant health of this mix.
RENOVATOR GRAZING STOCKMAN BLEND GRAZING
WATERWAY MIX #1 GRAZING/EROSION CONTROL
Characteristics
Tall Fescue 35%Orchardgrass 25%Perennial Ryegrass 20%Annual Ryegrass 15%Timothy 5%
Characteristics
Tall Fescue 30%Smooth Brome 20%Perennial Ryegrass 18%Timothy 12%Annual Ryegrass 15%
DIVERSEMASTER GRAZING/BALEAGE
Characteristics
Tall Fescue 14%Meadow Fescue 13%Italian Ryegrass 11%Orchardgrass 9%Birdsfoot Trefoil 9%Red Clover 9%Alaskan Brome 8%Perennial Ryegrass 12%White Clover 5%Timothy 4%Alfalfa 4%Festulolium 2%
Characteristics
Tall Fescue 35%Meadow Fescue 25%Perennial Ryegrass 20%Orchardgrass 10%Timothy 5%Italian Ryegrass 5%
GRASSBLENDS
16 17
Key Features Milkway contains fescue and grass varieties that test and perform well in the TMR of high- producing dairy cows at the University of Wisconsin.
Seeding Rate Milkway should be seeded at the rate of 3–5 lbs/acre with alfalfa as an companion for an alfalfa/grass production field. Seeded alone as a pure grass stand the seeding rate should be 25–30 lbs/acre.
Seeding Depth Milkway should be seeded at the depth of ¼". When no-till drilling the depth can be increased to ½".
History and Development Research by numerous agronomists and dairy scientists indicates Barenbrug forage fescues
are ideally suited for the TMR of high-producing dairy cows in the northern U.S. Barenbrug has created the ideal product so that dairymen can take advantage of the benefits of Barenbrug forage fescues. Milkway contains high-yielding meadow fescue and extremely digestible soft-leaf tall fescue cultivars. “Pradel” meadow fescue provides exceptionally high NDFd, resulting in an improved rate of digestion. It does not cause “rumen fill” as it is one of the lowest NDF (neutral detergent fiber) grasses that can be grown in the northern U.S. “BarElite” and “Bariane” soft-leaf tall fescues are world renowned for their suitability for dairy TMR due to their low NDF and high NDFd values. Milkway is the ideal grass blend for TMR silage production as it provides stable NDF and NDFd throughout the season so the dairyman can pack different cuttings in the same bunk. Research shows that using Milkway grass blend
in dairy TMR can improve milk production 5–15% over traditional wheat straw diets.
Management Keys Either seeded as a companion with alfalfa or as a standalone forage, Milkway will produce the exceptional yields of a very high-quality forage. When seeded as a pure grass stand, Milkway will require a higher level of management. As a pure stand, fertility requirements will be higher especially with nitrogen. This could also assist in manure management for larger operations.
Key FeaturesRenewal Blend is a combination of fast- establishing grasses and long-term quality grasses to replenish diminished pastures from environmental issues such as drought. When a complete renovation is out of the question, Renewal Blend can renew and build pasture stands for extended periods.
Seeding RateRenewal Blend should be seeded at the rate of 12– 15 lbs/acre when no-till drilling. For frost-seeding or overseeding, seed this blend at the rate of 15– 18 lbs/acre. In a new establishment, seed at the rate of 15–20 lbs/acre along with a legume blend.
Seeding Depth¼" to ½" seeding depth is ideal when seeded with a drill. Bare soil should be present when frost- seeding Renewal Blend. This will ensure good soil-to-seed contact to enhance germination.
History and DevelopmentRenewal Blend is designed to give rapid recovery to diminished pasture stands and provide long- term quality grass species to strengthen current grasses. Italian ryegrass and perennial ryegrass are fast to establish for quick grazing, and tall fescue and orchardgrass give long-term support for maintaining permanent pastures.
Management KeysRenewal Blend is suited for different seeding options. Using a no-till drill will give best results
for establishment. All the species included in this blend have historically been used for frost-seeding and will vary in establishment success based on environmental influences. Prairie Creek Seed recommends including a legume to supplement nitrogen and diversity for peak quality and yield. Renewal Blend is adapted to the Upper Midwest and under irrigation in the Northern Plains and Intermountain West.
Key FeaturesEnergy Plus is a multi-species blend of grasses designed to support grass diversity in a new or existing pasture. This blend of four different high-energy grasses will be best placed for the production of high-quality silage or baleage. Energy Plus works well for grazing operations that are looking for species that will produce milk or add pounds of beef.
Seeding RateEnergy Plus should be seeded at 2–5 lbs/acre with 16–20 lbs/acre of alfalfa when used as a grass introduction into alfalfa. Seeded alone as a straight grass stand, Energy Plus is recommended to be seeded at 20–30 lbs/acre. 15–18 lbs/acre along with 4–6 lbs/acre of Diversifier legume blend for grazing pasture. Interseeding into existing grass and legume stands should be 10–15 lbs/acre.
Seeding Depth¼" is the ideal seeding depth into a firm, clod-free seedbed. No-till drilling into existing pasture the seed depth is suggested at ½".
History and DevelopmentEnergy Plus is a four-species blend designed to provide high-energy grasses for enhancing dairy or beef diets. All included species are outstanding in providing high NDFd (neutral detergent fiber digestibility) and total dry-matter digestibility. While no single grass can answer all needs for both quality and production, Prairie Creek Seed has introduced the blend to support both.
Management KeysEnergy Plus is best suited for new seedings and for use as silage, baleage production and managed pastures. With the high-energy grass
included in the blend, production of dry hay is limited and discouraged. This blend needs the best soil for pasture production, and if used for grass silage, proper fertilization is required. This unique blend of grasses is well suited for the Upper Midwest and under irrigation in the Northern Plains and Intermountain West. Italian ryegrass is a component of the blend that can be used as the nurse crop for establishment if desired.
Key Features Haymaster is a blend of high-quality grass species that allow the opportunity to dry bale hay during the growing season. Humidity and temperatures make it difficult to produce dry hay in many regions of the United States. Haymaster has plant species that are the best options to possibly achieve this harvest option. Haymaster is also a blend of grasses that will produce quality forage and still maximize tonnage and dry down.
Seeding Rate Haymaster should be seeded at 3–5 lbs/acre as a companion blend for an alfalfa/grass stand. As a pure stand, Haymaster should be seeded at the rate of 15–20 lbs/acre.
Seeding Depth Haymaster should be seeded at ¼". When no-till drilling the depth can be increased to ½".
History and Development Haymaster was developed for producers of high- quality grass hay. Producers who desire to market grass hay for its high RFQ value and superior visual appearance should choose Haymaster. The two main components of Haymaster are soft-leaf tall fescue and late maturing orchardgrass. The leaf structure of soft-leaf tall fescue blends easily with orchardgrass and provides the tonnage needed for profitable hay production. Soft-leaf tall fescue varieties are more palatable and digestible than traditional tall fescues. Orchardgrass varieties in Haymaster are disease resistant, making the hay more visually appealing to the buyer. Haymaster is the ideal choice for a producer who desires to make dry hay even in more humid climates.
Management Keys When seeded with alfalfa for a grass legume mix, Haymaster should be placed in a large seed box to reduce the possibility of sorting during planting. The seeding rate will vary with soil fertility and farm management. The higher the levels of free nitrogen in the soil, the lower the suggested seeding rate. Excess nitrogen in the soil solution will be rapidly taken up by the grass seedlings, and they will dominate if the grass seeding rates are too high. It is best to start with a lower grass rate to find the individual producer’s acceptable seeding rate.
ENERGY PLUS SILAGE/BALEAGE/GRAZING
MILKWAY SILAGE/BALEAGE
RENEWAL BLEND GRAZING/BALEAGE
Characteristics
Tall Fescue 40%Perennial Ryegrass 35%Orchardgrass 20%Italian Ryegrass 5%
HAYMASTER DRY HAY/SILAGE/BALEAGE
GRASSBLENDS
Characteristics
Tall Fescue 45%Meadow Fescue 25%Perennial Ryegrass 25%Italian Ryegrass 5%
Characteristics
Tall Fescue 75%Orchardgrass 20%Timothy 5%
Characteristics
Meadow Fescue 60%Tall Fescue 40%
Dry hay Baleage/silageCompatible with alfalfa
Extending alfalfa stand Persistence Forage quality
High-fertility ground
Low-fertility ground Shallow soil Deep soil Wet soil Dry soil
Interseeding into pasture
Response to rotational grazing
Response to set stocking
Meat/milk production
HAYMASTER 5 4 5 3 5 4 5 z HAYMASTER 4 5 3 5 4 4 4 2
MILKWAY 2 5 5 3 4 5 5 2 MILKWAY 2 5 5 3 1 5 2 5
ENERGY PLUS 2 5 3 3 3 5 5 2 ENERGY PLUS 2 5 5 2 4 5 2 5
RENEWAL 3 5 4 5 5 4 5 4 RENEWAL 4 5 3 5 5 5 4 5
DIVERSEMASTER 3 5 1 3 4 5 5 3 DIVERSEMASTER 5 5 4 5 4 5 2 5
RENOVATOR 3 5 3 3 5 4 5 5 RENOVATOR 4 5 5 5 3 5 4 5
STOCKMAN 3 5 1 1 5 3 4 5 STOCKMAN 4 5 4 5 4 4 5 2
WATERWAY MIX 5 5 3 1 5 2 4 5 WATERWAY MIX 3 5 5 3 3 4 4 1
STF 43 3 5 5 3 4 4 4 4 STF 43 2 5 5 5 3 5 3 4
BAROPTIMA PLUS E34 3 5 3 3 5 4 5 4 BAROPTIMA PLUS E34 2 5 5 5 3 5 3 4
GREEN SPIRIT 1 5 5 5 2 5 5 1 GREEN SPIRIT 3 5 5 1 5 5 3 5
ATOM 5 5 4 5 1 5 5 2 ATOM 4 5 2 5 3 5 2 5
CRUSADER 1 5 5 5 1 5 5 2 CRUSADER 3 5 5 1 5 5 3 5
HAKARI 5 5 4 5 2 5 5 1 HAKARI 4 5 1 5 3 5 1 5
SCALE 1–5 (1 = POOR, 5 = EXCELLENT) SCALE 1–5 (1 = POOR, 5 = EXCELLENT)
USAGE REFERENCE CHART
18 19
Q The most widely grown forage tall fescue (Kentucky 31) is also known to be toxic to cattle. Endophytes in the plant create alkaloids, which produces higher temperatures, less weight gain, lower pregnancy rates and less milk production in cattle. Yet, the endophyte responsible for these toxic effects also gives tall fescue great persistence and high yield.
Q After years of research, Barenbrug has developed a beneficial endophyte that eliminates toxicity but retains the traits of persistence and high yield. This endophyte
is E34. Barenbrug has introduced E34 into the elite, soft-leaf tall fescue BarOptima. BarOptima PLUS E34 is the newest generation of forage grass, containing three desirable tall fescue traits: a high-quality forage with high yield and persistence.
Q This is a revolutionary tall fescue that improves palatability while eliminating toxicity and increasing animal productivity. BarOptima PLUS E34 represents Barenbrug’s commitment to the livestock industry with a program of total forage quality.
Q Traditionally, forage grasses have been defined by two traits: yield and persistence. Barenbrug places a strong emphasis on a third trait – forage quality. After all, forage quality has a direct effect on animal performance and ultimately on your profits.
Seeding Rate Q Seed in spring or fall with a nurse crop.
Q BarOptima PLUS E34 should be seeded at the rate of 25 lbs/acre.
Q It is recommended to seed with a legume for diversity and additional nitrogen production.
BAROPTIMA PLUS E34 BENEFICIAL ENDOPHYTE TALL FESCUE
Q STF-43 is an innovative blend of premier soft-leaf tall fescues that produce impressive yields with high levels of digestible fiber.
Q This blend is the result of Barenbrug’s forage analysis program that measures NDF (neutral detergent fiber) and NDFd (NDF digestibility). Barenbrug identified significant differences in the amount of fiber and its digestibility between varieties and formulated STF-43 with the highest amounts of digestible fiber.
Q STF-43 provides energy derived from highly digestible fiber that not only increases productivity but also promotes rumen health.
Q STF-43 is late-maturing, endophyte-free and well-suited for hay and haylage production as well as grazing.
Q STF-43 is an excellent choice for interplanting with alfalfa.
Seeding Rate Q Seed in spring or fall with a nurse crop.
Q STF-43 works well for a companion grass with alfalfa or alone as a pure stand.
Q Seed at the rate of 3–5 lbs/acre with alfalfa.
Q Seed at the rate of 25–30 lbs/acre alone.
STF-43 TALL FESCUE BLEND
Q Green Spirit is a unique blend of tetraploid Italian ryegrass varieties developed for better persistence under grazing and improved traffic tolerance.
Q Our tetraploid varieties provide high dry-matter production, disease resistance to crown rust and improved palatability. These varieties have improved dry-matter production and winter hardiness compared to older cultivars.
Q In regions with moderate climates, Green Spirit will be a biannual forage. The varieties used in Green Spirit require prolonged periods of cold weather for vernalization. Once vernalized, the plant has the ability to produce seed heads, which results in the loss of forage quality.
Q Inferior products that imitate Green Spirit vernalize with much shorter periods of cold, producing seed heads soon after planting when spring nighttime temperatures drop.
Seeding Rate Q Seed in the spring when conditions are favorable.
Q Seed at the rate of 25–30 lbs/acre.
GREEN SPIRIT ITALIAN RYEGRASS BLEND
Q Atom is an alternative short-rotation option for high-quality feeding requirements.
Q In well-drained soils of acceptable pH, Atom performs throughout the year as a quality feed for grazing and hay production.
Q Under irrigation, Atom extends its cool-season production into the hottest summer regimes. This makes Atom a quality alternative to ryegrass.
Q Atom has a higher tiller density than other prairie grass options. This has resulted in an unequalled tolerance of close, set stocked, grazing; however, rotational grazing is
recommended to maximize both production and persistence.
Q Atom is winter active in Mediterranean climates, yet can tolerate winter frost down to approximately 10 degrees F.
High summer heat tolerance with high protein content makes Atom an ideal pasture for growth in young livestock and lactating dairy cattle. With no endophyte, it is also perfect for horse grazing.
Atom has a high nutrient-uptake capacity. As documented by Texas A&M, Atom can easily
utilize soil nitrogen (N), making it an excellent remediation grass for dairies and feedlots.
Atom is the option for cool-season grass production in hot summer regions.
Seeding Rate Q Seed in fall, while soil temperatures are warm, or in spring.
Q Seed at 30 lbs/acre, with 30-lbs oats for annual stands.
Q Seed at 25–30 lbs/acre in other pastures.
Q Compatible with chicory, plantain and red and white clovers.
ATOM PRAIRIE GRASS
CRUSADER ITALIAN RYEGRASS
Q Crusader is a flexible and forgiving ryegrass variety. It has a place in most North American farming regions.
Q Spring-planted Crusader has become a powerful alternative to forage cereals in the Midwest.
Q Fall-planted Crusader, in the Intermountain regions, can extend quality feed past the life span of annual ryegrass.
Q Crusader’s rapid establishment and vigorous growth offer early grazing opportunities and maximum yield potential.
Q Crusader is a diploid variety with high tiller density and excellent heat tolerance. With a heading date later than a common annual, Crusader provides productive and leafy pasture in late spring–early summer.
Crusader will lengthen a corn/alfalfa/cereal crop rotation. A 12-month Crusader “break” rejuvenates the soil, cycles more manure and reduces input costs.
Seeding Rate Q Seed in fall or spring (in summer moist areas).
Q Seed at 20–30 lbs/acre.
Q Seed at 10 lbs/acre with 2-lbs brassica, such as Hunter forage brassica or Winfred rape.
GRASSES
20 21
Key FeaturesFS 1085, the earliest maturing BMR6 forage sorghum on the market, has a package to suit the majority of conditions in the northern U.S. and beyond. This forage sorghum includes the BMR6 marker that ensures the very best digestibility while providing top yields and quality. While this forage sorghum has had some success in the south, it is recommended to keep this variety north of the I-70 corridor with the exception of areas of higher altitude. Less seed cost per acre, lower nitrogen rates, less water usage and heat and drought tolerance all make it an attractive option to complement corn silage on tougher soils and growing conditions.
FS 1095 is 10 days later than FS 1085 in maturity. FS 1095 has similar characteristic to the earlier FS 1085, giving an additional option for harvest dates.
ManagementFS 1085 is 80–85 days from emergence to harvest, and FS 1095 is 90–95 days from emergence to harvest. Direct chop forage sorghum at soft dough to optimize quality and starch availability, and to maintain proper moisture levels (65–70%). FS 1085 or FS 1095 can also be cut and wilted while in a vegetative growth stage.
EstablishmentPlant FS 1085 and FS 1095 at 5–9 lbs/acre. The lower seeding rate is for wide rows, and a heavier rate if planted with a grain drill. Plant in late spring to early summer when soils have reached 65 degrees. Plant into a firm seedbed at 1".
FS 1085 / FS 1095
Forage sorghum as a complement or replacement to corn silage is a viable alternative, especially with the release of earlier varieties for northern climates and higher elevations. Prairie Creek Seed offers two forage sorghum varieties that fall into the 85- and 105-day area. These are approximate days from emergence to soft dough. At soft dough the whole plant should be close to harvest moisture and can be harvested standing. In low corn silage yield environments, forage sorghum is a viable option to replace corn for silage.
Forage sorghum is designed to replace corn silage under certain environmental and economic applications. Forage sorghum will benefit producers most if they can harvest the forage standing like they harvest corn silage. Eliminating the swathing process saves time and money for the producer. When forage sorghum is intended to be harvested standing, variety selection is very important. There are differences between the various types of sorghums, and some are better suited for different geographies and management styles. Prairie Creek Seed has
the types and varieties that will work in our climate. Forage sorghums have a lot of advantages, and there are circumstances where other warm-season annuals may be a better fit. Consult with your local PCS source as to what may fit your operation best.
Prairie Creek Seed continues to look at possible improvements or better options for the shortened season of northern climates. Currently our offering of shorter-season forage sorghum and the male sterile are our best options for the Upper Midwest.
Advantages of planting forage sorghum for silage: Q Forage sorghum will generally be higher yielding than corn silage in dryer and tougher conditions. In better fields or conditions corn silage will likely have a 10–15% yield advantage.
Q Forage sorghum takes 33% less water than corn.
Q Forage sorghum seeding rates are quite low, reducing seed costs per acre at a 6–9 lbs/acre seeding rate.
Q Forage sorghum at soft dough will have low, starch, but high sugars and NDFd (neutral detergent fiber digestibility). This gives forage sorghum a high starch equivalent on a forage test.
Q Forage sorghum is flexible for harvest. It can be cut and wilted for harvest if needs or conditions warrant earlier harvest.
Q Soils do need to be 60 degrees and warming for planting. Corn should be over 50 degrees and warming to plant.
Q Forage sorghum has less nitrogen needs than corn. Nitrogen should not exceed 110 pounds of actual nitrogen including soil-available nitrogen.
Q Energy will increase with heading because of continued sugar formation in the stalks and leaves, plus the carbohydrate deposition in the grain.
VALUE OF FORAGE SORGHUM
Characteristics
Drought Tolerance ExcellentWet Soil FairSeedling Vigor ExcellentBaleage PoorSilage ExcellentGrazing Fair
Key FeaturesFS 1105S is a 105-day sterile forage sorghum. As a sterile plant, FS 1105S will accumulate more sugars and not produce starch in the seed head. For those who want a quality no starch from grain forage, FS 1105S is the correct product. This forage sorghum contains the BMR6 marker, giving you assurance that as a BMR product, it will have the very best digestibility while still providing top yields and quality. Prairie Creek Seed recommends that this variety should be planted from Iowa south to ensure an adequate growing season. Less seed cost per acre, lower nitrogen rates, less water usage, plus heat and drought tolerance make FS 1105S an attractive option for a one-cut forage crop.
Management 105 days approximately from emergence to harvest. Direct chop forage sorghum when whole plant moisture is ideal for storage and fermentation. FS 1105S can also be cut and wilted to harvest moisture while in the vegetative stage if conditions warrant.
Establishment Plant FS 1105S at 5–9 lbs/acre, with a lower seeding rate for wide rows, and a heavier seeding rate if planted with a grain drill. Seed in late spring when soils have reached 65 degrees. Adequate time is needed to reach harvest maturity, so plant as early as possible into warm soils. Plant into a firm seedbed at 1" depth.
FS 1105S
Characteristics
Drought Tolerance ExcellentWet Soil FairSeedling Vigor ExcellentBaleage PoorSilage ExcellentGrazing Good
WARM-SEASON ANNUALS: FORAGE SORGHUM
22 23
Key FeaturesSS 2010 is a very high-yielding sorghum X sudangrass that is fast to grow and quick to recover from cutting or grazing. Hybrid sorghum X sudangrass with its exceptional palatability and the addition of the brown midrib gene has shown marked reduction of lignin content in the plant. Lignin is the component of the cell walls that is generally regarded as the primary factor limiting the extent of forage fiber digestion. SS 2010 is best suited for chopping or grazing.
ManagementSS 2010 can be cut and wilted while in a vegetative growth stage. Mechanically harvest when plants reach 42" in height, leaving a 6–8" stubble. Grazing management is similar, but you may want to begin grazing SS 2010 as short as 24" to account for accumulated growth during the grazing period.
EstablishmentPlant SS 2010 at 30–35 lbs/acre. Seeding can be effectively done with a grain drill. Seed in late spring to early summer when soils have reached 65 degrees. Plant into a firm seedbed at 1".
SS 2010
Key FeaturesWonderleaf is a bush-type hybrid Pearl Millet with high yield potential that is achieved very quickly, being only 62 days in the boot stage. Wonderleaf has a high level of tolerance to many pathogens and high humidity, but cannot tolerate standing surface water. Wonderleaf can be grown on as little as 16" of water; however, greater tonnage will be produced with greater water availability. Wonderleaf bush-type plant stature means that the forage produced is virtually all leaves. This high leaf mass gives Wonderleaf high crude protein concentrations and high TDN values.
Management Wonderleaf can be cut and wilted while in a vegetative growth stage. Mechanically harvest when plants reach 30–35" in height, leaving a 4–6" stubble or cut above the first node. Graze Wonderleaf at a height of 18–24" but you can begin grazing as short as 15" to account for accumulated growth during the grazing period.
EstablishmentPlant Wonderleaf at 20–25 lbs/acre. Seeding can be effectively done with a grain drill. Seed in late spring to early summer when soils have reached 65 degrees. Plant into a firm seedbed at ½".
Key FeaturesThe newest generation of BMR sorghum X sudan hybrids with the Brachytic Dwarf trait, this trait shortens the internode length, producing a short- statured, high leaf-to-stem ratio. Even though the plant is shorter than other hybrids, it will produce equal or higher tonnage. With shortened internodes, it also allows closer cutting or grazing height. SS 2020 is best suited for chopping or grazing.
ManagementSS 2020 can be cut and wilted while in a vegetative growth stage. Mechanically harvest when plants reach 35–40" in height, leaving a 4–6" stubble. Grazing management is similar, but you may want to begin grazing SS 2020 as short as 20" to account for accumulated growth during the grazing period.
EstablishmentPlant SS 2020 at 25–35 lbs/acre. Seeding can be effectively done with a grain drill. Seed in late spring to early summer when soils have reached 65 degrees. Plant into a firm seedbed at 1".
WONDERLEAF MILLET
SS 2020
Characteristics
Drought Tolerance Good Wet Soil FairSeedling Vigor Excellent Baleage Fair Silage Good Grazing Excellent
Characteristics
Drought Tolerance Good Wet Soil GoodSeedling Vigor Excellent Baleage Good Silage Fair Grazing Good
Characteristics
Drought Tolerance Good Wet Soil FairSeedling Vigor Excellent Baleage Fair Silage Excellent Grazing Excellent
WARM-SEASON ANNUALS: SORGHUM SUDANGRASS
USAGE REFERENCE CHART
Species Grazing Silage/baleage Dry hay Speed to establish Recovery after grazing Yield in 2–3 cut region Yield in 3–5 cut region Palatability Quality
SD 3010 Hybrid Sudangrass 5 4 2 4 SD 3010 5 5 4 5 5
SD 3020 Hybrid Sudangrass 4 5 3 4 SD 3020 5 5 4 4 5
SS 2020 Sorghum X Sudangrass 5 5 1 2 SS 2020 3 3 5 5 5
SS 2010 Sorghum X Sudangrass 4 5 1 3 SS 2010 4 4 5 4 4
SUMMER BLEND Annual blend 5 3 1 4 Summer Blend 5 4 3 4 5
6010 Teff 4 4 5 4 6010 5 3 4 5 4
WONDERLEAF Millet 3 3 3 5 Wonderleaf 5 5 3 2 3
SCALE 1–5 (1 = POOR, 5 = EXCELLENT) SCALE 1–5 (1 = POOR, 5 = EXCELLENT)
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Key FeaturesSD 3010 is a BMR sudangrass that is very palatable and high in quality. Sudangrass will have an advantage in forage quality over sorghum X sudangrass and recover after grazing and cutting quicker. This is an advantage for the Upper Midwest where summer annuals are utilized for forage. In areas where only two or three cuttings are expected, sudangrass will have a benefit in both tonnage and quality. Sudangrass has a better possibility of making dry hay in dry climates at a higher seeding rate.
ManagementSD 3010 can be cut and wilted while in a vegetative growth stage. Mechanically harvest when plants reach 40–60" in height, leaving a 4–6" stubble. Grazing management is similar, but you may want to begin grazing SD 3010 as short as 24" to account for accumulated growth during the grazing period.
EstablishmentPlant SD 3010 at 35–45 lbs/acre (higher seeding rates make finer stems). Seeding can be effectively done with a grain drill. Seed in late spring to early summer when soils have reached 65 degrees. Plant into a firm seedbed at 1".
Key FeaturesSD 3020 is a medium-maturing BMR sudangrass. SD 3020 with its dry stalk characteristic will dry faster than other sudangrass hybrids. This sets SD 3020 apart for making baleage and possibly dry hay in appropriate areas. Both quality and fast establishment make sudangrasses superior to their counterparts, sorghum X sudangrasses, in the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains. SD 3020 will work best in areas that only graze or cut summer forage two to three times during the growing season.
Management SD 3020 can be cut and wilted while in the vegetative growth stage. Mechanically harvest when the plants reach 40–60" in height, leaving a 4–6" stubble for best recovery and tillering. Grazing management is similar, but you may want to begin grazing SD 3020 when it is as short as 24" to account for the accumulated growth during the grazing period.
Establishment Plant SD 3020 at 35–45 lbs/acre (higher seeding rates make finer stems for better dry down). A grain drill is recommended for best seed depth control. Seed in late spring to early summer when soils have reached 65 degrees. Plant into a firm seedbed at 1–2" depending on moisture and soil conditions.
SD 3010 SUDANGRASS
SD 3020 SUDANGRASS
Key FeaturesPCS 6010 is a warm-season annual cereal crop that can be harvested multiple times during the growing season. PCS 6010 can be grazed or harvested as dry hay or silage. Teff produces high-quality forage with good yields in a short growing season. Originally a grain crop for human consumption, teff has proven to be a very good forage for livestock. Teff is fine stemmed, leafy and soft, which lends to palatability. Teff is fast to establish and is resistant to both drought and soils that are water logged. It fills a variety of management needs. Teff works well as an emergency forage when the producer needs dry hay or wants to fill in weak spots in an existing hay field.
Management Like most summer annuals, PCS 6010 needs warm soils to germinate and thrive. Teff has extremely small
seed, and seedbed preparation is important. Teff requires a clod-free and firm seedbed to ensure good soil-to-seed contact and predictable seeding depth. Fertility needs are minimal with a balanced fertilizer and no more than 100 pounds of available nitrogen. Split applications of fertilizer are suggested if taking multiple harvests. For optimal harvests and yield, teff should be harvested prior to seed-head appearance in the late vegetative stages. Delayed harvest can reduce subsequent harvest yields. Leave a 4" stubble for rapid recovery and tillering. Management of teff is critical for best results.
Establishment Plant PCS 6010 at 5–7 lbs/acre into a firm, clod-free seedbed. It is recommended to plant at no deeper than ¼" depth for best emergence. Soils should be 65 degrees and climbing for best performance.
PCS 6010 TEFF
Key FeaturesSummer blend is a flexible blend of grasses, legumes and brassicas. Summer blend was designed for grazing or as an alternative cover crop for those who desire a “cocktail” blend for soil building. Summer blend contains sudangrass, sorghum X sudangrass, millet, cowpeas, forage rape and clover. Prairie Creek Seed is continually looking at ways to improve the blend to increase forage quality and yield throughout the summer growing season. The diversity in this blend with its different plant and root structures lends itself to enhancing soil biology. This same diversity improves the forage-quality profile for livestock production.
Management Summer blend can be grazed anytime after the warm-season annual grasses are at least 24" tall.
The average to first grazing will be approximately 45 days dependent on weather conditions. Subsequent harvest should be around 30 days after the initial harvest. Leaving a stubble height of 4–5" after grazing is desirable for regrowth. Mechanical harvest is an option, but will need a longer drying time with the brassica influence in the blend.
Establishment Plant Summer blend at 20–30 lbs/acre. Cover crop seeding rates should be at the lower rate. Grazing seeding rates can be slightly higher than the recommended if conditions warrant. Seeding with a grain drill is desirable to achieve proper seeding depth. Plant Summer blend at 1" depth into a firm seedbed. Seed in late spring to early summer when soil temperatures have reached 65 degrees for best results.
SUMMER BLEND
Characteristics
Drought Tolerance Good Wet Soil FairSeedling Vigor Excellent Baleage ExcellentSilage Good Grazing Excellent
Characteristics
Drought Tolerance ExcellentWet Soil ExcellentSeedling Vigor GoodBaleage ExcellentSilage Good Grazing Excellent
Characteristics
Drought Tolerance Good Wet Soil FairSeedling Vigor Excellent Baleage Fair Silage ExcellentGrazing Excellent
Characteristics
Drought Tolerance Good Wet Soil FairSeedling Vigor Excellent Baleage ExcellentSilage FairGrazing Excellent
WARM-SEASON ANNUALS: SUDANGRASS AND TEFF
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ALAMO Alamo is a blend of oats, peas and radish designed to be planted late summer into fall, then winter terminate. This eliminates the need for spring termination of a cover crop and requires little or no tillage before planting the current cash crop. Probably not going to make it through the winter! Great for a first-time cover crop.
Q The oats bring slower release of nutrients while the radish will release nutrients quicker to the current growing crop. Peas are excellent nitrogen-fixing plants and will provide a good source of nitrogen to build organic matter (OM) with the value that the sulfur brings forth.
Q Best if planted by early September preceding corn production. Makes excellent forage for late fall and early winter grazing.
AUSTINAustin is a blend of sorghumXsudangrass, sunn hemp and radish. This blend is composed of warm-season specie that will grow tremendous biomass if planted early enough in the summer. It is recommended to plant any time after July 1. Austin is ideal for following a small grain crop or a late harvest of forage triticale or oats. For best results of this cover crop plant before late August. The longer a cover crop has to grow, the more successful it will be. The sunn hemp will produce super amounts of nitrogen while the sorghumXsudangrass loosens the top soil.
Q Winter terminates, allowing time for a portion of the biomass to break down into OM.
Q Great summer canopy for weed control following a small grain crop.
Q Extreme biomass to build soil OM with.
Q With large biomass the total amount of nutrients recycled will be bigger.
CHEYENNECheyenne is a blend of radish and forage turnips designed for interseeding and is especially good for fall to early winter grazing. It is the most utilized of cover crops in areas that integrate livestock into a cropping plan. The forage turnip and radish will both sequester many nutrients and provide very high-quality forage to complement corn stalks.
Q This blend is cow-friendly and reduces the choking risk associated with bulb turnips.
Q Fast to establish, making more dry-matter tonnage than many other cover crops.
Q Winterkills in most areas so less management is needed in the spring.
INDYIndy is a blend of annual ryegrass, crimson clover and radish. This blend, when properly managed, has many benefits including erosion control, soil OM building and balanced nutrient release in the spring. This blend will have a lower winter survival than other blends depending on the winter and seeding time.
Q Great diversity for soil biology and building soils.
Q Great C:N ratios for superior nutrient release to following crops.
Q Fall grazing possibilities.
Q Compaction reduction with radish and annual ryegrass.
Q Spring termination plan is a must in areas where it doesn’t winterkill.
Q Excellent soil tilth following Indy.
Q Great for interseeding early into corn at V3–V7 stage.
JACKSONJackson is a blend of clover, radish, tankard turnip and leaf turnip. Diversity is the key to building soil structure; the various brassica types will stimulate soil biology with different rooting types and nutrient holding tanks. The clover builds nitrogen and assists in building OM. Ideally follow with a corn or grass crop to take advantage of the nitrogen accumulation.
Q Works great for following small grains back into corn.
Q Nutrient scavenging and faster release of nutrients.
Q Great for grazing.
Q Limited winter survival for less effort of spring termination.
LINCOLNLincoln is a cover crop with many applications for midsummer to early fall planting. This is a simple blend of radish and oats suited for first-time cover croppers that offers rapid establishment that will provide a quick canopy. The cool-season growth and combination of rooting types lead to excellent fall nutrient uptake.
Q Lincoln has good forage potential when seeding rates are increased.
Q Quick-to-establish Lincoln will give very good wind and water erosion control. In addition this blend will give good weed suppression seeded at higher rates.
Q Lincoln will release nutrients back to the next crop uniformly early to midseason.
NITRONitro is a blend of five different clovers and radish. This blend is formulated to offer diversity and build nitrogen. The radish scavenges free nitrogen and other nutrients in the soil to hold and then release in the spring. The clovers are a mix of winter hardy and active clovers. This allows for clover to build more nitrogen in the spring before termination.
Q As a cover crop that has a high probability of overwintering, termination will be necessary. This “plowdown” or simply sprayed-out cover will be a slower release of nitrogen back to the next crop.
Q The combination of radish and clover balances nutrient release and works great for a corn or grass crop to follow.
SPRINGFIELDSpringfield is a blend of triticale, crimson clover and radish. This blend has many of the attributes a producer is looking for in a cover crop. Of all the benefits a cover crop provides, this blend will deliver most if not all of them. This blend still needs to be planted later summer to early fall. The triticale is a winter-hardy cereal crop that will provide excellent cover and biomass in the spring. The crimson clover captures many nutrients in the fall and builds more nitrogen in the spring. The radish works great for nutrient capture and compaction alleviation.
Q Pulling in excess nutrients in the fall and spring.
Q Diversity for soil biology.
Q Balance for release of nutrients to the following crop.
Q Great wind and water erosion control.
Q Triticale has a longer window for termination in the spring.
Q Great grazing potential.
SUMMER BLENDSummer blend is a very diverse blend of warm season grasses, summer legumes and brassicas. This blend of 6+ species is very diverse, enhancing soil biology which in turns promotes soil health and structure. This blend is best planted late spring to late August. Earlier plantings will improve the grazing season or build a tremendous amount of forage or material to build soil OM. All specie in the blend are likely to winterkill, so planting any time after soils rise above 60 degrees until after small grains is important.
Q Developed first for a grazing blend, but has grown as a cover crop.
Q Huge biomass production.
Q Soil health and biology promotion.
Q Excellent grazer.
Q Wind, water erosion and compaction relief.
INTERSEEDING INTO STANDING CORNEarly interseeding into standing corn has been a practice for quite a while now, even though it seems like a new idea today. There have been years of testing and research to provide proof that this practice can be successful. Many universities have begun to do more intensive research on the philosophy of this practice. There have been hundreds of successful test plots from the Midwest to the East Coast.
The main thought behind early interseeding is providing an opportunity to get a cover crop established when typically there is adequate moisture and sunlight hitting the soil. As the canopy of the corn closes, the cover crop will go into a summer dormancy phase, where it maintains and does not continue to grow. During this phase it is not competing with your cash crop for nutrients. When the corn crop is physiologically mature or “black layers,” the corn canopy starts to open, allowing light to the cover crop for it to begin vegetative growth again and capture excess nutrients, keeping them from leaching away, plus allowing the next crop to access them.
There are many keys to making interseeding work. Timing is critical. Ideally, cover crops should be planted into the corn at the V-3–V-7 stage. If broadcasting the seed into a standing corn crop, the corn should be closer to the V-3 stage. If incorporating the seed with an interseeder or cultivator, then seed the cover crop later, up to the V-7 stage of development. It is crucial to have the seed placed in a timely fashion to ensure adequate moisture for establishing the seed and adequate sunlight for it to germinate. Broadcast seeding takes more time for the seed to germinate and develop a sturdy root system; this is why earlier seeding recommendations are made.
THINGS TO WATCH FOR Herbicide residual is the main concern for establishing a healthy cover crop and to allow a higher probability of success. Planning ahead when purchasing and applying herbicides on the fields you plan to interseed is of high importance. This helps reduce the risk of herbicide carryover that will injure or terminate the establishing cover crop.
Corn hybrid selection. Hybrid type will affect the growing cover crop; not all will be the same. Taller plants with dense canopies will allow little sunlight through the canopy, and this will reduce the success rate of the cover crop. Prairie Creek Seed has observed that annual ryegrass has survived in almost all scenarios, but too much shading effect increases the risk of killing the radish and the crimson clover. Using a high-flex corn hybrid with a lower plant population can help with the increased shading effect.
THE CORRECT SEED IS CRUCIALIt is very important to use the correct seed when early interseeding. Prairie Creek Seed is currently researching different species and varieties to identify shade tolerance and summer survival. We have had very good success with Rootmax Annual Ryegrass surviving in almost every case. We recommend Indy Mix, a blend of annual ryegrass, crimson clover and tillage radish.
COVER CROPS
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COVER CROPS
New name Basic componentsSpring N fixation
Summer N fixation
Fall N scavenging
Spring N scavenging
Speed of nutrient release Wind erosion Water erosion
Compaction alleviation
Organic matter builder
Winter survivability
Early interseeding
Late interseeding Spring grazing Fall grazing Graze
ALAMO Oats, Peas, Radish, Brassica 0 3 5 0 3 5 5 5 4 0 0 4 0 3 5
NITRO Radish, Red Clover, Crimson Clover, Balansa Clover, Alsike Clover, Berseem Clover
5 5 5 2 5 5 4 5 3 4 4 4 1 3 4
SUMMER BLEND
SxS, Sudangrass, Millet, Cowpeas, Brassica, Berseem
0 3 4 0 3 5 5 3 5 0 0 0 0 5 5
JACKSON Crimson Clover, Radish, Hybrid Brassica, Turnip 2 3 5 1 5 5 4 5 2 2 4 5 1 4 4
INDY Annual Ryegrass, Radish, Crimson Clover 2 3 5 4 4 5 5 5 3 4 5 5 3 4 4
LINCOLN Oats, Radish 0 0 5 0 4 5 5 5 4 0 0 5 0 4 5
SPRINGFIELD Triticale, Crimson Clover, Radish 2 2 5 5 3 5 5 5 4 5 0 5 4 4 5
AUSTIN SorghumXSudangrass, Sunn Hemp, Radish 0 4 5 0 3 5 5 5 5 0 0 0 0 4 4
CHEYENNE Radish, Brassica 0 0 5 0 4 5 3 5 4 0 4 4 0 2 5
SCALE 1–5 (1 = POOR, 5 = EXCELLENT) SCALE 1–5 (1 = POOR, 5 = EXCELLENT)
Variety Class General Spring N fixation Summer N fixation Fall N scavenging Spring N scavengingSpeed of
nutrient release Wind erosion Water erosionCompaction alleviation
Organic matter builder
Winter survivability Interseeding Spring grazing Fall grazing
Balansa Clover Legume 4 4 2 3 5 3 3 1 1 3 2 4 2
Berseem Clover Legume 0 4 2 0 5 3 3 1 1 0 2 0 4
Red Clover Legume 4 3 2 3 5 3 3 1 1 4 2 2 3
Crimson Clover Legume 3 3 2 3 5 3 3 2 1 2 4 4 2
Alsike Clover Legume 4 4 2 3 5 3 3 1 1 4 2 4 3
Birdsfoot Trefoil Legume 3 4 2 2 5 3 3 1 1 4 2 4 3
Hairy Vetch Legume 5 2 2 3 5 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 3
Sunn Hemp Legume 0 5 2 0 5 3 3 1 1 0 0 0 2
Winter Pea Legume 5 3 2 3 5 3 3 1 1 4 1 3 3
Lentil Legume 0 4 2 0 5 3 3 1 1 0 0 0 3
Cowpeas Legume 0 4 2 0 5 3 3 1 1 0 2 0 4
Field Pea Legume 3 4 2 0 5 3 3 1 1 0 2 0 3
TILLAGE RADISH Radish Brassica 0 0 5 0 4 5 3 5 5 0 4 0 4
Radish Brassica 0 0 4 0 4 5 3 4 5 0 3 0 4
GRAZA Forage Radish Brassica 0 0 4 0 3 5 4 3 5 0 3 0 5
Purple Top Turnip Brassica 0 0 4 0 4 5 3 3 5 0 3 0 5
WINFRED Rape Seed Brassica 0 0 4 0 3 5 4 3 5 1 3 0 5
BARKANT Tankard Turnip Brassica 0 0 4 0 4 5 3 4 5 0 3 0 5
HUNTER Forage Turnip Brassica 0 0 4 0 3 5 4 3 5 0 3 0 5
BARSICA Rape Seed Brassica 0 0 4 0 3 5 4 3 5 0 3 0 5
Oat Cereal 0 0 5 0 2 5 4 2 5 0 0 0 5
Triticale Cereal 0 0 5 5 2 5 5 3 5 5 0 5 4
Cereal Rye Cereal 0 0 5 5 1 5 5 3 5 5 0 5 3
ROOT MAXX Annual Ryegrass Grass 0 0 5 5 2 4 5 4 4 3 5 5 5
SorghumXSudangrass Grass 0 0 4 0 1 5 4 4 5 0 0 0 5
Millet Grass 0 0 4 0 1 5 4 3 5 0 0 0 5
Annual Ryegrass Grass 0 0 5 5 2 4 5 4 4 3 5 5 5
Italian Ryegrass Grass 0 0 5 5 2 4 5 4 4 3 5 5 5
Sunflower Broadleaf 0 0 3 0 1 3 4 3 4 0 0 0 3
Buckwheat Broadleaf 0 0 3 0 2 3 4 2 3 0 0 0 1
Sugar Beet Broadleaf 0 0 4 0 4 4 3 2 4 0 2 0 4
SCALE 1–5 (1 = POOR, 5 = EXCELLENT) SCALE 1–5 (1 = POOR, 5 = EXCELLENT)
BLENDS
INDIVIDUAL SPECIES
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COVER CROPS
Variety Class General Spring planting Summer planting Fall planting Early interseeding Late interseeding Aerial applications Aerial seeding rateBroadcast
seeding rate Drilled seeding rate Precicion planting
MIXES
ALAMO Blend Oats, Peas, Radish, Brassica 1 4 5 1 5 2 70–90# 50–80# 40–50# NR
NITRO Blend Radish, Red Clover, Crimson Clover, Balansa Clover, Alsike Clover, Berseem Clover
1 4 5 4 5 4 10–12# 8–10# 6–8# 6–8#
SUMMER BLEND Blend SorghumXSudangrass, Sudangrass, Millet, Cowpeas, Brassica, Berseem Clover
2 5 1 1 1 1 NR NR 15–30# NR
JACKSON Blend Crimson Clover, Radish, Hybrid Brassica, Turnip 1 4 5 3 4 4 10–12# 8–10# 6–8# NR
INDY Blend Annual Ryegrass, Radish, Crimson Clover 1 3 4 5 5 4 18–22# 17–20# 15–17# 12–14#
LINCOLN Blend Oats, Radish 2 4 5 1 5 5 32–34# 30–35# 25–30# 18–22#
SPRINGFIELD Blend Triticale, Crimson Clover, Radish 1 3 5 1 5 5 55–60# 50–55# 35–45# 30–34#
AUSTIN Blend SorghumXSudangrass, Sunn Hemp, Radish 1 5 1 1 1 1 NR NR 14–16# 12–14#
CHEYENNE Blend Radish, Brassica 1 4 5 4 5 5 6–8# 5–7# 4–6# 3–5#
SINGLE SPECIES
Balansa Clover Legume 4 3 3 4 4 4 8–10# 6–9# 5–8# 4–6#
Berseem Clover Legume 4 3 1 2 2 1 NR 15–20# 8–12# 6–9#
Red Clover Legume 3 4 5 3 3 4 12–15# 10–12# 8–10# 6–8#
Crimson Clover Legume 3 4 5 5 5 4 20–25# 20–25# 15–20# 10–15#
Alsike Clover Legume 3 4 4 4 3 3 NR 8–9# 7–8# NR
Birdsfoot Trefoil Legume 3 1 4 1 1 1 NR 8–10# 5–8# NR
Hairy Vetch Legume 3 4 5 3 3 3 25–35# 25–35# 15–20# 10–15#
Sunn Hemp Legume 1 4 1 1 1 1 NR 18–20# 15–18# 8–10#
Winter Pea Legume 1 1 5 1 1 3 NR NR 35–45# 22–28#
Lentil Legume 4 4 1 1 1 2 NR 25–35# 15–20# 6–8#
Cowpeas Legume 3 4 1 1 1 1 NR 80–100# 40–60# 30–40#
Field Pea Legume 4 1 4 1 1 2 NR 90–100# 50–80# 20–30#
TILLAGE RADISH Radish Brassica 1 4 5 3 5 5 9–10# 7–8# 5–7# 3–4#
PICK AXE Radish Brassica 1 3 4 3 4 4 11–12# 9–10# 7–9# NR
GRAZA Forage Radish Brassica 4 5 4 3 4 4 11–12# 9–10# 6–8# 3–4#
Purple Top Turnip Brassica 1 4 5 3 4 4 8–9# 7–8# 5–7# NR
WINFRED Rape Seed Brassica 5 5 1 3 4 4 8–9# 6–7# 4–5# 2–3#
BARKANT Tankard Turnip Brassica 1 5 4 1 4 4 5–6# 4–5# 3–4# 2–3#
HUNTER Forage Turnip Brassica 4 5 4 1 4 3 8–9# 6–7# 4–5# 2–3#
BARSICA Rape Seed Brassica 1 5 4 1 4 3 8–9# 6–7# 4–5# 2–3#
Oat Cereal 5 4 4 1 3 4 110–120# 90–110# 75–85# 50–60#
Triticale Cereal 1 1 5 1 5 4 75–85# 70–75# 55–65# 40–45#
Cereal Rye Cereal 1 1 5 1 5 4 100–120# 90–100# 60–80# 40–50#
ROOT MAXX Annual Ryegrass Grass 3 1 5 5 5 4 18–20# 15–17# 11–13# 10–12#
SorghumXSudangrass Grass 3 5 1 1 1 1 NR 30–35# 35–45# 20–22#
Millet Grass 3 5 1 1 1 1 NR 25–30# 20–25# 14–16#
Annual Ryegrass Grass 3 1 5 5 5 4 30–35# 20–30# 10–20# 8–10#
Italian Ryegrass Grass 5 4 4 1 4 4 35–45# 25–35# 15–25# 10–12#
Sunflower Broadleaf 5 4 1 1 1 1 NR NR 8–9# 6–8#
Buckwheat Broadleaf 3 4 1 1 1 1 NR NR 50–55# NR
Sugar Beet Broadleaf 4 4 2 1 2 2 NR 6–8# 4–6# 3–4#
NR = Not Recommended
PLANTING CHART
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Unique aggressive taproot reaches
deeper than most tillage implements.
Fine roots extend laterally from the aggressive taproot.
Soaks up N and other key soil nutrients shown in the shallow and deeper areas of the soil profile. Roots reach
deeper through tighter soils, which improves drainage and air movement deep in the soil.
Winterkills when temperatures drop to the mid-teens.
Helps warm soil in the spring.
Dense foliage shades out winter annual weeds.
May suppress nematodes.
Air and water penetrate deep into the soil through the voids and channels left by Tillage Radish decay.
Research shows the greatest amount of available N is in April through May, when emerging crops need it most.
SPRING
WEED SUPPRESSION
The Dense Tillage Radish foliage forms a thick canopy, so most winter annual weeds never see the light of day. Herbicide burndown can be reduced.
SOIL CONDITIONING
As Tillage Radish decays, voids are left in the soil, with holes in the compaction zone created by the taproot. This means greater air and water circulation in the soil, increased microbial activity and much easier planting.
DECAY AND RELEASE
As soil temperatures rise, nutrients are released back into the root zone, where they are available for the following crop.
FALL
PLANTING
Plant after July 15 and 30–45 days before first expected freeze. Emerges in about a week.
Radish size depends on growth time, plant competition and available nutrients to scavenge.
NUTRIENT SCAVENGING
Tillage Radish® absorbs nitrogen (N) and other key nutrients, including those from manure, and releases them in spring.
WINTER
NITROGEN OVERWINTERS
Tillage Radish holds soil nutrients through winter. Consecutive nights with temperatures ranging between 15 degrees F to 18 degrees F terminate them. In warm regions, standard broadleaf herbicide burndown is recommended.
Control with mowing, grazing or herbicide burndown by applying one quart glyphosate mixed with one pint of 2,4-D at flowering.
COVER CROPS
PLANTING TIPS AND SEEDING RATESPlanting: Plant 3–10 weeks prior to first killing freeze.
Seeding Depth: 0.25–0.5" – Can be planted 1" in light soils if necessary to reach moisture. Comparable seed on drill chart is Alfalfa (reduce by 10%).
Seeding Rate:
Q Drilling (7.5" rows): 6 lbs/acre
Q Broadcast / Aerial: 8–10 lbs/acre
Q Precision Planting (15" with 4" in-row spacing): 4 lbs/acre (Kinze Brush Meter with Backing Plate – Small Sugar Beet Plate set to 100K Pop)
Q For Forage: Increase drilling rate to 8–10 lbs/acre
Control: Tillage Radish® winter kills with three nights in the mid-teens. If planted very early as a cover crop, flowering can develop before they are winter killed. This can be controlled with mowing, grazing or burndown using one quart of glyphosate along with one pint of 2,4-D at flowering.
UNIQUE, EXCLUSIVE GENETICS SPECIFICALLY SELECTED FOR USE AS A COVER CROP
Tillage Radish® is one of the few products commercialized specifically as a cover crop because of its performance during 10+ years of screening. It’s a good choice for those with little or no experience in growing cover crops.
Easy Control In areas where it is winter-terminated, no separate herbicide application is necessary in the spring. Because of winter termination and the low C:N ratio, nutrients scavenged by Tillage Radish® are more available to the subsequent crop. When used as part of a grazing mix with small grains or annual ryegrass, it can increase protein and minerals as well as overall yield in the spring.
Several properties of Tillage Radish® make it an excellent cover crop for use in many rotations.
KEY BENEFITS:
Q Fast-growing fall cover crop
Q Good N scavenging
Q Winter terminates
Q Can suppress weeds
Q Good wind erosion control
Q Large biomass potential
Q High sulfur uptake
Q Deep singular taproot
Q Favorable C:N ratio for rapid breakdown and release of N
Q Higher percentage of below- ground biomass than other cover crops
Powerful Taproot One key to its rapid growth is the strong taproot that can reach down to 6 ft. or more, bringing up nutrients from lower in the soil and creating root channels for the following crop that have been proven to increase corn rooting mass at lower depths in the soil. This increase in corn rooting mass and depth increases corn yields.
More Biomass Because of its rapid fall growth, Tillage Radish® accumulates more fall biomass than any other species, taking up more nitrogen, potassium and sulfur than other cover crops grown in this time frame. This rapid growth will also outcompete most fall weeds, and these weed suppressing benefits can last through spring.
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21995 Fillmore Road | Cascade, Iowa 52033 | 877.754.4019
www.PrairieCreekSeed.com