12 new varieties added to the Recommended Grass & Clover Lists

Varieties are rigorously tested for factors such as total and seasonal yield
Varieties are rigorously tested for factors such as total and seasonal yield

Farmers wanting to improve their grassland can now choose from 11 new varieties of ryegrass and one white clover variety when planning for reseeding.

The new varieties have been added to the 2018/2019 Recommended Grass and Clover Lists (RGCL). The lists give details on the performance and characteristics of each variety.

The 12 new varieties in the RGCL are made up of 11 different ryegrass species and one white clover variety.

Knowing the performance characteristics of grass and clover is immensely useful for grassland producers. It allows appropriate selection of varieties that will perform well for a particular system.

The RGCL is drawn up after rigorous testing for attributes such as yield, persistency, quality and disease resistance. The data come from trials carried out by the NIAB-TAG, Barenbrug, IBERS, DLF Seeds, DSV, AFBI and SRUC, and are evaluated by a panel of experts.

Dr Liz Genever, AHDB Senior Scientist explained: “When thinking about reseeding they are an invaluable tool, helping farmers make informed decisions with their seed merchants about the varieties that will perform best on their farm and help them get the most out of their grassland.

“Only grasses and clovers that have undergone at least four years of independent testing are included in the lists.”

Dr Genever added: “Varieties are rigorously tested for factors such as total and seasonal yield, feed quality, disease and persistence before making the Recommended Grass and Clover Lists.”

In addition to providing information on the varieties, the RGCL also includes a range of technical information for farmers on how they can manage their reseed and maximise the productivity of their grassland.