New Barmix gives outstanding yield from lower inputs

Barenbrug has unveiled a new forage mixture which it says delivers a sward with exceptional yield from lower fertiliser inputs, outstanding early season growth and excellent drought tolerance. Called BARMIX, it is a unique blend of modern, Barenbrug-bred soft-leaved tall fescues, Timothy and cocksfoot, with perennial and hybrid ryegrasses and Ensign white clover.

The new mixture is the result of a joint, long-term research project by Barenbrug in association with CAFRE and AFBI in Northern Ireland. The research looked at the performance of modern varieties of tall and meadow fescues, grazing brome, cocksfoot and Timothy under high and low nitrogen and organic treatments both in trials and on-farm grazing and cutting situations.

Barenbrug's David Long commented: "In replicated trials, BARMIX produced grass dry matter yields significantly higher than top quality perennial ryegrass mixtures. Under a high nitrogen regime it out-yielded perennial ryegrass by 8 per cent, and under an organic management – where the nitrogen is supplied by clover – BARMIX produced a massive 19 per cent increase in yield over ryegrass mixtures.

"BARMIX has a higher protein and structural fibre content than perennial ryegrasses, but is lower in sugar, which makes it an ideal companion to traditional ryegrass swards. Its fibre content can provide increased rumen stimulation for dairy cows to make best use of high D silage, while providing an excellent silage for suckler cows, beef and lamb production."

Tall fescue has a degree of winter growth, which together with cocksfoot's excellent spring growth, give BARMIX outstanding early season production, ideal for lambing, early turnout or silage production.

"BARMIX really does give more from less," adds David Long. "It produces a high palatability sward, and animals in grazing trials have shown a preference for the mixture. It also has excellent drought tolerance. The root structure of tall fescue can penetrate down to 1.5m, thereby drawing nutrients from much deeper. In addition, it's extremely tolerant of waterlogged soils."

For a copy of the BARMIX leaflet, which includes full product details and the latest trials results, call 01359 272000 or email: info@baruk.co.uk