Mayo demo: Reseeding most cost-effective on farm investment

DESPITE the initial cost of reseeding, the long-term rewards are well proven, making it one of the most cost-effective investments you can make on your farm. That was one of the main take away messages from a Homeland reseeding demonstration event held on the Slattery family farm in Roundfort, south Mayo, recently.

Local farm commercial specialist David Whelan told the large crowd in attendance that there are many benefits of reseeding, including increased grass growth, faster re-growths and a 25% improved response to nitrogen fertiliser.

He explained that the increased profitability resulting from these benefits means that on average, the cost of reseeding is recouped in just two to three years. David advised, however, that for a successful reseed, it is important the basic principles of grassland establishment are adhered to.

A number of speakers discussed key areas for a successful reseed, with an overview of some popular methods of reseeding through a live demonstration on the evening.

John O’Loughlin from Grassland Agro explained how sub-optimal soil fertility can limit the potential of a reseed to establish well and persist, and advised the large crowd that the starting point in ensuring adequate soil fertility is to soil test prior to reseeding.

Michael Casey from Bayer reminded attendees that properly burning off the old sward is an important step, particularly to control weeds, and advised to use correct application rates and allow adequate time between spraying and cultivations (five days for Roundup products).

When selecting a grass seed mixture, the first thing to consider is the primary use of the field - is it mainly grazed or generally used as a silage paddock? That was the advice from Diarmuid Murphy from Germinal Ireland.

“Choose mixtures containing the best performing varieties on the Teagasc Pasture Profit Index,” Diarmuid recommended. He also outlined the grazing management of a new reseed with frequent grazing at light covers key to encouraging tillering of the new grass plants.

Dr. Mary McEvoy from Germinal Ireland discussed the advantages of including white clover in grass seed mixtures, red clover silage management and multi species swards. A display of plants commonly included in multi species swards received great interest from attendees.

John Boylan from Whelehan Crop Protection outlined the importance of post emergence weed control, stating that to achieve the best lifetime control of docks in a sward, eradicating the dock at the seedling stage in a reseed is the best opportunity.

John said that weeds are best controlled when the grass is at the 2-3 leaf stage and herbicide choice will depend on the presence of clover.

The challenge of controlling weeds in reseeds containing clover was raised by a member of the crowd, and John explained that “controlling weeds in newly sown leys containing white clover has become easier following the introduction of ProClova XL, the new herbicide manufactured by Corteva Agriscience”.

He outlined that for best results, ProClova XL should be used when grass is at the tillering stage and the clover has 3 trifoliate leaves.

Justin Commins from Aurivo outlined the supports available to farmers through the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) and the Water EIP to put actions in place on farm that will improve water quality.

Following the technical stands the crowd made their way into a field that had been burned off in advance to get an overview of reseeding methods. Daniel Hession, technical manager with Aurivo Agribusiness, said how paddocks are prepared for reseeding depends on soil type, the amount of underlying stone and machine/contractor availability. “The effect of reseeding method has been previously investigated at Teagasc Moorepark, where discing, one-pass and direct drilling were compared to ploughing and the conclusion was that all methods when completed correctly are equally effective,” Hession explained.

First up in the live demonstration of methods was Padraic Walsh of A & JJ Walsh Agri Contractors with the Alstrong Actus. John Joe Walsh of A & JJ Walsh explained that the Alstrong Actus is a one-pass machine suitable for sowing grass seed in ploughed ground, disced ground, burned off or existing pasture. “It gives great soil to seed contact, leading to a quicker turnaround,” he said.

Next, Dwayne Campbell of Campbell Agri demonstrated the Erth Agriseeder, outlining that the agriseeder is a direct drilling method with the seed ‘dropped’ into a slot in the ground. “It leaves a firm surface with minimal disturbance, leads to less moisture loss and does not drag trash,” he explained. Both methods are suitable for over sowing clover.

Attendees had the opportunity to look at another field that was disced and seeded using the Alstrong Actus in advance of the event. The field was burned off before being disced and seeded with Homeland Super Graze High-D grass seed mixture at 14kg/acre seven days earlier.

Summarising key points relating to methods, Daniel Hession said: “Regardless of the method used there are a few key steps to a successful outcome, including mowing or grazing the field tightly before seeding to minimise surface thrash, apply lime at 2T/acre, roll after sowing and ensuring good seed to soil contact is essential.”

Daniel thanked all who attended and all involved in making the event possible, in particular the Slattery family, the Homeland team, Homeland suppliers and local contractors.