New seeds have at least four mixes

CO-OPS and most other merchants have good-quality grass seed mixes, formulated by seed experts, Teagasc at local level, and Moorepark, to suit different farm situations, and only the top varieties are included. I notice new (recommended) varieties in seed merchants’ catalogues this year.

Most have at least four mixes to suit different situations. The price of seed mixes has gone up this year, costing €50 to € 55 per acre, but there may be cheaper varieties which should not be used. For example, Dairygold Co-op has four standard mixes. They include 30 to 40% tetraploids. The number one mix is designed for grazing and one-cut silage. A one-acre mix includes 3.0kg of Tyrella; 3.25kg of Sorienta, which has a dense growth pattern; and 4kg of Astonenergy, plus 0.625kg of Barblanca clover and 0.625kg of Crusader clover. The modern trend is to include only three varieties of ryegrass in a mix.

The Dairygold number two mix is designed for areas that will normally be cut twice for silage. It includes 4kg of Abermajic, 3kg of Solomon, and 4kg of Trend or Glencar. The number three mix is designed for intensive, early grazing, and the number four mix is for wet land, and contains some Timothy.