SUBMENU
TESTIMONIALS
Adopting the latest innovative grasses is just one of the projects being tackled in a major development programme on the property of an award-winning Maori farming partnership north of Gisborne.
Pakarae Whangara B5 Partnership is midway through a $2 million, five-year development including fencing, fertiliser, regrassing and reticulated water systems for stock. The extensive 5600 hectare hill property has 11 full-time staff and carries 50,000 stock units following the joining of two neighbouring Maori incorporations of Ngati Konohi in 2006 to provide economies of scale.
Richard Scholefield with Joanne Amyes
- Exceptional tiller density for even better persistence
- Very late heading date (25 days later than Nui)
- Exceptional feed quality especially in summer
- No Lolitrem B (the main agent causing ryegrass staggers)
- Endo5 provides protection against Argentine Stem Weevil, Pasture Mealy Bug and adult Black Beetle
Persistence
Quartet II has introduced Dutch genetics into the Quartet breeding pool and this has improved tiller density, providing a much more robust tetraploid, better able to withstand hard grazing. Quartet II could be used on harder country and tolerates short periods of set stocking.
Pasture Quality
Quartet II has very low aftermath heading which means it has exceptional summer quality.
Sowing and Establishment
Quartet II (tetraploid) seed is heavier than diploid seed, so ideally Quartet II should be sown at a 40% higher rate than diploid cultivars. Sow at a minimum of 22 kg/ha in a mix with SUPERSTRIKE® clover. Quartet II performs best on sites with reasonable soil moisture and medium to high fertility.
Grazing Management
While continual overgrazing of Quartet II is not recommended, the introduction of Dutch genetics into this variety has lead to a more dense sward which can tolerate harder grazing. Quartet II has very high palatability so stock may graze it to lower residuals than diploid perennial ryegrasses. As Quartet II Endo5 contains Ergovaline for insect protection, avoid prolonged set stocking or grazing of fresh regrowth of these pastures during summer and autumn.