Persistence to
Perform
Quantum II
Tall fescue
- Excellent annual dry matter production
- Very good disease resistance
- Improved digestibility and metabolisable energy (MJME)
- Low aftermath heading
- New Zealand bred for local conditions
Quantum II tall fescue is a deep rooted, robust, productive tall fescue that is more persistent than perennial ryegrass and can tolerate waterlogging, salinity, grass grub, heat and drought.
Sowing and Establishment
Tall fescue has a relatively slow seedling growth compared to perennial ryegrass, so should not be sown in ryegrass mixtures. Sow in spring or early autumn at 22-32 kg/ha (Superstrike® treated seed) with 4-6 kg/ha Superstrike treated white clover and with Grasslands Puna II chicory. Sow within the range of 5-15 mm, certainly not deeper. Tall fescue performs best with good soil fertility and regular use of nitrogen.
- Pasture Life 5 years+
Grazing Management
Take care not to overgraze during establishment – short, quick grazings are best. Avoid allowing tall fescue pastures to decline in quality, as palatability decreases markedly.
To maintain maximum quality and palatability, tall fescue pastures should be maintained at a post-grazing residual of 10-15 cm.
EXAMPLE PASTURE MIXES
Dairy Pasture Mix
Quantum II tall fescue 22-28 kg/ha
Legacy white clover 2 kg/ha
Quartz white clover 2 kg/ha
Sheep and Beef Pasture Mix
Quantum II tall fescue 22-28 kg/ha
Quartz white clover 2 kg/ha
Hilltop white clover 2 kg/ha
For increased animal performance, nitrogen fixation and pasture management, add Amigain red clover to pasture mixes at 4-6 kg/ha.
- Grazing Method Rotational Grazed – Long Term
Quantum II tall fescue is used in a dryland situation, with 140 hectares of a tall fescue/white clover mix and 150 hectares of a tall fescue and Stamina 5 lucerne mix sown last season. “Mainly used for finishing lambs and trading cattle, we are pleased with the weight gains achieved. Carcass yields were also better,” says Steve.
