How much water do grass seed crops need? When are the critical application times? Can you over-water? What happens if they don’t get enough? FAR’s Herbage Research Manager, Richard Chynoweth, explains that grass seed crops need water at both ends of the growing season, first to form and then to fill seed heads. He also outlines the benefits of soil moisture monitoring. 

Each month Cut the Crop! takes an on-air road trip, stopping off with FAR growers in the regions to find out what’s on their minds.

This month, we’re with Chris Dillon in Gore, Earl Worsfold in Darfield, Simon White in Otane and Graeme Austin in the Waikato, talking about irrigation, snow, environmental regulation and a whole host of other interesting stuff.

How much do bees like radish and carrot seed crops? Are there any other options to add to the pollination mix? In the episode, we talk to Brad Howlett from Plant & Food Research about the role of alternative pollinators, and some SIRC funded research which is focusing on DIY drone fly delivery services.

FAR’s Technology research and extension manager, Allister Holmes, outlines his role and some of the projects he’s working on across a range of North and South Island crops. He also discusses some of the challenges involved in making the best use of farm data, and how they are being dealt with here and overseas.

Arable farmer David Birkett explains that the regenerative agriculture label can encompass everything from organic to conventional systems, and outlines his regen ag goal of developing a system to protect the soil and reduce synthetic inputs while maintaining yield and profit. He also notes that while regen ag is being promoted as the latest thing, many of its approaches are quite traditional.

FAR herbage researcher Richard Chynoweth explains why Italian and perennial grasses need different treatment, the importance of grazing and silage cutting heights, and how using your eyes instead of your calendar to make final decisions can make a big difference to your final seed yields.

He also has a warning about keeping all traffic to tramlines in seed crops.

Read more in Cropping Strategies: Closing date in ryegrass seed crops

Uneven lime spreading can add to paddock and crop yield variability. Allister Holmes talks to Alison Stewart about what the research has shown about just how variable lime spreading can be within a single paddock, and what can be done to ensure more uniform application.

Read more: X125 Reducing variability in lime application by ground spreaders

Soil N test results are all over the place this spring. In this episode, FAR’s Richard Chynoweth discusses N testing, N-use efficiency and how it all impacts on grass seed yields. He also touches on liquid N and fertigation, foliar testing and a whole lot more!

Resources:

FAR Strategy Issue 5 - Nitrogen in Perennial Ryegrass Seed Crops

Paddock selection, planting speed and harvest drum settings will all affect seed pea yield and quality. Adrian Russell from Plant Research (NZ) Ltd reminds Alison Stewart how important it is to get the basics right and outlines some interesting pea breeding projects that are underway.

www.cutthecrop.co.nz

This month, we’re with Henry Callaghan in Fairlie, Matt McEvedy in Southbridge, Bill Webb in Te Puke and David Wordsworth in Dargaville, talking about contracts for seed and spring grain crops, conditions for spring sowing and preparation for maize, labour availability and the impact of the recent flooding in Northland.

www.cutthecrop.co.nz