On 1 February, DairyNZ released its latest rankings for the national Forage Value Index.

 

These are always a must-read before any ryegrass cultivar decisions are made, and this year we are happy to report that Trojan NEA2, Shogun NEA and Tabu+ have once again nailed the highest 5 star ranking.

 

So whether you’re looking for perennial, hybrid or winter feed options, we have the bases covered!

 

Thanks to our plant breeding team, which continues to develop class-leading cultivars, we have the widest range of 5 star ryegrasses available.

 

Just a reminder of what these rankings stand for. Pastures with 5 stars have the highest extra farm operating profit per ha compared with old ryegrass genetics.

 

If we use Tabu+ for winter feed as an example, that translates to extra value of $318-$447 per ha, depending on which region you’re looking at.

 

The old commons Moata and Tama by comparison are 1 star cultivars, and their ‘value’ for winter feed ranges from a loss of $43 per ha to a gain of just $72.

 

The difference is even bigger in the 12 month rankings. The 5 star profit benefit of Shogun NEA and Tabu+ in this category ranges from $509-$828 per ha, again depending on region.

 

Meantime Moata at 1 star ranges from a loss of $193 per ha to a gain of $91.

 

In the perennials, the extra profit delivered by 5 star Trojan NEA2 ranges from $413-$590 per ha each year, depending on region. Compare that with 1 star Nui, which ranges from a loss of $45 per ha to a small gain of $80.

 

Looking at these numbers, the question is not ‘why would you sow Trojan, Shogun or Tabu+?’ but rather ‘why wouldn’t you?’