More growth, more quality, less impact: the new generation of forage

Succulent, high-yielding and lighter on the environment, the latest hybrid ryegrass from Barenbrug ticks all the boxes this season.

Forge is ideal for farmers adapting their systems to fast-changing social, climate and market expectations. The tetraploid hybrid has recorded 14–28% more year-round growth than other hybrids over three years in national trials.

Extra dry matter is useful, but consistent growth across all seasons gives farmers more flexibility. Forge performs strongly in autumn, winter and early spring, when high-quality, home-grown feed is most valuable. Its cool-season growth also helps soak up excess soil nitrogen, reducing leaching risk. Trials show Forge produced 14–33% more dry matter in autumn and 15–36% more in winter than other hybrids, with at least 14% higher annual yield. Over three to five years, it grows about 1.4 tonnes more DM per hectare than a high-performance perennial.

As a tetraploid, Forge is juicy, palatable and legume-friendly, encouraging higher intake and optimal performance from cattle, sheep and deer. Its high metabolisable energy and palatability help farmers maintain output with fewer livestock, lowering nitrate leaching and greenhouse gas emissions. Persistence in trials and on farm has been very good for a tetraploid hybrid, making it a strong medium-term option between Shogun hybrid ryegrass and 4Front perennial ryegrass. Shogun remains best for one- to three-year pastures or undersowing, while Forge is transformative as a three- to five-year pasture. Seed is available now for spring sowing.

501 CHICORY

501 Chicory is a fast-establishing, fast-growing annual that benefits farmers, animals and the environment. It delivers high dry matter yield, quick establishment, excellent quality and climatic resilience, keeping animals well-fed in summer and autumn. Research shows cows grazing chicory excrete significantly less nitrogen per urination, lowering the environmental impact compared with ryegrass-clover pastures.

501 Chicory outperforms other annuals in dry matter production. Trials show it can grow 550 kg DM/ha more than Choice, equating to around $390/ha extra income (based on $8/kg MS). Its deep tap roots improve soil structure, mine deep N and other minerals, and help redistribute nutrients efficiently via grazing. It is low-risk for facial eczema, doesn’t require insecticide sprays, and is more drought-resilient than ryegrass. It’s also suitable for parasite management in lambs and young cattle, and establishes well in sensitive catchments with minimal tillage.

For best results, sow 501 Chicory early when soil is moist and temperatures are above 12°C, using treated seed at 10 kg/ha, no deeper than 1 cm.

For more information on Barenbrug forage cultivars, contact your local area manager.