The FVI rating system helps Australian dairy producers make better-informed decisions when choosing a perennial ryegrass cultivar. It provides an accurate, reliable and independent assessment of the potential economic benefit of perennial ryegrass cultivars in different dairy regions of south-east Australia.
The FVI is calculated by multiplying a cultivars dry matter performance value by its economic value, and Base AR37 perennial ryegrass topped the rankings across all four areas tested in south-west Victoria, Gippsland, northern Victoria and Tasmania for 2022.
“This is a fantastic result, once again for Base AR37,” DLF Seeds national sales and marketing manager Jason Agars said.
“This result, coupled with the fact that it’s Australian bred, really demonstrates its value to Australian farmers. The performance of Base AR37 in our conditions is exceptional and its fit across farming systems in southern Australia continues to expand. In the current environment, with strong milk and red meat markets, it makes a lot of sense to choose the variety that will drive the most productivity”.
AR37 endophyte provides Base with the best balance of pasture production and persistence, insect control, higher tiller density over time and increased total dry matter production compared to ryegrass cultivars containing AR1 or nil endophyte.
“AR37 really takes ryegrass pasture persistence to a premium level providing protection against Argentine stem weevil, pasture mealy bug, African black beetle and root aphid,” national product development manager Isaac Berry said.
“Autumn recovery is a true standout for Base AR37, and this can be attributed to AR37 providing protection during critical times allowing Base to maintain a high tiller density and recover faster when the autumn break occurs”.
Tim Calder from Meeniyan, Victoria used to have issues with African black beetle.
“Several years ago, African black beetle appeared on our farm decimating our Italian and some permanent ryegrass pastures which brought about a change in pasture variety selection on our farm,” he said.
“I wanted a tetraploid perennial that was persistent, palatable and responsive to summer and early autumn rains. Having evaluated several varieties on our farm, I now use Base AR37 perennial ryegrass almost exclusively in our pasture improvement program. A particular feature of it is its persistency, (I have many paddocks untouched for over five years) and its ability to maintain feed quality into the early summer.
“It has also been a reliable performer in producing good quality silage in large quantities with up to three cuts on some out paddocks.”
Base AR37 is Australian bred for Australian conditions and has been the number one performer in the FVI for five consecutive years since 2018.
Additional information on the Australian Forage Value Index and the 2021 Forage Value Index Pasture Tables can be found on the Dairy Australia website
For more information on Base AR37 perennial ryegrass contact 1800 619 910 or visit dlfseeds.com.au or pggwrightsonseeds.com.au
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