AB15 2 year legume fallow

Grass And Grain

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Yorks
One I could mention is Shepherd Seeds. PRG mixed with Lucerne and the other legumes. I think some grass inclusion is important to ensure that at least something grows - esp in the first winter/spring.
Thanks for that.

I was also thinking the exact same reason for adding grass. I was thinking of maybe Timothy though, as might not cause so many volunteer issues in the following cereals crops. I get ryegrass coming for at least 2-3 years after a grass ley, then have to spend on Axial to get rid of it. Timothy might be better?
 

Fat hen

Member
@Great In Grass has been very good to me in the past

Have they reduced the legume/flower inclusion rates @Fat hen ?

The pricey part is the grass seed. The lucerne based legume mix is cheap. But I've added in some grass to ensure ground coverage. Seems they are allowed to do that.
Last thing I want is BG & bare patches! I dont find vetch to be prolific, disappears after first cut. Lucerne doesnt like heavy ground. So then you're dependent on clover which doesnt appear til May
 
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Fat hen

Member
Thanks for that.

I was also thinking the exact same reason for adding grass. I was thinking of maybe Timothy though, as might not cause so many volunteer issues in the following cereals crops. I get ryegrass coming for at least 2-3 years after a grass ley, then have to spend on Axial to get rid of it. Timothy might be better?
My thoughts too. Not had any PRG volunteers of note but it never gives up heading. When you see a fields of seed heads it makes u feel you got to cut it again.
What do you know about Timothy, (except the silly name?)
 

Grass And Grain

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Yorks
My thoughts too. Not had any PRG volunteers of note but it never gives up heading. When you see a fields of seed heads it makes u feel you got to cut it again.
What do you know about Timothy, (except the silly name?)
Don't know much about Timothy, other than the hay trade like it, so presumed it was a bit of a later maturing species. Also I've never heard of it becoming an arable weed, so it was just a thought.

I asked my agronomist, and he wasn't certain, but thought there would be much less chance of it becoming an arable weed in the following cereal crops. Would be interesting if anyone else had any thoughts.

I'm thinking it must be better than risking planting ryegrass in a cereal rotation. Wasn't there something about the cultivated ryegrass possibly being resistant to selective herbicides.
 

Grass And Grain

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Yorks
Had a specific question abour red vs white clover, so posted a new thread...

 

farmerm

Member
Location
Shropshire
Is this still available? As in applying before May and then sowing in August 22. Thanks
I believe it works like so.... you in apply in May 22 you sow in August 22 and then you hear if your application has been successful January 23..... :rolleyes: Else you apply May 22, sow barley in October 22, have application approved Jan 23, sow in August 23 and don't include AB15 in your claim for 22... :whistle:
 

Samcowman

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Cornwall
I believe it works like so.... you in apply in May 22 you sow in August 22 and then you hear if your application has been successful January 23..... :rolleyes: Else you apply May 22, sow barley in October 22, have application approved Jan 23, sow in August 23 and don't include AB15 in your claim for 22... :whistle:
It’s sown in autumn of year 1 of the agreement so you get to harvest your cash crop and do get paid for the ab15 in that year so only lose 4 years cash crop for the 5 year agreement
 

teslacoils

Member
Arable Farmer
Location
Lincolnshire
This will be the last year of ab15. It will be replaced by ab6 stubbles now it's been confirmed that we can broadcast a cover crop onto them. Earlier entry, better weed control, cheaper costs make it fit my rotation better. And at over £200/AC it really puts a base in rents and avoids the need to grow sodding beans.
 

Hjwise

Member
Mixed Farmer
It’s on land reinstated after a gravel pit, which is very hard to grow on. Hoping this will add a bit of OM and nutrients.
 

teslacoils

Member
Arable Farmer
Location
Lincolnshire
It’s on land reinstated after a gravel pit, which is very hard to grow on. Hoping this will add a bit of OM and nutrients.

I grew some ace wheat after it. And yes it increased soil OM a little bit. But having tried with the grass less mix, and in a variety of situations, the establishment risk on our clays is too high. Three bloody times this last block gas taken to establish and even now I'd say it was nothing like the first block we did. The owls like it, as do the spiders and insects. Birds seem to prefer the stubbles and the more intense managed grass with the short stubbles.
 

BenAdamsAgri

Member
BASE UK Member
Location
Oxfordshire
This will be the last year of ab15. It will be replaced by ab6 stubbles now it's been confirmed that we can broadcast a cover crop onto them. Earlier entry, better weed control, cheaper costs make it fit my rotation better. And at over £200/AC it really puts a base in rents and avoids the need to grow sodding beans.
where did you hear this about ab6?
 

Hindsight

Member
Location
Lincolnshire
I believe it works like so.... you in apply in May 22 you sow in August 22 and then you hear if your application has been successful January 23..... :rolleyes: Else you apply May 22, sow barley in October 22, have application approved Jan 23, sow in August 23 and don't include AB15 in your claim for 22... :whistle:
No. You apply May 22. And if successful sow in August 23. YOu actually get a cash crop chance in 2023 and then just 4 years in Actual AB15 cover.
 
This will be the last year of ab15. It will be replaced by ab6 stubbles now it's been confirmed that we can broadcast a cover crop onto them. Earlier entry, better weed control, cheaper costs make it fit my rotation better. And at over £200/AC it really puts a base in rents and avoids the need to grow sodding beans.
Are you sure you can do this
stubble needs to be on land not subject to run off on the fer
 

teslacoils

Member
Arable Farmer
Location
Lincolnshire
Broadcast a cover crop?

If so then yes, the question was put to DEFRA by another forum member and they replied that it was fine. The stubble needs to be retained, hence drilling would not in my opinion be suitable. What mix would work and timing it infront of a good rain are all issues, along with any permitted weed control options. But at worst it would be some extra bird food. At best a valuable carbon sponge.
 
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BenAdamsAgri

Member
BASE UK Member
Location
Oxfordshire
Broadcast a cover crop?

If so then yes, the question was put to DEFRA by another forum member and they replied that it was fine. The stubble needs to be retained, hence drilling would not in my opinion be suitable. What mix would work and timing it infront of a good rain are all issues, along with any permitted weed control options. But at worst it would be some extra bird food. At best a valuable carbon sponge.

I believe the reply said broadcasting or zero till drilling was allowed. You can spray after mid may
 

Hindsight

Member
Location
Lincolnshire
This will be the last year of ab15. It will be replaced by ab6 stubbles now it's been confirmed that we can broadcast a cover crop onto them. Earlier entry, better weed control, cheaper costs make it fit my rotation better. And at over £200/AC it really puts a base in rents and avoids the need to grow sodding beans.

I take it your mid tier agreement ends 31 Dec 2022? And that you will in your next mid tier application use AB6 in place of AB15, am I correct in my interpretation?
 

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