GS4/Clover rich ley

[phil the cat]

Hello! We established around 94 acres of GS4 as part of a mid tier agreement in may. Despite the dry weather it’s established pretty well and there’s plenty of red and white clover flowers in it. Just after some discussion/advice for the best way to preserve the clover as per the agreement and to get the best performance from the ley without the use of bagged fert. The ph is around 6.1 across the block so wanting to get it up to around 6.5 over the period so got an application of paper sludge planned for spring. We would normally spread chicken muck or similar at the same time to offset nitrogen lock up and add p & k- will this be appropriate with the nitrogen fixing properties of the clover. Thanks for any comments in advance.

 

[phil the cat]

 

[phil the cat]

Finally, we’ve currently 600 fat lambs on the grass which are doing well. What height would people recommend to graze to for over winter? They have grazed the first 25 acres to around 3 inches but were ready for a fresh patch as the pasture had become a bit dirty. Should we be aiming lower. I’m planning for a late-ish first cut next spring then shutting up to flower as per the agreement with grazing after

 

[phil the cat]

@Rob Garrett

 

[Great In Grass]

I would look to be going into winter with a height of 4-6 cm above ground level for the clover.

 

[phil the cat]

I would look to be going into winter with a height of 4-6 cm above ground level for the clover.

perfect thanks

 

[phil the cat]

What sort of money would you be for 20 acres worth of GS4 suitable seed @Great In Grass

 

[sticky]

I would say that the chicken muck will be to strong for the clover and have a detrimental effect on it.

 

[phil the cat]

I would say that the chicken muck will be to strong for the clover and have a detrimental effect on it.

thanks for the advice . Would you think FYM or biosolids (sewer cake) would be more appropriate?

 

[davidroberts30]

Finally, we’ve currently 600 fat lambs on the grass which are doing well. What height would people recommend to graze to for over winter? They have grazed the first 25 acres to around 3 inches but were ready for a fresh patch as the pasture had become a bit dirty. Should we be aiming lower. I’m planning for a late-ish first cut next spring then shutting up to flower as per the agreement with grazing after

I wouldnt graze the red clover any lower than the 3 inch,maybe a bit longer
You can always turn them back in
Same with mowing leave a long stubble at least 3 inch
Red clover grows from its crown,repeatedly grazing/cutting short ruins the crown and kills it off

 

[sticky]

IMO a thin covering of fym never hurt anything.
As a side note very jealous of those fields.

 

[phil the cat]

I wouldnt graze the red clover any lower than the 3 inch,maybe a bit longer
You can always turn them back in
Same with mowing leave a long stubble at least 3 inch
Red clover grows from its crown,repeatedly grazing/cutting short ruins the crown and kills it off

Thanks for the advice

 

[phil the cat]

IMO a thin covering of fym never hurt anything.
As a side note very jealous of those fields.

Thank you! More luck then judgement maybe!

 

[sticky]

How have you got on with the lambs and sward?
I'm now considering doing mid tier.
Have all the species of herb come that they want?

 

[phil the cat]

How have you got on with the lambs and sward?
I'm now considering doing mid tier.
Have all the species of herb come that they want?
[/QUOTE

yes, pleased with the lambs on the sward. It’s held 600 since mid September and about 250 are now fat. Not quite as good as on forage rape but still pleased. I’m not great with herbs but there’s plenty of variation in there and the clover is the indicator of success really of which there is plenty. Hopefully putting another 20 acres in this year. I’ll get some more pictures

 

[davidroberts30]

It's not the same as rape but you wont have establishment costs for the next few years either

 

[phil the cat]

Yeah I agree. The mid tier forage crop option isn’t nearly as generous on the payment and terms so as I said, really pleased with the outcome not really knowing what to expect when we drilled it.