Lucerne varieties?

Colliedog

Member
Location
Dorset
Would anyone know pros and cons between different Lucerne varieties? I have been successfully growing lucerne for a forage for a few years and am going to continue doing so for the foreseeable. The last variety I grew was Asmara which did me well. I have been offered Salsa or Marshall this time and it got me wondering how they differed?
 

Colliedog

Member
Location
Dorset

Boysground

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Wiltshire
I have some Artemis here it’s still in the bags, friend of mine has quite a bit in the ground and he said it’s the best he’s grown, which was a good enough recommendation. Lucerne is a new crop for me so it’s going to be interesting.

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Phil Le Maistre

Member
BASIS
Location
Jersey
I have some Artemis here it’s still in the bags, friend of mine has quite a bit in the ground and he said it’s the best he’s grown, which was a good enough recommendation. Lucerne is a new crop for me so it’s going to be interesting.

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Good to know. I had always been told the beginning of September.

First time growing Lucerne this year what’s the latest you can go with drilling? I was hoping to put it in following maize which will be mid September time ?
 

Boysground

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Wiltshire
My Guru has been growing Lucerne for a number of years, currently about 100 acres not far from me and on the same chalk soils says that early September will be fine for me. Looking at the weather forcast I’ve got more chance of planting Lucerne than combining this week.

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Colliedog

Member
Location
Dorset
First time growing Lucerne this year what’s the latest you can go with drilling? I was hoping to put it in following maize which will be mid September time ?
The handbooks will tell you mid august to 1st sept but you will have to use your local Jersey climate knowledge to think if you extend it. I got mine in yesterday two weeks later than last time. The two tips I will offer is it responds to p&k like grass does to nitrogen and use a really good additive as it has low sugars and likes some help for fermentation.
 

Phil Le Maistre

Member
BASIS
Location
Jersey
The handbooks will tell you mid august to 1st sept but you will have to use your local Jersey climate knowledge to think if you extend it. I got mine in yesterday two weeks later than last time. The two tips I will offer is it responds to p&k like grass does to nitrogen and use a really good additive as it has low sugars and likes some help for fermentation.

Thanks for that wondering if I’m a bit too late for this year by the time I get seed over here.How long has yours been in the ground for? Do you clamp it or bale ?
 

Phil Le Maistre

Member
BASIS
Location
Jersey
My Guru has been growing Lucerne for a number of years, currently about 100 acres not far from me and on the same chalk soils says that early September will be fine for me. Looking at the weather forcast I’ve got more chance of planting Lucerne than combining this week.

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Is this all grown for dairy or made into hay for horses? Looks like I’m pushing it trying to get it in after maize
 

Boysground

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Wiltshire
Is this all grown for dairy or made into hay for horses? Looks like I’m pushing it trying to get it in after maize

The guru grows silage for cows. Think he is going Lucerne and maize only next year. I am going to bale it for cows, it’s too far to haul grass or maize, but we need a viable break and this is worth a try.

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quote: “Red Tractor has confirmed it is dropping plans to launch its green farming assurance standard in April“

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