Delivering Premium Grass and Forage Mixtures
Watson Seeds has a long and proven history of delivering a premium range of grass and forage varieties and mixtures to optimise their value for our farming customers. The change in emphasis with the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship schemes should be viewed alongside the necessity to establish options that will still deliver productivity alongside environmental gains. The shift in emphasis from direct support to DEFRA's current policy priorities under SFI is unfortunately not always aligned with a productive and viable agricultural sector.
Balancing Productivity with Policy Requirements
Livestock farmers still require forage solutions that deliver live weight gains or litres in the milk tank at the lowest cost. Our Castles range of grass mixtures, alongside our agri-environmental mixes, are designed to provide optimum livestock performance while meeting the rules of the SFI/CSS. A range of trialled and proven varieties for our northern soils and conditions has been our specialty for the last 35 years.
Choosing the Right Mix for Your Enterprise
Whether you are considering fitting herbal leys into your livestock enterprise or introducing legumes into improved grassland, legume fallows to build fertility and control problem grass weeds, flower-rich margins, and blocks, the same basic imperatives should be followed.
Understanding Soil Health and Nutrient Availability
Soil pH and phosphate availability go hand in hand. Low pH (5.0-6.0) will, depending on your soil type, mean that they have low nutrient use efficiency. Phosphate availability rises by over 50% when your pH increases to 6.5 from 5.6. In pastures, the growth of clover is significantly improved, enhancing the palatability and grazing value of the sward. Understanding your soil type and structure, along with its chemical and biological properties, is fundamental to the success of these SFI options.
Expert Advice on Mixture Selection and Soil Management
We can advise on which mixtures are best suited to your soil type and climate. Your own farming system and how you manage these swards or mixtures are also crucial to achieving satisfactory outcomes. We can also advise and assist with soil testing and assessment, as well as best practices for establishment and early management to achieve a successful stand of grass, legumes, herbs, brassicas, wildflower, and pollen mixtures.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
The most expensive seed mixture is the one chosen based on "The call of the Grouse," which fails to establish and must be resown to meet scheme rules and avoid penalties.
