In 2022 Watson Seeds sowed out grass plots, which would demonstrate mixtures, which are commonly used up in the North of Scotland. Shaun and Ewan MacDonald and farm manager Euan Ferguson at Conon Brae Farms, Torgorm, Conon Bridge kindly agreed to let us perform the trial plots and the sole aim of these plots is animal performance DLWG.
The field is 14 acres (5.66ha) in total and is split up into 3 x 1.88ha plots demonstrating 3 grazing mixtures. This field was swedes before being sown out in the grass plots on 7th June 2022. The mixtures have been carefully selected to meet the conditions and a herb aspect has been added, it will be interesting to see how the lambs perform. For the DLWG/animal performance trial, each plot has been set stocked with 70 lambs averaging 39.5kgs. All lambs received a mineral and worm dose prior to grazing their respected plots. These lambs will be on each plot for 3 weeks (starting from 28th September) and re weighed, hoping for a healthy increased DLWG resulting in a good draw for the abattoir.
The mixtures that were chosen are as follows:
Mingary with extra clover. This is the mainstay grazing mixture at Torgorm and is a mainly grazing mixture with the option of a cut of silage/hay. Mingary is a long term mixture that consists of perennial ryegrass, timothy, and white clover.
Hermitage plus alsike clover. This is a multi-species mixture, which includes hybrid ryegrass, perennial ryegrass, cocksfoot, timothy, smooth stalked meadow grass, creeping red fescue, herbs and white clover. In addition we added in alsike clover, as this clover grows particularly well in wetter, more acidic soils and this will help with overall establishment and soil health.
Fyvie plus red clover, chicory, and plantain. This is a long term cutting and grazing mixture, that is tailored for lighter soils, with a higher inclusion of deeper rooting grasses (tetraploid ryegrass) and a higher clover content. Red clover, chicory and plantain was added into the mix and with the large tetraploid ryegrass content. These added herbs and clovers will establish well, as there is plenty room to grow.
By having these 3 grazing mixtures on trial, it will be interesting to see how each lot of lambs perform and this will also give a solid platform for customers and potential customers to have a look in, and anticipate the results coming back.
