The provincial government’s Outeniqua Research Farm in the Western Cape is conducting trials to assist dairy farmers in making informed decisions when selecting forage crops. Sigrun Ammann spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the trials’ methods and objectives.
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Outeniqua Research Farm has played a valuable role over the years in helping farmers improve forage management for more efficient dairy production.
In 2016, two further projects were initiated in this regard: the so-called Elite Evaluation trials, which are assessing promising new ryegrass varieties, and a trial that is testing the use of varieties of plantain (Plantago lanceolato) and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) as forage herbs.
ELITE TRIALS
According to Sigrun Ammann, who heads the trials, the Elite Evaluation trials were instituted to formulate independent data on the performance of modern ryegrass varieties.
“Farmers take a risk when incorporating new varieties into their forage systems, as these might not be suitable for their production conditions or adapted to the local climate.
“We’re trying to reduce some of this risk by evaluating these varieties [within] certain parameters, such as yield, persistence, flowering behaviour, forage quality and resistance to rust,” she explains.
Yield is influenced by a variety’s flowering behaviour; in other words, how long it lasts.
According to Ammann, this has an impact on forage quality.
“Fibre content usually goes up and forage quality down during flowering. The length of flowering and when it takes place is, however, region- and climate-specific. Hence the need for localised data.”
この記事は Farmer's Weekly の 26 May 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Farmer's Weekly の 26 May 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.