HLR Orchardgrass Seed Blend, 25 Lb Bag

Years of breeding efforts goes into improving the forage quality and simultaneously the forage yield of orchardgrass varieties. High Leaf Ratio Orchardgrass Blend contains the best and latest orchardgrass varieties from Barenbrug's breeding program. The varieties have been selected for high leaf to stem ratio. This means more leaves for improved digestibility and energy, and less stems that reduce the feed quality and palatability of the forage. New diseases keep appearing in orchard grass stands. Barenbrug breeders are continuously selecting for disease tolerance and HLR Orchardgrass is tolerant to rust and other leaf diseases. The intermediate to late heading varieties in HLR are ideal for planting with alfalfa.

• Late-maturing
• Quick to establish
• High yielding
• Exceptional palatability and digestibility
• Excellent winter-hardiness
• Outstanding disease resistance

HLR Orchardgrass is effective in grazing and haying situations. It can be seeded either alone or as a mixture component. For grazing, seed with a large-leaved white clover such as Alice. For silage, seed with a premium red clover such as Freedom! or a high quality alfalfa adapted to your region. For dry hay, seed alone, with a premium red clover such as Freedom! or a high quality alfalfa adapted to your region. Given its late maturity and excellent winter-hardiness, it is an ideal companion for alfalfa. Inter-planting with alfalfa can be used to improve stand yield, extend longevity and reduce the risks of winterkill and pest damage associated with growing a pure stand.

Establishment

HLR Orchardgrass exhibits exceptional seedling vigor and establishes rapidly. When planting north of the transition zone, HLR Orchardgrass should be planted in the early spring or late summer to take advantage of soil moisture and moderate temperatures. In the transition zone, planting should occur in the late summer or early fall. Prior to planting, take a soil test and apply adequate phosphorous and potassium if necessary. At planting, apply 35-40 lbs/acre nitrogen to ensure good establishment. HLR Orchardgrass may be established via full cultivation, no-till, or broadcast seeding. Plant no deeper than 1/4 inch below the surface in a firm seedbed.

Seeding Rate

• 10-12 lbs/acre
• No-till seeding rate: 10-20 lbs/acre
• Broadcast seeding rate: 25 lbs/acre
• Seeding with alfalfa: 2-6 lbs/acre

Management

Orchardgrass is categorized as a bunch grass. Careful stand management during the first year is essential for long-term productivity. Orchardgrass grows and spreads laterally by creating new shoots called tillers which emanate from the base of the plant forming an ever-wider bunch. To enable the production of a leafy dense stand, the height of the stand during the first year should ideally be maintained in the 4-12 inch range. This allows full sunlight penetration to the plant base which triggers production of the tillers needed for maximum plant growth and spread. Once the seedlings are firmly rooted, graze lightly by calves, or machine mow several times before heavy use. This will promote further tillering and growth. To enhance production in subsequent years, a spring application of 50 lbs/acre of nitrogen is recommended to jump start early growth, followed by periodic applications of 30-40 lbs/acre timed with rainfall or irrigation. In mild winter areas an early fall application of 50 lbs/acre of nitrogen can extend the harvest period well beyond the normal season. Cold winter survival is enhanced by entering winter with the grass left at a short but still green 4-5 inch height.