Product Used: Hatrik Sub Clover, Clare 2 Sub Clover, Cavalier Spineless Burr Medic
A pasture blend that included clover, sub clovers and medic has performed well in a paddock with varied soil types on the property of Travis, Barry and Robyn Muster at Freeling, north of Adelaide in South Australia. Travis Muster planted a blend that included Enduro Balansa Clover, Hatrik Sub Clover, Clare 2 Sub Clover and Cavalier Spineless Burr Medic in the second week of May. He said each species performed better on different soil types and so the variation over a 90 hectare paddock meant that there was good production throughout. “Enduro seemed to perform particularly well in patches,” he said.
The pasture mix was planted predominantly to provide a hay option during spring and the paddock was cut for hay in late September and early October. Mr Muster said they predominantly made big square bales from the area, although some smaller square and round hay bales were also harvested to fill a variety of markets. He said the small squares went to fodder stores, the rolls to a nearby feedlot and many of the big square bales were purchased by Laukes for the production of rabbit pellets. “Overall it was very good,” he said. “It seemed to bale up well. The hay went well into the different markets. If you can get the conditions right you can get a good bale and a good price for it.” A rate of 20 kilograms per hectare was used to sow the blend, with the mix of legumes expected to provide good nitrogen and a handy break leading into future crops. The sown date in May meant it was one of the first paddocks planted on the property and just after the opening rain. This allowed the legumes to take full advantage of the season and produce as much yield as possible during the spring hay cut.
Travis Muster, Freeling SA
