Market Comments
As we close out 2017, we seem to be poised for starting out the next year with numerous items tight and high-priced. Supplies of annual ryegrass, KY-31, bluegrass, orchardgrass, and fine fescues look to keep prices high throughout the spring, and likely into the first part of harvest 2018. Most other markets, including turf perennial ryegrass, clovers and other legumes, feel generally stable. A few soft spots, such as alfalfa, exist as well.
New Turf Perennial Ryegrass
We are excited to announce our first year harvest of Shield, our latest top-end turf-type perennial ryegrass. Shield has been through a rigorous breeding gauntlet with initial selection targeting gray leaf spot and top turf quality. Preliminary data put Shield at the top of the pack in East Coast trials. Shield was entered in the latest NTEP trials with nationwide results available as NTEP compiles the data. More information coming soon. Seed should be available for late January shipment. Let us know how much seed to set aside for your fall and spring needs.
Another Reason for Renovation
So you know that Renovation White Clover is an ideal white clover for both livestock and wildlife, right? You know about it’s “super stoloniferous” growth with extensive stolon density and ability to create new plants from one seed. Plus its high flowering ratio generates an abundance of seed for added natural propagation.
You know that its growth points are low and less susceptible to being damaged by over browsing or over grazing, right? And you understand the value of this, right? The YEARS of FREE nitrogen. What about the direct protein intake that makes beef, milk and antlers? Or, the fantastic erosion control that the extensive root system provides. And, let’s not forget the pollinators.
CAN THERE BE MORE? Well, it seems so. Nick Hill, a researcher with the University of Georgia has been heading up a project utilizing low-growing type white clover (like Renovation) as a living mulch in a corn production system. Preliminary results show potentials to reduce herbicide use by 75-80% due to the aggressive competition of the clover. That’s in addition to reduced nitrogen costs. Nick’s group is also studying water holding capacity, water runoff and a host of other measurements.
According to Nick, “Living mulch is the best thing since sliced bread.” Now I don’t know about you, but the rest of the world has figured out a whole lot to do with sliced bread!
Imagine the possibilities with Renovation white clover. It doesn’t come in loaves, but it does come in 25# bags.
Get yours today. Learn more at RenovationClover.com.
