Our Approach
Our research programmes ensure that DLF Seeds cultivars introduced to the market will perform under temperate and tropical farming systems. The goal of each new cultivar introduced is to increase on-farm productivity and profitability.
Over 100 Proprietary Products - One Single Focus
DLF Seeds, through its previous entities, has a proven history of delivering innovative forage products and technologies. Our entire focus is on utilising the best of science to maximise performance. Presently we have products including pasture species, forage crops and tropical varieties. The range features varieties with unique characteristics such as disease and insect resistance, reduced water requirements, grazing tolerance, and tolerance to specific nutrient and mineral deficiencies. Our extensive investment in R&D has also led to a noticeable improvement in pasture genetics.
Cultivating an Ongoing Culture of Innovation
Over the last 25 years, DLF Seeds, through its previous entities, has introduced more than 100 proprietary plant cultivars into Australia, each undergoing rigorous testing to ensure it delivers a step-change in production for the farmer.
Fully committed to ongoing innovation, our R&D team only introduce a replacement product if it is demonstrably better than an existing variety. The genetic plant material is sourced from our breeding programmes in Australia, New Zealand, Spain and South America, in addition to our breeding partnerships with leading research organisations in Europe and North America.
We have also developed a proprietary range of seed treatments that utilise the latest pesticide and inoculant technologies to improve seed germination and establishment.
Research Relationships Making a Real Difference
Our network of research facilities allows us to breed, evaluate and test our products under animal grazing prior to commercial release. This helps ensure the cultivars deliver the production gains anticipated.
Over 200 trials are conducted annually at 21 different trial sites throughout the country. This is the replicated trial programme in pastures in Australia.
Research stations are located at:
- Leigh Creek, Ballarat
- Maryborough
- Lismore
- Shepparton
- Terang
- Dunkeld
- Blayney
- Cowra
- Forbes
- Armidale
- Scone
- Tamworth
- Manjimup
- Busselton
- Perth
- Gatton
This is in addition to the hundreds of trials that are run on the cultivars in New Zealand and South America. We also have technical experts providing growers with crop husbandry support, and agronomic teams providing advice on how best to utilise our products.
Ultimately, it’s all about ensuring farmers can extract the best value from every product where it matters most – on the farm.
Testing, Trialling and More Testing
Our dedicated R&D team of 10 staff in Australia work extensively with leading research and farmer groups.
Our highly valued research partners include:
- AgResearch
- University of Western Australia
- Pristine Forage Technologies
- Plant and Food Research in New Zealand
- Queensland Department of Primary Industries
- Tasglobal
- Tasmania Department of Primary Industry
Internationally, we also have R&D alliances in Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, the USA, France and the Netherlands.