Maintain quality late into the season with Ascend

Ascend was selected by plant breeders for its exceptional seedling vigour and ability to provide valuable forage from early winter through until late in the growing season. With improved rust tolerance, Ascend maintains high leaf quality enabling excellent pasture utilisation as well as silage and hay quality during the spring and summer months.

Ascend annual ryegrass can be used to help establish a high performing perennial pasture in the future by following the DLF Seeds Programmed Approach to pasture renewal. This process includes planting an annual, followed by a chicory or brassica and finishing up with a perennial variety. First, select a pasture that requires renovation. Spray out the existing pasture and direct drill an Ultrastrike treated winter active ryegrass such as Ascend.

This will provide you with the foundation to establish a high performing perennial pasture in the future. Learn more about the DLF Seeds Programmed Approach for a step by step guide to pasture renewal.

Pasture seed sowing rate (sole): 25-40kg/ha
Pasture seed sowing rate (mixed): 15-25kg/ha

Pasture Seed Breeding: Ascend

Ascend has been trialled extensively for 5 years across many regions of Australia and New Zealand. During that time it has performed consistently and repeatedly showcased the traits it was selected for. 

The breeding of Ascend started with elite plants selected from Winter Star II and crossed with another elite variety. From this breeding pool lines were subjected to extensive row and plot testing, from which Ascend was selected. Hard sheep grazing was included during early selection to ensure the end product was robust.

Ascend tetraploid annual ryegrass can be utilised in many different situations and environments. Therefore, Ascend’s sowing rate should be circumstance specific.

For pasture seed sowing rates specific to your farming needs, contact your local DLF Seeds Sales Agronomist here

The increase in seedling vigour may shorten the time to first grazing, however it is important to closely monitor plants and prioritise strong establishment. Always monitor the growth stage of any establishing pasture plants and perform pull tests to ensure sound root development. 

A well anchored root system allows the young plants to tolerate grazing pressure. Apply nitrogen to encourage tillering and increase early dry matter production. Nitrogen should be applied before canopy closure or just after first grazing, monitor nitrate levels when grazing any autumn forage.