Expo is a late flowering diploid perennial ryegrass that has been bred to improve feed quality. It is an exceptional year-round producer of dry matter with outstanding quality from a late maturing variety providing higher levels of water soluble carbohydrates (sugars). Good fertility management will enhance production of Expo on your farm.
Expo perennial ryegrass combines well with other components of a pasture mix (e.g. short rotation ryegrass, cocksfoot, Grasslands Puna II chicory and clover).
Sowing rate: 15-20kg/ha
Expo perennial ryegrass pasture seed can be sown at 15-25 kg/ha with Superstrike® treated clover. Sowing depth is important as is the seed to soil contact, given that Platform AR37 is a small seed. Ensure that the depth of sowing is between 5 and 15mm for optimum establishment rate and early vigour.
If the seed is sown too deep, then the seed will be delayed in its establishment which then has an impact on other important management decisions such as weed control and timing, insect pest management and grazing timing.
For pasture seed sowing rates specific to your farming needs, contact your local DLF Seeds Sales Agronomist here
Expo perennial ryegrass will produce better under rotational grazing. Avoid hard set stocking during periods of stress (eg. droughts, low fertility and insect attack).
The first grazing should be a light grazing to encourage tiller development and secondary root growth. This shouldn’t take place until the plants can withstand the “pull test” which is a simple and fast way to identify if the plants have established well enough to handle grazing by an animal.
The first grazing should be done with sheep or a light class of cattle and ensure that the ground is relatively firm, to minimise any potential damage that could be caused by the animals moving across the new pasture.
The first grazing is also a very important aspect of managing a newly sown pasture, especially if the pasture includes other species such as clover as it allows for light to be able to get down to the newly emerging clover plants for them to continue to grow and develop and be an integral part of the overall pasture for years to come.
Minimum 600mm rainfall per annum unless irrigated