Being prepared for an early break
Our seasonal conditions are reminiscent of the last big drought of 1982-83. For those of us here then, the horrors of Ash Wednesday are still clear. None of us would like to see those events repeated however, the seasonal conditions that followed are well worth remembering.In 1983, the autumn break was substantial and early. The break arrived mid March and above average rains were received for all of autumn. Today's long range forecast is predicting an end to the drought in the north some time in autumn. Such rains often extend down south and provide an excellent opportunity for us to establish new pastures before winter.
Almost every year there is enough rain in late March-April to strike seed. This usually means that all the weeds and annuals are away to a head start. One strategy that has worked without fail in this district is the early sowing of annual ryegrasses into dry seedbeds in late February. Many farmers have the traditional approach of waiting till the soil moisture is sufficient and follow up rains are assured before sowing. This strategy is a wise one for perennial pastures that are much more vulnerable to heat and moisture stress if they are planted and strike with early rains. However the later the sowing, the harder it is to have these new pastures well enough established before winter arrives. Annual rye grasses are much hardier and can sit in a dry seedbed for a long period. This is their natural process as annual species. If good rains arrive in early autumn and annuals are already sown, they will strike immediately and develop to first grazing quickly due to the warm conditions that are still prevalent. If conditions revert back to dry, the are able to withstand the heat and lack of moisture for a long period. The advantage of dry sowing has been demonstrated often by farmers in this region who have done pre and post break sowings. The early sown paddocks are always well ahead of the later paddocks.
Paddocks that have been cultivate in spring for brassica crops can be prepared with minimal tillage after they are finished. Unless the paddocks are very clean, it is worth spraying residual weeds before recultivating. Paddocks to be sown directly form old pasture to annuals can be sprayed out in early February and cultivated and sown by the end of the month. It is not unreasonable to plan to have all annuals sown by the end of February.
Annual varieties
Later heading annuals
- Prime 20kg/ha
- Crusader 20kg/ha
- Concord 20kg/ha
- Conquest 20kg/ha
Bi-annuals (> 1 year potential)
- Maverick 20kg/ha
- Feast II 30kg/ha
Early heading annuals
- Tetila 30kg/ha
- Gulf 30kg/ha
The early heading annuals should only be sown into paddocks that are planned for recultivating in early to mid spring. They have little growth potential after the end of October. The later heading varieties will continue vigorous growth well into November. Bi-annuals should only be considered in heavier country. There are not many bi-annuals that perform as well in year two as they did in the first year.
Successfully established annuals have such vigorous early growth that they respond well to nitrogen and provide a substantial feed source to the herd during late autumn.
Click here to view the rest of the 2002 February newsletter.