Over a 12-month period, Shogun has the highest DM yields of any ryegrass we have tested. It produces more than most perennial ryegrasses in summer and autumn, and in winter and early spring its growth is comparable to an Italian. This level of feed supply frees up more paddocks for renewal. The increased profitability Shogun can generate also helps fund investment in regular pasture renewal.
Fast establishment
Shogun’s fast establishment is comparable to that of an Italian ryegrass. This allows paddocks resown with Shogun to be brought back into the grazing rotation quicker than those renewed with perennial or other hybrid ryegrass. Less down time means larger areas of pasture can be renewed without compromising production.
Ideal for over-sowing
Shogun is ideal for over-sowing (drilling seed into pasture without a herbicide spray). This is a key technique for reviving large areas of pasture on some farms. It has an outstanding persistence for a hybrid.
Winter growth with flexibility
Traditionally, annual or Italian ryegrass varieties have been used to achieve extra cool season pasture growth, but the extent of their use is limited by their persistence. Shogun however provides similar levels
of winter growth with the flexibility of a longer-lasting pasture, typically persisting for two years. Shogun also has the flexibility of being seeded in a range of mixtures (e.g., with white clover, red clover or chicory) as the situation requires.
Management
The key to getting the best persistence out of tetraploids, including Shogun, is pasture management in two areas:
• During extended dry periods don’t overgraze as their palatability makes them more susceptible to being overgrazed.
• During periods of wet weather, the open growth habit of tetraploids makes them more susceptible to pugging damage with cattle.