Since the trial site was established in May 2023, there has been plenty of work going on out at Rokewood to capture data and maintain the site.

In May, super phosphate was applied across all trials, with the phosphorous trial receiving different rates.

The RAGT forage brassica trial had its’ last harvest in May with results to be published in the 2nd edition of the 2022 Results Book. The report also includes results from the same trials in Gippsland and Tasmania, providing insight on variety performance across different locations.

The pasture variety trials recently had their first Dry Matter harvest since summer to measure autumn growth.  See the 2nd edition of the 2022 Results Book for the 2022-23 season report. Across the board, trials are currently being measured for pasture persistence to see what survived the wet spring of 2022 and what didn’t.

The wet start to the year has seen broadleaf and grass weeds appear by the dozens, so various herbicide applications have been going out to try and combat this. Fixed quadrat measurements will also help to determine what percentage of the pasture they may now make up in each trial paddock. The same measurements have also been completed in the sub clover establishment trial with a report also being prepared for the Results Book.

Tall fescue variety trial – 16.6.23

Mowing pasture variety trials – 13.7.23

RAGT forage brassica trial at Rokewood – 15.5.23

Report & Photo Source: J Wettenhall, SFS