Red812 Clover

Good base rates of phosphorus are necessary for maximum DM production especially during the establishment phase. Established Red812 clover will benefit from annual phosphorus and potassium applications if hay/silage is being produced.

Red812 should be sown no deeper than 10mm, at a rate of 4-6kg/ha as a monoculture, or 1-2 kg/ha in a mixed sward. New plants/growth can be sensitive to frost damage so avoid sowing in frost-prone paddocks or sow outside frost-prone periods. Inoculation with Group B strain of rhizobia is essential for nodulation and nitrogen fixation.

Monitor regularly for insect damage during emergence from pests such as red-legged earth mite (RLEM) and lucerne flea and spray if required.

Always use knockdown herbicide to ensure sowing into a clean seedbed. Monitor for post-emergent weeds and spray ascrequired. Always read the label or consult your Upper Murray Seeds agronomist prior to spraying as herbicide tolerances can differ between red clover varieties.

Do not overgraze in the first season but light grazing will help to enhance production levels. Avoid set stocking, rotational grazing is essential to ensure persistence, due to Red812’s upright growth habit.

Makes high quality hay that has good leaf-to-stem ratio. Can be included in permanent perennial mixtures, adding high quality in the first 1–2 years. Potential to increase feed quality when sown with summer crops, or combines well with short-term ryegrasses.

Red clover can contain contain levels of oestrogen, which may adversely affect the performance of breeding stock. By choosing a low oestrogen variety such as Red812 the risk is reduced. To optimise livestock weight gain and health, ensure livestock are vaccinated and drenched. To prevent nutritional problems, make gradual diet changes when introducing hungry stock to lush pastures. Contact an Upper Murray Seeds agronomist for more information.