THE CATCH CROP FODDERS ARE EXPOSED

At the beginning of April, about fifty trade and agricultural cooperative technicians have gathered at Ferrière-en-Parthenay (79) in one of our 7 fodder expert hubs where we are assessing our products. Hosted on the plots of the breeder Fabien Jamet, the vegetable showcases of this expert hub introduced our various varieties of Italian ryegrass and our mixtures for winter catch crop fodders.
 

After introducing some recent varieties of Italian ryegrass from our selection program (RIPSY, MIXY), the discussions were about the interest of the leguminous crops among the catch crop fodders and how to manage them to get a better yield and food value.

Thus, our M-PRIMO mix associates the variety of early ALDO crimson clover with Italian ryegrass. The early stage of this variety allows to ensure its presence in the fodder even if the vegetative growth for the clover is generally later than for the ryegrass.
 

The M-BEAUTIFUL or also the M-DYNAMIC mix allow to increase the food quality of the fodders thanks to the introduction of our latest varieties of common vetch (RUBIS) or of hairy vetch (NICKEL, SAVANE); some leguminous crops which food value is higher than for the annual clovers!

The agronomic role of the catch crops has also been addressed. Once again, mixes of leguminous crops are interesting because of their ability to fix the atmospheric nitrogen, some of which will be returned to the next crop (after-effect). On the agronomic level, our latest innovation M-VALO is a mix where multi-stemmed rye is replacing the Italian ryegrass. The objective is to produce a quality fodder while breaking free from the limits of the Italian ryegrass, which superficially dries the soil, and can therefore be harmful if a maize is planted after the catch crops. 
 

The day took place in compliance with the health rules in force.
To learn more, read the article of Nouvelle République.