Grower

Forage Production

Perennial Ryegrass

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Perennial ryegrass is a short-lived perennial grass with a shallow fibrous root system. It is a low growing bunch type grass with short leafless stems. Perennial ryegrass is one of the most widely used grass species in the world.


Managed like a biennial crop, it is seeded one year and harvested the next, producing one year of seed production. It is typically under-seeded with wheat, oats, or barley.


When producing perennial ryegrass, studies show that incorporating ryegrass in a potato rotation can improve yields. This is due to the additional incorporation of organic matter into the field. In addition, adding perennial ryegrass to a cropping system can eliminate certain disease cycles in potatoes, beans, canola and cereals.


Field Selection

Perennial Ryegrass responds well to moisture and nitrogen. It is adapted to different soil types, ranging from light textured sandy soils to heavy clay soils.


The field must be free of residual herbicides like Edge, Treflan and others. It is important to review the herbicide history of the field before planting. As well, a field that has had Glyphosate applications and is clean of quack grass is essential.


Weed Control

Wild oats, cleavers and quack grass are the worst weed problems. Wild oats, cleavers and other broadleaf weeds can be controlled with herbicides, however, there is no in crop control for quack grass.


Seeding Equipment

Conventional seeding equipment can be used. Seeded at 8 lbs/acre, air drills, air seeders, and hoe drills work well.


Harvesting

Perennial ryegrass must be swathed, usually in late July to early August. It is earlier than most crops so it can help split up the harvest. Ryegrass can be challenging to cut due to green plant material because the seed heads are ripe when much of the plant is still green.


Harvesting with either a conventional or rotary combine usually takes place about 7 days after cutting depending on weather.


Dry is 12%, but ryegrass can be harvested at 14% or 15% and dried in an aeration bin. Heat cannot be used as it can affect germination.


Seed Yield

Perennial ryegrass yields in Manitoba and Saskatchewan have ranged from 600 to 1200 lbs/acre net clean seed, with a five-year average of 800 lbs. Price ranges from $0.40/lb to $0.55/lb.


Tall Fescue

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Tall Fescue is a long lived perennial type grass with a deep root system. It is a cool season bunch grass that adapts well on poorly drained soils. In addition, Tall fescue can also tolerate salinity, alkalinity and acidity. Tall Fescue is widely used in the turf markets.


Tall Fescue needs one year to establish with no seed production in the year of planting. Expected seed production can range from three to five years. The crop can be typically under-seeded to flax or planted without a nurse crop.


Field Selection

Tall Fescue responds well to moisture and nitrogen. It is adapted to different soil types, ranging from light textured sandy soils to heavy clay soils.


The field must be free of residual herbicides like Edge, Treflan and others. It is important to review the herbicide history of the field before planting. As well, a field that has had Glyphosate applications and is clean of quack grass is essential.


Weed Control

Wild oats, cleavers and quack grass are the worst weed problems. Wild oats, cleavers and other broadleaf weeds can be controlled with herbicides, however, there is no in crop control for quack grass.


Seeding Equipment

Conventional seeding equipment can be used. Seeded at 4 lbs/acre, air drills, air seeders, and hoe drills work well. However, Tall Fescue must be seeded with 12-18” row spacing.


Harvesting

Tall Fescue must be swathed, usually in late July. It is earlier than most crops which can help split up the harvest. When swathing fescue some shattering will occur during swathing. Therefore, we recommend swathing at night or early in the morning.


Harvesting with either a conventional or rotary combine usually takes place about 5-7 days after cutting depending on weather.


Dry is 12%, but Fescue can be harvested at 14% or 15% and dried in an aeration bin. Heat cannot be used as it can affect germination.


Seed Yield

Tall Fescue yields in Manitoba and Saskatchewan have ranged from 600 to1000 lbs/acre net clean seed, with a five-year average of 700 lbs. Price ranges from $0.35/lb to $0.50/lb.


Annual Ryegrass

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Annual ryegrass is planted in the spring and harvested in the fall with many of the same management practices as wheat. Annual ryegrass grows well in low areas with good moisture and fertility. Diploid varieties have a smaller seed size. Annual ryegrass can tolerate flooding. Annual ryegrass should be one of the first crops planted, preferably into a firm seedbed at about half an inch deep.


Field Selection


Annual ryegrass responds well to moisture and nitrogen. It is adapted to different soil types, ranging from light textured sandy soils to heavy clay soils. It is important to select a clean field, free of residual herbicides like Treflan or Edge.


Weed Control

Wild oats and quackgrass are the worst weed problems. Wild oats and broadleaf weeds can be controlled with herbicides but there is no in crop control for quack grass.


Seeding Equipment

Conventional seeding equipment can be used. Air drills, air seeders, press drills and hoe drills all work well.


Harvesting

Annual ryegrass must be swathed. Days to maturity for annual ryegrass are comparable to spring wheat. Annual ryegrass is usually harvested 7-10 days after cutting. Either conventional or rotary combines can be used.


Residue

Straw residue can be an added bonus for cattle producers. It can be removed for livestock feed or bedding. The straw has a feed value with 9%-12% protein content. Depending on fall moisture, re-growth can be used for fall grazing or hay.


Expected Yield

Yields range from 1000-1800 lbs/acre with a 5 year average of 1200 lbs/acre. Price over the past has ranged from $0.25 to $0.32/lb net seed.


What kind of return to expect

The biggest factor in producing these species is crop management and the potential to increase pounds. Average Canadian seed production is approximately one third of the pounds produced in other countries. This is partly climatic, but mostly management related. Even so, with average Canadian yields, our experience is that these species MUST produce larger and more profitable yields than traditional grain. Our goal is to produce the maximum pounds that meets the contracted quality on your farm. Consult with your agronomist to maximize your returns.


Market price fluctuations

Market prices for turf and forage seed are affected by supply and demand and usually follow grain markets by 18 months. BrettYoung offers minimum price contracts to reduce risk.


Locking in prices

The opportunity to lock in prices exists on some contracts, the norm is market price at harvest. However, if you want to lock in a harvest price talk with your agronomist. If our customer agrees, we will lock prices in.


Are these crops more work than grain?

Quality standards are stringent and discounts can be steep if seed does not meet contracted quality. No matter how clean your field, you should be prepared to rogue out weeds. Many of the contracts are for certified seed and require isolation and proper rotation. There are manageable solutions for these issues. You will also be able to change your workload, as there will be no seeding the following spring and no field work in the fall. Applications of fertilizer and timing can be changed as well. Harvest will be at different times than grain. All of these factors will allow you to better manage your workload.


Will I need to store the seed?

Yes. We work with our customers to take the crop as soon as possible, however, we cannot take and pay for all the seed at harvest. We plan and schedule in 3 month intervals. You will be called after harvest and sample analysis with estimated delivery date if its in our 3 month planning window or not. Our schedule is to have all seed delivered to our facilities by May 1st. All payments are finalized by June 30th.


Reasons to Contract Varieties through BrettYoung

  • BrettYoung guaranteed delivery
  • Different market risks than grains and oilseeds
  • BrettYoung offers competitive prices
  • Experienced production agronomists working to maximize yield
  • Largest Canadian exporter
  • BrettYoung owns all of it’s facilities
  • BrettYoung minimizes financial risk

How Contracting Works

  • BrettYoung signs a production contract with you
  • Agronomist visits and scouts fields to be seeded
  • Agronomist advises on best practices to produce quality required
  • Seed is delivered to the producer, payment is net 30 day
  • First crop (except annual species is following crop year
  • Agronomist visits field before winter to inspect for weeds and estimate potential, plus make recommendations on production practices
  • Field is scouted again in sprint, and before harvest after green up, and recommendations are made
  • Agronomists take samples of harvested crop for quality analysis
  • After analysis scheduling for delivery is advised
  • Payments are made after confirmation of customer of quality acceptance (about 45 days after delivery)BrettYoung takes 100% risk of customer payment.

The Best Species to Grow

Choosing the right species to grow will depend on your growing conditions, land type, rainfall, existing crop rotations and potential weeds. These are all variables that should be discussed with your agronomist.


The effects of weeds on quality

Depending on the species and the market, you should talk to your agronomist and read your contract. The quality will be listed and defined for you. The cleaner the field the better the quality and quantity of the crop.


Equipment Requirements

All the equipment you presently use will work.


Other Production Opportunities

Western Canada

Manitoba

  • Reed Canarygrass
  • Birdsfoot Trefoil

Manitoba and Eastern Saskatchewan

Peace River Region

  • Creeping Red Fescue
  • Chewings Fescue
  • Hard Fescue

BrettYoung has relationships with many retailers across Canada. Product and program information can be obtained at any of the following:

  • Independent retailers
  • Co-ops
  • Pioneer Grain Locations
  • Cargill Ag Horizons