• Superior yield
  • Perfect for alfalfa or clover mixes
  • Late maturity
  • Increased stand persistence
  • Stem Rust resistance
  • Excellent plant vigor
  • Great palatability
  • Responds to irrigation

Planting Suggestions

Planting rate (pure stand) 10-20 lbs./acre
Planting rate (alfalfa mix) 3-6 lbs./acre
Planting rate (clover mix) 10 lbs./acre
Planting depth 1⁄4” to 1⁄2” deep
Seeding (Spring) March 1 to May 15
Seeding (Summer) Aug. 1 to Sept. 15
Soil type Moderate to well-drained
Minimum soil pH 5.5

Management Suggestions

Fertilization

Nitrogen should be applied in split applications during early Spring and Fall, and after first cutting. Adequate phosphorus and potassium are also necessary for top production.

Hay Cutting Schedule

First cutting in Spring should be done before head emergence (Boot Stage). Later cuttings can be made at 4 to 6 week intervals, depending on conditions.

Grazing

Rotational grazing is preferred for best production, persistence and quality. Fields should be grazed heavily and frequently (every 10 to 12 days) during the rapid Spring growth period, but overgrazing should be avoided. Leave a 3 to 4 inch stubble for quickest recovery. Extend mixes well with other species adapted to intensive grazing.

NEBRASKA

North Platte, West Central Research and Extension Center

Irrigated-2002 Seeding
2 Year Total Production

ENTRY Dry Matter/Acre
Extend Orchardgrass 16.60
Pizza Orchardgrass 15.67
Latar Orchardgrass 15.65
Paiute Orchardgrass 15.30
Persist Orchardgrass 14.98
Potomac Orchardgrass 14.78
Baridana 14.67
Profile 95.2
Experiment Mean 14.91
CV (%) 7
LSD (0.05) 1.49

Orchardgrass Yields

Summarized over Years and 15 Locations in IL, KY, MI, OH, PA, TN, VA, and WI

(Total Tons Dry Matter/Acre)

ENTRY % MEAN
Extend 104.6
Haymate 104.2
Warrior 101.3
Benchmark 100.6
Progress 99.2
Potomac 96.4
Hayday 95.5
Profile 95.2
Duke 94.6
Pennlate 92.9
Kay 92.5
Test Mean 100.0