The lack of persistence of red clover has been a deterrent to farmers in the past, but the new genetics of Relish have solved this issue for many. Relish offers a significant advancement in red clover persistence with longevity of the crop a key benefit. Pleasingly this benefit comes with ‘industry low’ levels of formomonetin (oestrogen).

Relish can be implemented into the system in a number of ways. In the past, red clover has been part of pasture mixes often sown at low rates. This meant the true potential was not realised until higher rates were used along with pure stands. The role of pure stands of Relish has a number of benefits from high quality summer lamb finishing, along with increasing ewe hogget weights prior to tupping.

To maximise the production and persistence of Relish red clover, best management practices suggest rotational grazing with pre grazing heights of 20-25 cm leaving a residual of 4-5 cm. The spring growth of Relish is very rapid, and being well prepared to utilise this growth is key. This growth will require an increased stocking rate through November to maintain the quality. Coming into the autumn months as growth slows it is important to graze any residual growth prior to the winter to minimise disease presence through the cooler and wetter months.

Once Relish stands become aged this gives the farmer a perfect opportunity to extend the stand through a number of options, such as undersowing Asset Italian ryegrass or AgriTonic plantain in the autumn to create a mixed sward to run for a further two years. Relish also has the ability to fix upwards of 150 kg/ha nitrogen per year which can accumulate in the soil and be utilised by following crops such as Monty barley for whole crop cereal silage.