Oakdon
NEW ZEALAND'S FIRST COMMERCIAL PROPRIETARY MEADOW FESCUE.
- Heading Date Late (+11-12)
- Ploidy Diploid
- Endophyte MaxR®
Oakdon meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) is a New Zealand bred meadow fescue which contains the loline producing endophyte MaxR™, Oakdon MaxR™ has performed strongly in the north of New Zealand where the warmer winter conditions have broken winter dormancy, not limiting its productive potential. In these regions there are locations where perennial ryegrass and even tall fescue varieties struggle to show any true perenniality, where meadow fescue has the potential to extend survival in some of these conditions. Even though Oakdon does not have the root structure of Hummer tall fescue it has demonstrated the ability to stay green in summer. While not as productive as Hummer tall fescue at this time it can be more productive and stay greener than One50 AR37 perennial ryegrass under fertile dry conditions.
- Highly palatable species
- Strong mid spring to late summer growth
- Ideally suited to high fertility soils
- Good fit for legume finishing pastures and in mixes with tall fescue to improve palatability and management
Oakdon (left) next to Hummer (right)
When to use Oakdon Meadow Fescue
Oakdon can be used in 50:50 mixes with Hummer tall fescue to improve the palatability of Hummer tall fescue while maintaining the total productivity of Hummer and extending the insect tolerance of the mix. Oakdon is a good grass base to a Relishred clover finishing system. The slower establishment allows Relish to produce to its potential while Oakdon soaks up excessive nitrogen that otherwise less desirable grasses would utilise. Meadow fescue endophytes are known to act as a grass grub deterrent in these finishing systems. Oakdon can be a useful grass as an addition to a diverse pasture mix based around fescues, bromes and Timothy and a range of other herbs and legumes.
Seasonal Growth Pattern
Oakdon starts growing mid-September with its spring peak in late October, and summer is defined by a very leafy stay green growth phase. The start of autumn is quite productive, but winter dormancy starts in late April. In warmer environments such as Waikato and Northland, Oakdon does not experience the winter dormancy seen in colder environments.
Suggested Mixes
Oakdon is a fescue species suitable for all stock classes. It requires good fertility and best suits areas exposed to summer dry conditions for dairy and sheep, deer and cattle finishing.
| Oakdon (+11-12 Days) Example Mix | Rate (kg/ha) |
|---|---|
| Oakdon MaxR™ meadow fescue | 12 |
| Hummer MaxP™ tall fescue | 12 |
| Tribute white clover | 5 |
| Relish red clover | 4 |
| TOTAL | 33 |
A finishing mix for high fertility but grass grub-prone environments:
| Oakdon (+11-12 Days) Example Mix | Rate (kg/ha) |
|---|---|
| Oakdon MaxR™ meadow fescue | 20 |
| Relish red clover | 6 |
| Tribute white clover | 3 |
| TOTAL | 29 |
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