Making an informed decision is key when purchasing grass varieties. This is the advice to grassland producers following the publication of the 2012 Recommended Grass and Clover Lists for England and Wales.

The Recommended Lists, which are drawn up after rigorous and independent testing, include ten new varieties for 2012, with three varieties promoted to the Fully Recommended category following four years of provisional recommendation.

“The choice of grass variety very much depends on what you need the ley to do,” said EBLEX senior livestock scientist Dr Liz Genever.

“A field which is going to be used for extensive grazing has a very different job to a pasture that is required to produce two or three cuts of silage over the season.

“Help the merchant help you by ensuring that you are clear on the purpose of the ley before speaking to them.

“Ask for recommended varieties for your re-seed to make sure you benefit from the best performing grasses and clovers.”

The Recommended Lists are supported by BSPB, seed merchants participating in the levy scheme, EBLEX, DairyCo, Hybu Cig Cymru and the British Grassland Society. Merchants and breeders who support the Grass Levy Scheme also have exclusive access to additional data from trials used to assist in formulating mixtures from UK tested and recommended varieties. Scotland and Northern Ireland produce their own recommended lists via SAC or DARD, respectively.

The Recommended Grass and Clover Lists 2012 booklet can be downloaded from the Better Returns Programme section of www.eblex.org.uk. Members of the EBLEX Better Returns Programme will receive a copy of the booklet with the next mailing in June.