Description
Rasina Vetch is predominately grown in low rainfall areas, where it is seen as a good, reliable legume option in farming systems. It offers flexibility to the grower and is an excellent tool in a grower’s fight against issues like soil-borne diseases and herbicide-resistant grass weeds, while still offering good returns in the form of fodder/grazing, hay, improved soil nitrogen and organic matter levels.
Rasina is generally a shorter season than other species (varieties flower between 85 and 115 days) and is more tolerant to grazing. Rasina is palatable at any growth stage, either green or dry, and the grain is a high protein feed (on average 29% crude protein and 12.5MJ/kg DM metabolizable energy) that can be used for all ruminants.
Rasina is an Australian-bred and released variety resistant to rust, whereas older varieties are highly susceptible to this disease. This is important because rust can drastically reduce yields and may induce abortions in pregnant livestock if they are fed heavily infested plant material.
The key to a successful vetch crop and achieving the maximum benefits from vetch is to treat it as a crop, not as a set and forget break option. Inoculate with appropriate rhizobia, control weeds where possible and monitor for insects and disease.
Agronomic Information:
- In all vetches, regrowth after grazing is very dependent on seasonal conditions, good moisture and favourable environmental conditions.
- Sowing Rates 40-45kg/ha as a standalone
- Sowing rates for quality pasture or hay/silage use 1/3 vetch 2/3 ryegrass or cereal
- Growing season rainfall 200-350mm+
- Used for hay, green manure or mid-late winter feed for grazing
- Rasina possess less toxin in the grain compared with older varieties. Grain can be used without limit to feed all ruminants and used in pig rations up to max of 20%
- Soft seed variety and non shattering, good option for green manure.
Seed pricing is per 25kg bag. Orders exceeding 1 tonne will be provided in bulk bags unless otherwise specified. Pricing is including GST and ex Bell Seeds. Pricing is subject to change without notice. Blend components may vary subject to product availability.
