Bighorn Medium Maturing Orchard Grass
MEDIUM MATURITY – BIG ON FORAGE YIELD
Bighorn Orchardgrass is a medium maturity variety simply bred for big yields. Bighorn has been widely-tested in university variety trials in Kentucky, New York and Pennsylvania, and more than exceeds expectations on yield and persistence. Bighorn shows industry-leading seedling vigor and quick establishment for great first year yields, as well as excellent disease resistance that adds to the variety’s great persistence. One of Mountain View Seeds newest releases, Bighorn’s maturity fits a wide geography and management types, and is a workhorse in our orchardgrass lineup.
Description
- Medium maturity
- Very high-yielding
- Excellent rust resistance
- Good seedling vigor
- Persistent variety
ESTABLISHMENT
Plant at a rate of 15-20lbs./ac. Proper seed bed preparation is essential. A soil sample will identify necessary inputs to achieve proper pH, P, K and other macronutrient levels (extension service or agronomy supplier can advise). Use of a non-selective herbicide will reduce weed competition; spray per label recommendation when crop is mature enough. No-till seeding is generally very effective. Avoid planting too deep. Irrigation to supplement seasonal moisture, if available, will insure best establishment and fill-in. Plants should be firmly established before grazing is allowed. Particularly in the first year, overgrazing can seriously reduce stand longevity.
MANAGEMENT
Proper management begins with correct fertilization. Soil sampling is a great tool to get baseline soil fertility inventory, especially on pH, organic matter, phosphorus, potassium and other macro and micro elements to best determine application rates based on soil maintenance and nutrient removal. Correct nitrogen application rates should consider organic matter, yield goals, stocking rate, etc. Your local agronomy input supplier or extension service can provide valuable regional information. Control broadleaf weeds as necessary.
