Download a copy of the Kidman perennial ryegrass factsheet.
Kidman NEA2 is an early maturing densely tillered diploid perennial, suited to sheep & beef grazing enterprises in 550mm/yr. + temperate regions. Kidman with its early maturity and excellent autumn, winter and early spring growth will help to fill critical feed gaps in many farming systems. Combined with a robust ‘safe’ novel endophyte in NEA2, Kidman is an all round performer for yield, quality and persistence.
Key features
- Early maturing (-9 days relative to Nui)
- Low aftermath heading compared with comparator varieties in segment
- NEA2 endophyte offers broad insect protection and animal safe ‘stagger free’ grazing
- Excellent autumn, winter & early spring production
- Leafy summer production, unlike Victorian & Kangaroo Valley ecotypes
- Improved utilisation in spring when compared with Victorian SE perennial ryegrass
Key benefits
- The superior growth curve at critical times in late autumn, winter and early spring means reduced need for costly supplementary feed
- The ability to respond to summer rainfall events, results in greater leafy summer production
- Due to low ‘aftermath’ heading, the quality and utilisation of feed grown in spring is maximised with Kidman. This results in better liveweight performance and returns per hectare
- The combination of NEA2 endophyte provides robust insect protection, aiding persistence, while offering a ‘safe’ grazing option free of issues like ryegrass staggers & heat stress
- The superior seasonal forage production means greater cheap ‘home grown feed’, improving carrying capacity and profitability
Application
Kidman performs well where other early maturing perennial ryegrasses, like Victorian and Kangaroo Valley varieties perform, but offers superior growth curves and production. It is ideally suited to temperate regions that exceed 550mm/yr. and where rainfall is more concentrated to autumn, winter and spring, however due to the background breeding of Kidman, it can also provide application in higher rainfall areas where summer production is required. This means it is a highly adaptable cultivar. Kidman is ideally suited to many sheep and beef grazing systems, both autumn and spring calving/lambing however does also have application into dryland dairy systems. An example of Kidman’s performance is evident in the Dairy Australia Forage Value Index1, where it is one of the highest performing cultivars. Kidman has been upgraded from AR1 to NEA2 to provide greater insect protection, and persistence, while still providing safe ‘stagger free’ grazing option.
Agronomy and management
Graze when seedlings resist pulling and tearing the leaves. The best time is typically 8–10 weeks after sowing, but at earliest opportunity to allow light into the base of the pasture thus encouraging tiller and clover development. It also makes a good companion for most pasture legumes including white, strawberry, sub and annual clovers. Usually sow 80% grass by seed count, 20% clovers by seed count. It is best sown as the only grass species, due to out-competing other slow establishing species, however mixes with cocksfoot or other ryegrasses can offer benefits.
Sowing Rate
Sow from February - October, when moisture available.
- 750mm+ / irrigation: 20-25kg/ha
- 750mm - 600mm: 15-20kg/ha
- <600mm: 10-15kg/ha
Performance
1 https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/farm/feedbase-and-animal-nutrition/pasture/forage-value-index
Plant Breeders Rights (PBR): This variety is registered under Plant Breeders Rights (PBR) in Australia. Unauthorised commercial propagation or any sale, conditioning, export, import or stocking of propagating material is an infringement under the Plant Breeders Rights Act (1994). Any breach of this legislation will leave the grower liable for prosecution.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this brochure is from official and other sources and is considered to be reliable. It is provided in good faith and every care has been taken to ensure its accuracy. Barenbrug does not accept any responsibility for the consequences that may arise from the acceptance of recommendations or the suggestions made.