The FVI rating system helps Australian dairy producers make better-informed decisions when choosing a perennial rye-grass cultivar.
It provides an accurate, reliable and independent assessment of the potential economic benefit of perennial rye-grass cultivars in different dairy regions of south-east Australia.
The FVI is calculated by multiplying a cultivar’s dry matter performance value by its economic value, and Base AR37 perennial rye-grass topped the rankings across all four areas tested in south-west Victoria, Gippsland , northern Victoria and Tasmania for 2023.
“This result, coupled with the fact that it’s Australian-bred, really demonstrates its value to Australian farmers,” DLF Seeds national sales marketing manager Jason Agars said.
"The performance of Base AR37 in our conditions is exceptional and its fit across farming systems in southern Australia continues to expand.
“In the current environment, with strong milk and red meat markets, it makes a lot of sense to choose the variety that will drive the most productivity.“
AR37 endophyte provides Base AR37 with the best balance of pasture production and persistence, insect control, higher tiller density over time and increased total dry matter production compared to rye-grass cultivars containing AR1 or nil endophyte.
“AR37 really takes rye-grass pasture persistence to a premium level providing protection against Argentine stem weevil, pasture mealy bug, African black beetle and root aphid,” DLF Seeds product development manager Isaac Berry said.
“Autumn recovery is a true standout for Base AR37, and this can be attributed to AR37 providing protection during critical times allowing Base to maintain a high tiller density and recover faster when the autumn break occurs.”
Base AR37 is Australian-bred for Australian conditions and has been the number one performer in the FVI for six consecutive years from 2018 through to 2023.
DLF Seeds said the superb dry matter yield Base AR37 offers, coupled with premium insect control, means more feed is available for stock and persistence is optimised.
Additional information on the Australian Forage Value Index and the 2023 Forage Value Index Pasture Tables can be found on the Dairy Australia website.
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