Game Cover Selector

Crop Page No. Pack Size

40,000/ 50,000 seeds 5kg

Cover / Feed Crop

Nectar

Average Sowing Rate per Acre Broadcast Drill

Precision drill 45,000 / 50,000 seeds/acre

Sowing Date Guide

Utilisation Period

Duration of the Crop

1 Season 1 Season

Average Drill Depth cm

6 4

Average Row Width cm

75 75

Suggested Guide to Seedbed Fertiliser (kg) ha N

80

P
85

K
205

Maize Sun owers - Standard & Dwarf

12-13 16

April - June April - June

September - February July November

5kg

Ensure adequate P but very little N

Millets / Grasses
Millet - White / Red / Japanese Ambush Millet Millgame Millet Mix Canary Grass (Phalaris aquatica) Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea) Giant Sorghum Sorghum - Intermediate & Dwarf Over n Under Sorghum Mixture
17 17 17 17 17 18 18 18 5kg 5kg 5kg 2.5kg 2.5kg 12kg 8kg 8kg 5kg 5kg 5kg 5kg 5kg 5kg 2.5kg 2.5kg 12kg 8kg 8kg April - June April - June April - June April - June April - June May - June May - June May - June September - December September - December September - December All Year All Year September - February September - February September - February 1 Season 1 Season 1 Season 5 Years+ 5 Years+ 1 Season 1 Season 1 Season 1 - 1.5 1 - 1.5 1 - 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.5 - 4 2.5 - 4 2.5 - 4 35-45 35-45 35-45 70 - 90 70 - 90 45 - 50 45 - 50 45 - 50 60 60 60 55 55 100 100 100 30 30 30 28 28 50 50 50 30 30 30 28 28 120 120 120

DISCLAIMER

ese tables are given in good faith and intended for general guidance only. Weather, local conditions and crop rotations must always be taken into account.

Crop

Page No.

Pack Size

Cover / Feed Crop

Nectar

Average Sowing Rate per Acre Broadcast Drill

1.5 - 2kg 1.5 - 2kg 1 - 2.5kg 2.5kg 2.5kg 2.5kg

Sowing Date Guide

Utilisation Period

Duration of the Crop

Average Drill Depth cm

Average Row Width cm

Suggested Guide to Seedbed Fertiliser (kg) ha N

100 100 110 110 20 110

P
50 50 55 55 40 55

K
120 120 55 55 40 55

Brassicas
Kale Sure re Kale Blend Jonty Texsel Greens Forage Rape Zoom Mixture
14 14 15 15 15 15 1kg 2kg 1kg 1kg 5kg & 25kg 5kg 2 - 3kg 2 - 3kg 2 - 3kg 2 - 3kg 4kg 2.5kg - 4kg April - June April - June Spring / Early Autumn April - August May - end of September Spring / Autumn September - March September - March Autumn / Early Winter September - January July - December September - March 1 - 2yr 1 - 2yr 1 Season 1 Season 1 Season 1 Season 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2 1 - 2.5 1-2 50 50 Various Various 15 - 20 Various

Miscellaneous Crops
Phacelia Buckwheat White Mustard Brown Mustard Fodder Radish Perennial Chicory Quinoa Yellow Blossom Clover Linseed Triticale Gold of Pleasure (Camelina) Borage
19 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 1kg & 5kg 5kg 5kg & 25kg 5kg 5kg 2kg 1kg 1kg 25kg 25kg 5kg 5kg 5kg+ 5kg+ 3 - 4kg 20kg+ 5 - 7kg 2 - 3kg 2.5 - 3.5kg 2kg+ 2kg+ 2.5kg+ 20kg 2.5 - 5kg 1 - 3kg 2.5kg 2kg 2kg 2.5kg 25kg 50kg 5kg 5kg April - August April - May Spring - Autumn Spring - Autumn Spring / Autumn Spring or Early Autumn April - June April - June April - May Spring / Autumn April - May April - June July - October August - December August - December Autumn / Spring July - December All Year September - December All Year September - February August - February September - December Autumn 1 Season 1 Season 1 Season 1 Season 1 Season 5yr+ 1 Season 1 - 2yr 1 Season 1 Season 1 Season 1 Season 1-2 1 - 2.5 1 - 2.5 1 - 2.5 1 - 2.5 1 1.5 0.5 1-2 2.5 1 1-2 Various 20 - 35 20 - 35 20 - 35 25 - 30 15 - 20 45 75 8 - 18 12 - 16 8 - 18 15 - 20 40 100 100 30 40 125 40 15 50 50 0 75 0 75 20 120 120 0 65 0 65 35 105 210

Mixtures
Boost Late Cover Mix Kwik Fix Overdrive Partridge Mix Traditional Game Cover Mixture Northern Star Game Mix Decoy Game Mixture General Purpose Rearing Pen Mix Deer Lawn Mixture Four Ten Mixture Sundown Mixture
21 21 21 22 22 22 22 23 23 23 23 23 5kg 5kg 5kg 2.5kg 25kg 10kg 20kg 8kg 13kg 15kg 14kg 13kg 10kg 20kg 8kg 13kg+ 15kg+ 2.5kg+ 6kg+ 5kg+ 2.5kg+ 2.5kg 5kg 5kg 2.5kg 25kg 10kg 20kg 8kg 13kg+ 15kg+ 14kg 13kg June - September Spring / Autumn July - End of September April - June Spring April - June Spring Spring Spring / Autumn Spring / Autumn Spring April - June September - February September - February September - December September - February September - February September - February September - February September - February All Year All Year September - February September - February 1 Season 1 Season 1 Season 1 - 2yr 1 Season 1 Season 1 Season 1 Season 5yr+ 5yr+ 1 Season 1 Season 1-2 1-2 1-2 2.5 1 - 2.5 B/C 2.5 - 3 1-2 1 1 6 5-6 45 - 50 20 - 35 40 45 - 50 12 - 16 B/C 15 15 - 25 15 - 20 15 - 20 75 75 - 100 185 60 90 60 220 100 55 50 28 50 28

Lodging can occur with excess fertiliser 100 30 80 75 80 50 75 40 37 40 120 75 96 37 96

Evaluation of New Crops

CEREALS SPECIALIST FODDER BEETS
New types of fodder beet are being bred and evaluated by DLF Trifolium Ltd for high dry matter content stock feed and for biogas production. Some of these new varieties eg. Enermax, will have Rhizomania tolerance, so will be suitable for growing in the east of the country where sugar beet is an important crop, as well as in the west and other areas.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

At our trialling site near Winchcombe in Gloucestershire and in consultation with many of our customers, we trial and evaluate many di erent types of products and mixture prescriptions. is enables us to observe and evaluate performance in the eld so that we can select the best varieties and mixtures for future use. Our customers may rest assured that they are dealing with a forward thinking company which invests heavily in R & D and whose aim is to ensure that you receive the best possible products at all times.

Alombic Spring Triticale 11% higher yield than control in 2012 trials at DLF Trifoliums trialling site at Hailes Farm, Winchombe

Energy Rich Beet

Kales from New Zealand

Wild Bird Seed Mixtures

Establishing Game Cover Crops

Game cover crops will only reach their full potential if they are well managed right from the start. A successfully managed shoot is both pro table and rewarding to landowners and the local community, as it contributes positively to the countryside and the overall environment. It is hoped the following notes will help and guide you to a successful establishment of game cover crops; any regional or particular soil conditions have not been taken into consideration as it is preferable to take advantage of local knowledge. If you would like more in depth information please contact your local seed specialist, who will be able to give advice for your own particular farm/situation.

CROP ROTATION
Rotations are essential to help reduce soil-borne diseases such as Club Root in brassicas. A rotational system will also help to improve soil fertility and structure as each crop can bene t the soil in di erent ways, each requiring di erent trace elements. Crop rotation is essential where weeds and/or disease have become a persistent problem.

SOWING
Where possible we recommend drilling game cover crops. is ensures accurate seed depth and row width and will provide maximum seed to soil contact that will encourage a speedy establishment. Sowing at the correct row width will also improve bird holding and driving capability. Each growing season is completely di erent, but try not to sow too early to ensure the soil temperature is warm enough to encourage a quick successful germination.

WEED CONTROL
e stale seed bed technique is a well proven weed control system and allows early control of weeds. e technique involves spraying, ploughing and cultivating to encourage weed seeds to germinate in a rst ush, then re-spraying; this can be repeated as o en as you feel it is required to help achieve a clean seed bed. is technique is very useful where mixtures are grown and no herbicide can be recommended. (For chemical weed control see tables on pages 8 and 9).

CULTIVATIONS
A well prepared seed bed is essential for crop health and development, as a rapidly growing game cover crop has more chance of resisting pest attack. Generally, ploughing and rapid consolidation to conserve moisture is the ideal start for these crops. Ensure the seed bed is ne and rm to help reduce the risk of slug activity.

FERTILISER
Soil testing is essential to determine the fertility of the soil, which can then be managed accordingly to maximize its potential. Farmyard manure is an excellent way of improving soil structure and adding fertility. Fertiliser will also be required at the early stages of establishment to maximize the output of your game cover crop. Lime may be required for some acid soils to balance the soil pH.

KEY
SOLAs Game Cover LTAEU OK OK to apply but some transient crop effects might be observed

Game Cover Chemicals 2013

Stale seedbed Pre-emergence herbicides Dow Shield 400 (EAMU 2012 2041) Post emergence herbicides Stomp Aqua (EAMU 2009 2919) Gamit 36CS (EAMU 2012 1267) Jubilee SX (EAMU 2859 2008) Novall 2.5 l/ha (AUTUMN use) Basagran (EAMU 2008 2819) Crystal (autumn application) (EAMU 2009 0450) Kerb Flo (EAMU 2008 2942) (MAPP 13716) Kerb Flo (EAMU 2008 2942) (MAPP 13716) ARAMO (EAMU 2008 2813) Butisan S / Rapsan 1.5l/ha Butisan S / Rapsan 1.5l/ha Axial (EAMU 2008 2815) Agroxone (2012 2061) Roundup Biactive (EAMU 2008 2869) Avadex Excel Avadex Excel Butryow Fusilade Capture Galera

No information available Yes ok to use Yes when established Yes from 3 leaf stage No do not use The chart below was kindly supplied by Agrovista UK Ltd

Insecticide Lentagran WP (EAMU 2009 0788)

Stomp Aqua (EAMU 2009 2919)

Notrtron Flo (EAMU 2008 2919)

Starane XL (EAMU 2904 2008)

Springkok 2.5 AUTUMN only

Starane (EAMU 2925 2008)

Peak (EAMU 2012 0906 )

Novall 2.5 l/ha

Mircam Plus

Species Canary Grass Chicory Giant Sorghum Kale Millet Red Ambush Millet Mix (mix reed + white) Millet White Mustard Quinoa Fodder Radish Sunowers Swede Yellow Blossom Clover Texsel Greens Stubble Turnip

Notes LTAEU - products used on cereals or forage maize

low rate from 2-3 leaf max 2.2l/ha

low rate from 2-3 lf

max 20g from 3 lf max 2.2

LTAEU - products used on cereals or forage maize

from 2-3 leaf

max 0.25 from 3 lf

max 6g from 3 lf

max 0.75 from 2-3 lf

LTAEU - products used on cereals or forage maize LTAEU - products used on cereals or forage maize LTAEU - products used on cereals or forage maize

max 1.7 max 1.7

max 2.2 max 2.2 low rate from 2-3 leaf low rate from 2-3 leaf AUTUMN from 3 lf max 0.8 from 3 lf max 0.8

from 3lf max 6g from 3 lf from 3lf from 3lf max 6g from 3 lf low rate from 2-3 leaf from 3lf from 3lf from 3lf max 1.7 from 3 lf max 6g from 3 lf

from 3lf from 3lf from 3lf Autumn Autumn

max 2.9 max 2.9

LTAEU - products used on OSR

max 1.5 AUTUMN

LTAEU - products used on OSR

max 1.7

AUTUMN

max 2.9 #2

LTAEU - products used on OSR

2l/ha max

AUTUMN

max 2.2 max 2.9

max 0.25 from 3lf from 3lf

from 3lf from 3lf

max 1.7 from 3 lf

max 2.2

Note: is is not a complete list of products which can be used on these crops. In some cases information is based only on limited data so should be used with caution. SOLAs and LTAEU o -label uses are at GROWERS OWN RISK # 1 Radish Markate 50 SOLA 20080204 #2 Swede and turnip Markate 50 SOLA 2010. Disclaimer: Agrovista cannot accept any responsibility for any loss, damage or accident arising from the use of information in this report.

Markate 50 #1 #2

Laser

Key

Maize Herbicides 2013

Bullet XL Pendimethalin Wing-P Cadou Star Dual Gold Templar Templar Calaris Callisto Elumis Samson Extra 6%* Butryow Gal Gone Titus* Peak*
Product
Pre-emergence up to 4 leaves Pre-emergence up to 4 leaves Pre-emergence up to 4 leaves Pre-emergence Pre-emergence Post emergence Post emergence Post emergence Post emergence Post emergence Post emergence Post emergence Post emergence Post emergence Post emergence

Susceptible Moderately susceptible Moderately resistant Resistant

Litre quantity indicates effective application rate The chart below was kindly supplied by Agrovista UK Ltd ( ) = Based on trials

* Do not apply Peak in sequence with any other SU containing herbicide (Samson Extra or Titus) Only one application of an SU herbicide with grassweed activity can be applied to the crop.

Crop Timing
2.7 4.0 1.4 2.5 2.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 0.75 1.0 1.0 50 g 0.5 kg

Stomp Aqua 3.3 Cinder 3.75

0.85 g/kg

Dose rate litre/ha

750+ 500 g 495+ 105 g

1.5L/HA

150 g/ha 112.5+ 45 g/ha

45 g/ha 401.58 g/ha 200 g/ha 25 g/ha

15+ 300

a.i/ha

Wild Radish
0.75L/HA

Volunteer Potato

Volunteer OSR
2-4TL

Thistle Creeping

Stinking Mayweed
2-4TL 1.5L/HA 0.75L/HA

Sow Thistles

Shepherd's Purse
2-4TL

Scentless Mayweed
2-4TL 0.75L/HA

Scarlet Pimpernel

Small Nettle
2-4TL

Redshank
0.75L/HA

Red Dead Nettle

2-4TL

Pineappleweed
2-4TL 1.5L/HA 0.75L/HA

Pennycress
2-4TL 1.5L/HA

Parsley Piert

Pale Persicaria
2-4TL 0.75L/HA

Orache
2-4TL 0.75L/HA

Knotgrass
2-4TL 1.5L/HA 1.5L/HA

Speedwell, Ivy-leaved
2-4TL

DISCLAIMER Agrovista cannot accept any responsibility for any loss, damage or accident arising from the use of information in this report

Henbit Dead Nettle

1.5L/HA

Groundsel
2-4TL

Fumitory
2-4TL

Forget-me-not
2-4TL

Fool's Parsley

Field Pansy
2-4TL 0.75L/HA

Field Bindweed

Fat Hen
2-4TL 0.75L/HA

Dock
seedling

Creeping Buttercup

Corn Marigold

Crane's Bill
()

Common Poppy
2-4TL

C Hemp Nettle

C. Field Speedwell
2-4TL 0.75L/HA

C.Chickweed
2-4TL

Cleavers
2-4TL 1.5L/HA 1.5L/HA

Charlock
2-4TL

Bugloss
2-4TL

Black Nightshade
2-4TL 0.75L/HA

Black Bindweed
2-4TL 1.5L/HA

Annual Mercury
0.75L/HA

Amaranthus

Wild Oats

Volunteer Cereals

Ryegrass

Common Couch

Blackgrass

Annual Meadow Grass

2-4TL 1.5L/HA (2 LVS)

Pests & Diseases in Brassicas & Maize

FLEA BEETLE MANAGEMENT
Brassicas (Kale, Rape, Texsel Greens, Jonty) and Linseed are vulnerable in hot weather conditions to attacks of Flea Beetle. Chemical insecticide treatment will be required immediately if shot holes are seen in the young leaves. Increasing soil fertility and structure helps speed the crop through critical growth stages to minimize attack.

DIABROTICA BEETLE WESTERN CORN ROOTWORM

Diabrotica is a serious pest of maize. e Colorado beetle is ranked number 10 as the worlds most destructive pest; Diabrotica beetle comes in at number 3 so that gives a perspective as to its destructive ability. e pest has been migrating through Europe for the last few years and has now reached the UK. e larvae can be devastating to maize crops. It has been detected in successive years in areas around Gatwick and Heathrow. If a eld is in a DEFRA identi ed Risk Area, farmers are required to rotate maize with crops that do not act as a host or it is requested that seed is treated with a specialist insecticide such as Cruiser, Gaucho or Poncho. Numbers of Diabrotica are on the increase and everyone must keep an eye open for their presence. is is as important in game maize crops as it is for forage maize crops.

WIREWORM
is pest is normally a problem a er grass, especially long-term leys. e standard maize insecticide seed treatment, Mesurol, does not control Wireworm. Cruiser/ Gaucho/Poncho Seed treatments do have an e ect on Wireworm, but it is important to use vigorous varieties, prepare a good seed bed and give the crop every chance to establish fast to limit the damage from this pest.

EUROPEAN CORN BORER

e corn borer is a pest native to Europe which has been spotted in the British Isles in the 2011 maize crop. e moth lays clusters of eggs on the underside of the leaf which hatch into caterpillars causing damage to the ears and stalks of maize, chewing tunnels which can cause the plants to fall over. Control is di cult as the maize is too tall to spray by the time the damage occurs.

Flea Beetle treated seed should be drilled not broadcast as it can be toxic to people and wildlife. Also if le on the surface of the soil the e ectiveness of the chemical against Flea Beetle will be reduced.

N.B.

Wireworm

European corn borer damage in maize

FRIT FLY
A key UK pest of maize, especially in grassland areas. is is easily and cheaply controlled with Mesurol whilst available, which also has some bird repellent properties. Flea Beetle Diabrotica Beetle

OTHER PESTS
Game cover is o en sown in the spring near to woods and trees and therefore is very attractive to crows, pigeons, slugs, rabbits, hares, deer, badgers and caterpillars. Game cover crops need to be checked regularly and relevant action needs to be taken quickly to prevent further attacks from these pests. Mesurol seed treatment, whilst still available, can help reduce Corvid damage to maize crops.

Diseases in Brassicas
(Plasmodiophora brassicae) Club Root is a serious and widespread disease of brassica plants. It is very di cult to control and once present in the soil, is virtually impossible to eradicate. Roots a ected by Club Root are swollen and distorted thus reducing the ow of water and nutrients to the plant; leaves become yellow and wilt causing severe stunting of growth. Sowing crops in the autumn when the soil is cooler reduces the risk of attack. Increasing soil pH through liming, ensuring good drainage and maintaining long rotations between brassica crops (at least four years) are the best methods to manage the disease.

Diseases in Maize
(Ustilago maydis)

CLUB ROOT

MAIZE SMUT

(Kabatiella zeae)

EYE SPOT

(Puccinia sorghi) Although sometimes seen in the UK, normally at the end of the season, Rust is not a major threat. It is observed as dark brown/red rust pustules which develop on the upper leaves. Even when present, this disease has not been a real problem. (Fusarium spp)

RUST

is fungus can be seed or soil borne and is also a disease of barley. Common Smut o en appears in hot dry years and is characterised by irregular shaped pu y balls on the cobs and stems of the plant. ese pu y balls are eaten in Mexico as a delicacy! is disease rarely a ects yield or feeding value and does not present a health hazard to livestock.

Another fungus which can be a problem in coastal areas especially in cold wet seasons. Seen as severe dark lesions on stems and leaves. e disease is hosted by maize trash, so with any occurrence, eld rotation and variety selection should be considered for future sowings. Deep burying of trash from previous cropping is a must.

STALK ROT

is is a fungus normally developing in late maturity causing premature senescence. It can weaken plants rapidly and cause lodging, especially if harvesting at 30%+ dry matter content.

Maize Smut

Eye Spot

Game Maize
Game Maize is still one of the most
popular crops used for cover and feed. Nearly all maize varieties used for game cover have at some stage been commercial forage or grain varieties. As these varieties are superseded by newer hybrids, stocks of those being replaced diminish and we carefully select the most suitable of these for our game cover purposes.

I run a farm shoot, rearing 800 pheasants, 300 partridge and 300 duck. Rapid Fire maize does a good job for me as its a good height and provides plenty of feed and decent cover for the birds. It did exceptionally well last year despite the awful weather. I prefer to use straights as we can spray with herbicides and I like to plant in strips to pull the birds away from the wood. It was planted as early as we could get on the ground in the spring using the farm combination drill set as deep as possible, to save the expense of a contractor.
Mr Martin Brian, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, November 2012

e selection criteria a breeder would use for a new forage maize are:
High yield potential Maturity Resistance to lodging Very good early vigour Resistance to disease
Most of these attributes are just as important for our game cover crops and as breeding evolves the varieties we supply will continue to improve.

It was thought that 2011 was one of the most di cult years ever for growing maize, but 2012 has been the nightmare of all years for maize and most other crops. e very wet weather led to very small yellow plants lying in cold, wet soils with weeds growing fast but the application of chemicals impossible as the ground was not t to take the sprayer. As the testimonial photograph shows there were some good crops amongst the very average and poor ones. e brand Late Shot has increased in popularity, producing an immature crop with unripe cobs at harvest, limiting any possible damage caused by badgers and rodents (see photo on p.13). For game cover purposes a crop of maize can always be relied upon to provide the perfect holding cover for game - birds, they can move easily through it and the cob will provide valuable feed. Variety selection is as important a factor as when and where to sow and we have a choice of ve brands to suit all locations and requirements.

Biomass Maize varieties available

We plant twelve acres of Late Shot game maize to provide six or seven drives through the season. This is the only game cover crop we grow on the farm as we like to keep life simple and Late Shot does what it says on the bag it is very late and it stands well late into the season. 2012 was a vey difficult year; the maize didnt get going properly until August but then it grew on well, providing good cover for the birds with its large leaves. Rats tend not to be a problem as they are not attracted to the small immature cobs.
Mr. David Fisher, Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, December 2012

Game Maize RAPID FIRE

Rapid Fire is still our biggest selling brand of maize. Varieties are chosen which have very good standing ability, early vigour and a low cob carriage. Pack size 50,000 seeds Mesurol treated

SILVER SHOT
Silver Shot is a very short, compact plant and has been sown in large shoots for several years. It is a stay-green variety with high drought tolerance which may have impact in the future! Pack size 40,000 seeds Mesurol treated

LATE SHOT
is plant is extremely late to mature and could not feature anywhere on a UK Maize List due to its lateness. It will produce an immature cob that rarely develops past the bright white stage. Due to its very late maturity Late Shot seems to be of less interest to rats and badgers, so where standard varieties have been decimated, Late Shot should still be looking good at the end of the shooting season. Pack size 50,000 seeds Mesurol treated

DOUBLE GOLD GRAIN TYPE

Double Gold is still our rst choice variety in the UK and Europe for grain production. As it is used for grain it has excellent standing power, which is very important to withstand a whole shooting season. It has excellent early vigour which is always important but even more so in di cult sowing conditions. Pack size 50,000 seeds Mesurol treated

TRIPLE MAIZE BLEND

Triple Maize Blend is a mixture of varieties, of three di erent types of early, mid and late. is will give di ering rates of maturity as cobs ripen at di erent times, thus providing cover throughout the whole of the shooting season. Pack size 50,000 seeds Mesurol treated

Comparing immature Late Shot (cob on le ) to earlier Rapid Fire (cob on right) in October

N.B.

Height of maize may vary depending on seasonal and management variations.

Kales
Kale is still one of the most popular
cover crops used today. e main advantage of Kale is that it will provide cover for the whole shooting season. Pheasants particularly like the combination of a good canopy and bare ground which allows easy movement in a relatively dry environment.
Club Root Tolerance

GRNER ANGELITER
A very tall variety with good winter hardiness. Gruner Angeliter looks to be a signi cant improvement in the game cover sector and has performed extremely well even in di cult growing conditions. It has a high leaf canopy and a thick strong stem with a branching, umbrellashaped canopy giving plenty of space for the birds to move about underneath. Sowing rate 1.5 - 3kg/acre Pack size 1 kg, untreated Cruiser SB Flea Beetle Treatment

THOUSAND HEAD
Traditional medium tall variety with medium-branched stems. Good winter hardiness and good standing ability make this variety a popular choice. Sowing rate 1.5 - 3kg/acre Pack size 1 kg, untreated Cruiser SB Flea Beetle Treatment

Tolera nce

Club Root

Kale requires soil with a pH of around 6.5, so it is very important to conduct soil analysis prior to sowing. Kale is a very hungry crop and bene ts from the application of farmyard manure/slurry prior to sowing. Care should be taken with continuous Kale as the ground can become brassica sick; Club Root (Finger and Toe) will inhibit or prevent the growth of brassica crops but this can be prevented by growing Kale and another crop such as Maize in adjacent strips and alternating the strips. Kale is frequently grown in conjunction with other crops such as Quinoa and Yellow Blossom Clover. Selection of any such mixture should take into account the required length of time for which the crop is grown and the potential weed control that may be required.

GOLDENEYE KALE

SUREFIRE KALE BLEND

A combination of three excellent game cover kale varieties, to provide a tall varied canopy. is blend will give superb cover over an extended period and will give second year growth with various bolting times. e owering kale attracts insects and provides shed seed, all helping to draw both game and song birds. 0.75kg Goldeneye 0.75kg Gruner Angeliter 0.50kg ousand Head 2kg/acre Sowing rate 1.5 - 3kg/acre Pack size 2kg Cruiser SB Flea Beetle Treatment

Goldeneye is a giant type kale especially bred for the game cover market, selected for the optimum combination of height and leaf production. It has a leafy top, strong stem, good winter hardiness and good eld tolerance of disease, making it the ideal choice for game cover usage. In a trial conducted at the Scottish Agricultural College, Aberdeen, Goldeneye achieved a higher vigour score than Caledonian kale and better club root tolerance. Pack size 1 kg, untreated Cruiser SB Flea Beetle Treatment

SOVEREIGN
Sovereign is a high yielding, medium-tall forage kale with good club root tolerance. In agronomic tests conducted by the SAC in Aberdeen, Sovereign was shown to have good dry matter yields and excellent leaf-to-stem ratio and EW Non PE CI compared statistically very favourably all counts with RE Caledonian kale. Successfully tested for winter hardiness and keeping ability, it has the potential to maintain good quality production over a longer usage period.

2013

Everyones talking about it!

Sowing rate 1.5 - 3kg/acre Pack size 1 kg, untreated Cruiser SB Flea Beetle Treatment (limited)

Miscellaneous Brassicas
JONTY
Jonty is a fast growing brassica which will provide excellent cover within 6 weeks of sowing. It produces a turnip-like root but grows like a forage rape, reaching a height of 60-80cms. Due to its rapid bolting tendency Jonty is best planted in early autumn as a rescue crop. Sowing rate 1 - 3kg/acre Pack size 1kg, iram & Sepiret treated

FORAGE RAPE
Forage Rape is particularly useful in that it can be used as a rescue or catch crop, continuing until the New Year when it owers and goes to seed. A well grown crop with adequate spacing between rows will provide good cover for holding, driving and feeding. It is largely una ected by frost and wet weather. Sowing rate 2.5 - 4kg/acre Pack size 5kg and 25kg untreated Cruiser OSR Flea Beetle Treatment available (limited) See page 34 for Clubroot tolerant variety

O U

ZOOM BRASSICA MIXTURE

Zoom is a blend of Winfred Hybrid Brassica and Forage Rape. is is a very vigorous and quick growing mixture which is ideal for replacing failed crops or patching spring sown crops. High seedling vigour gives a reliable establishment of a high leaf to stem ratio crop with carefully selected varieties that have good disease and bolting resistance. Sowing rate 2.5 - 4kg/acre Pack size 5kg Cruiser OSR Flea Beetle Treatment

SPECIES OF THE YEAR

2012

TANDI TS

NG

ORGANIC FORAGE RAPE

Sowing rate 2.5 - 4kg/acre Pack Size 25kg untreated organic seed (very limited)

(Brassica carinata)

TEXSEL GREENS

Texsel Greens are a fast growing, shiny leaved brassica developed from Ethiopian Mustard. ey are easy to establish and provide frost hardy cover, producing a broken canopy which is great for ushing birds. eir rapid growth is ideal for suppressing weeds and they are o en used as a patching crop when spring crops have failed. Zoom Brassica Sowing rate 2 - 3kg/acre Pack size 1kg, iram & Sepiret treated OUTSTANDING SPECIES OF THE YEAR

Jonty

Flea Beetle treated seed must be drilled and not broadcast. Flea Beetle seed treatment greatly reduces the e ect of Flea Beetle damage in the early stages of establishment, however regular monitoring of the crop is still required as further action may be needed in the event of heavy attack.

Everyones talking about it!

Sun owers
Not only is a eld of sun owers in ower a colourful sight, the crop is of huge bene t to a wide range of wildlife. Sun owers provide highly nutritious seed of a high oil content which is loved by all game and song birds and the nectar is of great importance to bees and other insects. In most situations sun owers are grown in conjunction with many other game crops such as game maize or kale, either in mixtures or in adjacent blocks. e young seedlings are very vulnerable to spring slug attack and to wireworm in ground that has previously been in grass, so a close eye must be kept on the newly planted crop. Cambridge rolling following drilling into a good seed bed will help to protect against rook damage.

STANDARD TYPE
Variable height, but generally tall. For best utilisation of this crop it should be swiped down to enable game birds to reach the nutritious seeds. Sowing rate 5kg/acre Pack size 1 acre (5kg) untreated

DWARF TYPE
A short hybrid variety with good standing ability. e seed-heads tend to be larger than those of the standard type. ese are also best swiped down to enable birds to reach the large seed-heads. Sowing rate 5kg/acre Pack size 1 acre (5kg) Fungicide treated

Standard Sun ower

Red Millet

White & Red Millet

Millgame Millet Mix

White Millet

Millets & Canary Grasses

Reed Canary Grass Reed Canary Grass Canary Grass Japanese Reed Millet

AMBUSH MILLET MIX

Ambush Millet Mix is a combination of White Millet and Japanese Reed Millet. e Reed Millet being a stronger plant and more winter hardy provides cover while the White Millet produces plentiful seed to hold the birds in the cover. It is an ideal mixture for use as a wind-proof belt on the outside of a block of maize or as a ushing point at the end of maize. 3.00 kg White Millet 2.00 kg Japanese Reed Millet 5.00 kg/acre Sowing rate 5kg/acre Pack size 1 acre (5kg) untreated

WHITE MILLET
White Millet is best suited to more southerly regions of the UK as it is a sunshine loving plant and is not frost hardy. It provides warmth, shelter and feed for game birds and will attract wild seed-eating birds such as nches. Millet is particularly attractive to grey and red-legged partridges and if sown alone can be used for early holding cover. When required to last longer into the season it performs well if sown with maize but will combine well with a variety of other game cover crops. Sowing rate 5kg/acre Pack size 1 acre (5kg) untreated

RED MILLET
Red Millet is earlier maturing than white and does not stand well when sown alone. However it is a good partner to use with White Millet as it extends the feeding period (see Millgame Millet Mix). As with other millets, it is susceptible to frost. Sowing rate 5kg/acre Pack size 1acre (5kg) untreated

JAPANESE REED MILLET

Japanese Reed Millet is a stronger plant than other members of the millet family and is more winter hardy. When mixed with White Millet it provides an excellent cover and feed crop (see Ambush Millet Mix). Sowing rate 5kg/acre Pack size 1acre (5kg) untreated

(Phalaris aquatica)

CANARY GRASS

MILLGAME MILLET MIX

Millgame Millet Mix uses both Red and White Millet and is useful as the Red matures earlier than the White, therefore extending the feeding period. is mixture can produce huge amounts of high protein feed per acre and when combined with maize creates an excellent cover and feed crop. 2.50 kg Red Millet 2.50 kg White Millet 5.00 kg/acre Sowing rate 5kg/acre Pack size 1 acre (5kg) untreated White Millet

Canary Grass provides excellent medium to long term nesting cover for pheasant and partridge and can be used to both hold and drive birds. It is useful in areas where annual planting is not an option, either because it is uneconomic or too di cult and is a good choice to use between tree rows in newly established woods. Care must be taken to drill in wide enough rows to prevent the Canary Grass becoming too dense and therefore impassable for the birds. Annual management should be undertaken to keep the rows clear and topping is bene cial if the grass becomes too tall, with the debris being removed. Sowing rate 2.5kg/acre Pack size 1 acre (2.5kg) untreated

(Phalaris arundinacea)

REED CANARY GRASS

Reed Canary Grass is similar to Phalaris aquatica but is more suitable for use in exposed northern regions as it is a much hardier plant and will tolerate a wide range of soil types. It not only o ers nesting and cover to pheasants but also provides wild birds with nesting sites. e crop is purely for cover and does not provide feed so bare patches may be le unplanted or later cut out to provide areas for arti cial feeding. As with Phalaris aquatica drilling in wide rows is necessary rather than broadcasting or the crop will become too dense and annual management should be undertaken to keep the rows clear. Topping is bene cial if it becomes too tall, with the debris removed. Sowing rate 2.5kg/acre Pack size 1 acre (2.5kg) untreated (limited availability)

Sorghums
producing, maize-like plant which will provide cover throughout the shooting season. It thrives best in warm, sunny growing conditions and therefore is suited to the more southerly regions of the UK. Sorghum is a very slow establishing plant that does not begin to ourish until late July.

Sorghum is a semi-tropical, non-cob DWARF SORGHUM

Dwarf Sorghum has a short, sturdy, broad-leaved stem and a substantial seed-head, providing birds with warm cover throughout the shooting season. O en sown as a companion to Maize with the bulkier, shorter Sorghum plants giving protection to the birds below the taller growing maize plants (see Four Ten on p23) Average height 1 - 1.25m. Sowing rate 8kg/acre Pack size 1 acre (8kg) Fungicide treated plus untreated

GIANT SORGHUM
Giant Sorghum is a Sorghum x Sudan grass hybrid standing approximately 2 metres tall or more and therefore is extremely useful as a windbreak to protect more vulnerable crops. Its deep rooting system enables it to withstand drought conditions. Useful as a ushing crop even though it is prone to lodging later in the season. Sowing rate 12kg/acre Pack size 1 acre (12kg) Fungicide treated

INTERMEDIATE SORGHUM
Intermediate Sorghum as suggested by its name, is in between giant and dwarf in height, approx 1.5m. Useful as a windbreak around other game cover crops, it provides pheasants and partridges with protection from overhead predators. Has an attractive seed-head. Sowing rate 8kg/acre Pack size 1 acre (8kg) Fungicide treated Giant Sorghum

Over n Under Sorghum Mixture

OVER N UNDER SORGHUM MIXTURE

A combination of two di ering heights of sorghum. e shorter Dwarf Sorghum will give the birds protection from predators with the taller Giant Sorghum acting as a windbreak. 4.00 kg Giant Sorghum 4.00 kg Dwarf Sorghum 8.00 kg/acre Sowing rate 8kg/acre Pack size 1 acre (8kg) Fungicide treated

N.B.

Height of Sorghum may vary depending on seasonal and management variations.

Brown Mustard

Brown Mustard

Fodder Radish

Buck Wheat

Miscellaneous Crops
Mustard Quinoa Yellow Blossom Clover Triticale

PHACELIA
A proli c seeder, very fast to establish and a good weed suppressant. It produces a mass of sweet smelling purple owers providing a good source of nectar and seeds bene cial to a large variety of insects. It is not winter hardy and therefore for game cover it is best sown as part of a mixture. Phacelia is likely to set seed and reseed itself for many years to come. Sowing Rate 3kg - 4kg/acre Pack size 1 & 5kg untreated

BROWN MUSTARD
A green manure crop with biofumigation properties, i.e. it suppresses soil-borne pests and diseases. It is an easy to establish 50 - 70 day crop that can be sown between April and September and unlike white mustard it is winter hardy. It will improve the health of the soil by increasing organic matter and acts as an excellent weed suppressant. It is also especially useful as over-wintering green cover a er maize, potatoes and sugar beet crops, reducing soil erosion, fertiliser leaching and water run-o . Sowing rate 2kg - 3kg/acre Pack size 5kg untreated

BUCKWHEAT
A rapidly growing short term crop highly attractive to pheasants, partridge and deer both as cover and feed. e large amount of nectar produced attracts bees and other bene cial insects which in turn provide added interest for game birds. It is a useful component to add to mixtures due to its bulkiness and its ability to continue to provide holding cover and feed a er the rst frosts when the crop has fallen. Buckwheat thrives best in sunny rather than shaded areas. Sowing rate 20kg/acre Pack size 5kg untreated

FODDER RADISH
A fast growing cover crop, its prime usefulness being where Brassica Sickness is a problem due to its immunity to the disease. Other qualities are its speed of establishment which aids weed suppression, and its use as a green manure crop. It is useful as a catch crop in northern regions if sown in July as it will be ready to provide cover within six to eight weeks, just as birds are losing cover from the cereals being combined. Due to its fast growth it is valuable as a replacement for failed crops. Fodder Radish is not winter hardy, but continues to provide cover right through the season. In addition, it holds its seed in pods which shed in late winter/early spring, thus providing feed during that all important hungry gap.

WHITE MUSTARD
A relatively inexpensive and highly versatile cover crop either sown alone or as a companion to other species. It is ideal for early cover and although killed o by frost, the fallen woody stems will create shelter for the birds below. is is especially useful when sown with seed producing species which alone would provide no cover. Popular as a green manure crop (see green manure section). Sowing rate 5kg/acre Pack size 5kg and 25kg untreated Cruiser OSR Flea Beetle Treatment available (limited) Organic seed available (limited) in 25kg packs

Phacelia

Buckwheat

Sowing rate 2.5kg/acre Pack size 5kg untreated

Miscellaneous Crops
PERENNIAL CHICORY
Creates tall, dense cover, bolting in its second year to create a 6 - 7 owering hedge, useful where a perimeter barrier is required. It has good tolerance to drought, acid soils and major pests (but does not like very wet ground) and has a high mineral content including Zinc, Potassium and Copper. Sowing rate 2 kg/acre Pack size 2kg untreated (limited)

YELLOW BLOSSOM CLOVER

A biennial plant which can persist for several years due to its self-regenerating properties. Owing to its sweet smell and copious production of nectar it is highly attractive to insects, which in turn attract game birds and wildlife. Sowing with Kale will help to provide cover in the rst year, with the tall, woody-stemmed clover taking over in the second year. Yellow Blossom Sweet Clover can thrive in the poorest of soils and being leguminous and deep rooting it is invaluable for improving soil structure and fertility. Sowing rate 2.5 kg/acre Pack size 1kg untreated

TRITICALE
A wheat/rye hybrid cereal providing good cover and feed in marginal low fertility areas where it will thrive with little input. Useful in situations where maize and millet are not options and where Brassica Sickness is a problem. Further important advantages are its ability to withstand rabbit attack, its winter hardiness and good disease resistance. When sowing in the spring, a true spring type must be used which does not require a period of vernalisation, otherwise the plant will not produce grain. Sowing rate 50kg/acre Pack size 25kg untreated Quinoa

BORAGE
Borage, also known as Star ower, is an annual herb, growing to a height of 2-3 feet with bright blue owers; there is also a white owered variation. e crop was traditionally grown for culinary and medicinal uses, although the crop is commercially grown today for its oil content. Sowing rate 5kg/acre Pack size 5kg untreated

LINSEED
Traditionally grown for its oil, Linseed has become popular in recent years as game cover and is particularly attractive to partridge. It is an easy to grow crop and is tolerant of many soil types, performing well on thinner soils e.g. Cotswold Brash. Although not frost hardy it will continue to provide cover and interest well into the winter especially if sown as part of a mixture. It is also another option where Brassica Sickness has been a problem. Sowing rate 25kg/acre Pack size 25kg Chinook treated

GOLD OF PLEASURE CAMELINA

Another crop well suited to poorer and nutrient de cient soils. It is a fast maturing free-branching plant producing a seed very attractive to birds, especially partridge. A useful mixture for exposed areas is produced by combining Gold of Pleasure with Triticale, Barley and Linseed. See Partridge mix page 22. Sowing rate 5 kg/acre Pack size 5kg untreated

QUINOA
Quinoa is capable of producing a plentiful amount of seed and therefore is a popular choice of crop for holding partridge and pheasants. Many species of seed-eating song-birds are also attracted to the crop. Commonly grown with Kale, Quinoa provides cover and feed until it begins to collapse in the rst frosts with the Kale providing more permanent cover. Sowing rate 2 kg/acre Pack size 1kg untreated

Overdrive

Partridge Mix

Sundown

Sanfoin

Game Cover Mixtures

Sundown Traditional Game Cover Mix Northern Star

LATE COVER AND RESCUE MIXTURES Our range of game cover mixtures are specially formulated to ensure you will be able to achieve the best from your cover crops. Combining di erent species into a mixture can extend the utilisation period, help to attract and hold speci c types of game and provide feed and cover where both are required. However, there are sometimes instances when none of the above will t the bill for one reason or another. In these cases, specialised mixtures to suit individual speci c requirements can be arranged.

BOOST MIXTURE
A fast growing, quick to establish, frost hardy crop. Ideal to sow in late summer or early autumn to provide cover that will last throughout the winter. Excellent as a rescue mixture for patching failed crops or when a later sown crop is required. 1.75 kg Texsel Greens (B. carinata) 0.25 kg Hybrid Brassica 0.25 kg Fodder Radish 0.25 kg Brown Mustard 2.50 kg/acre Sowing rate 2.5kg/acre Pack size 5kg untreated

LATE COVER MIXTURE

A rapidly establishing and maturing mixture providing winter cover to the height of 2 - 3 feet. It is often used as a patching crop where spring crops have failed. is mixture will tolerate drought conditions. 3.00 kg Forage Rape 1.50 kg Stubble Turnips 0.35 kg White Mustard 0.15 kg Fodder Radish 5.00 kg/acre Sowing rate 5kg/acre Pack size 5kg untreated

KWIK FIX
is is a exible cover crop which can be used to patch failed spring game covers. Mustard increases the cover element and Fodder Radish prolongs the cover period. is mixture will not provide full season cover, but it is more winter hardy than straight Mustard. 3.50 kg Fodder Radish 1.50 kg White Mustard 5.00 kg/acre Sowing rate 5kg/acre Pack size 5kg untreated

RE

W NE CIPE

2013

Late Cover Mixture

Kwik Fix

Brian has been at Glenalmond for nearly 20 years and is convinced that attention to detail is critical to successful game cover establishment. He says We have found that spring triticale and tic beans are very good at consistently establishing well and then holding birds, which is the most important role for game cover for us and why we like the Northern Star Mixture. A game cover crop is just like a young bird, it needs to be properly fed in its early life. Lime if required, fertiliser and plenty of farmyard manure help compensate for shallow soils in a challenging environment, particularly in a year like 2012. If something is worth doing, its worth doing well Mr. Brian Dickson, Head Keeper, Glenalmond Estate, Perthshire, November 2012

Game Cover Mixtures

TRADITIONAL GAME COVER MIXTURE
A traditional mixture of species specially selected for their feed and cover qualities. is mixture is designed for a full season of cover that will provide holding, feed and cover for all game birds. e Sun owers add an attractive splash of colour. Due to the variance in seed size, broadcast to achieve optimum establishment and ensure that treated seed is covered by harrowing and rolling. 3.00 kg Game Maize 1.75 kg White Millet 1.50 kg Red Millet 1.50 kg Buckwheat 1.00 kg Kale 0.75 kg Sun ower 0.25 kg White Mustard 0.25 kg Forage Rape 10.00 kg/acre Sowing rate 10kg/acre Pack size 10kg various treatments

NORTHERN STAR GAME MIXTURE

Northern Star Game mixture is ideal for use in colder, more exposed areas. is mixture will provide cover and feed as well as being a haven for wildlife throughout the season. e Triticale in the mixture is bene cial where rabbit damage is a potential problem. It is advisable to sow in wide rows to enable birds to have free access. 10.00 kg Triticale 7.00 kg Tic Beans 1.50 kg Forage Rape 1.00 kg Kale 0.50 kg Yellow Blossom Clover 20.00 kg/acre Sowing rate 20kg/acre Pack size 20kg untreated

PARTRIDGE MIXTURE
A very hardy mixture that thrives on colder, poorer soils. is mixture has an open canopy that encourages and holds partridges and is useful as a break crop from Kale. 12.50 kg Spring Triticale 7.50 kg Spring Barley 3.75 kg Linseed (Chinook treated) 1.00 kg Gold of Pleasure 0.25 kg Kale 25.00 kg/acre Sowing rate 25kg/acre Pack size 25kg

OVERDRIVE
A superb combination of winter hardy cover provided by the Kale and high quality feed provided by the Quinoa. is mixture is excellent for holding birds. 1.25 kg Quinoa 1.25 kg Grner Angeliter Kale 2.50 kg/acre Sowing rate 2.5kg/acre Pack size 2.5kg Cruiser SB Flea Beetle Treatment

Traditional Game Cover Mixture

Northern Star Mixture

I am very pleased with the traditional game cover mixture we planted last season. It provided both feed and cover, plus protection from the terrible weather we have experienced during 2012. e buckwheat and sun owers were fantastic seed producers, perfect for game birds and wild birds alike, whilst the kale and forage rape gave us excellent cover later on in the season. Not only that, it is a very attractive crop to grow, giving us wonderful colour through the summer. We planted on free-draining ground, which enabled it to hold its own in last years very wet conditions. We found this mixture works well either as a large block for cover or as a strip for holding birds. Mr Maurice Beard, Wye Valley, Gloucestershire, November 2012

DECOY GAME MIXTURE

A combination of six small seed producing species which will provide excellent cover and feed and will last throughout the season. It is easy to sow and establish as all the seeds are of similar size and o ers an excellent alternative to our Traditional Game Cover mixture. 2.0kg Linseed (Chinook treated) 2.0kg Buckwheat 1.5kg Red Millet 1.5kg White Millet 0.5kg Fodder Radish 0.5kg Mustard 8.00 kg/acre Sowing rate 8kg/acre Pack size 8kg

FOUR TEN MIX

is mixture will provide cover and feed throughout the season. Dwarf Sorghum will provide added warmth and cover below the Maize. Both species have similar husbandry techniques. 10.00 kg Game Maize 4.00 kg Dwarf Sorghum 14.00 kg/acre Sowing rate 14kg/acre Pack size 14kg Fungicide treated

DEER LAWN MIXTURE

A mixture blended to provide a wide and very diverse blend of forage which will suit the needs of most deer species found in the UK. e grasses will provide the bulk of the forage, Meadow Foxtail being one of the species particularly favoured by deer. e wide selection of leguminous plants provides good levels of protein and minerals adding variation and interest to the diet. Mixtures such as these can be sown into cleared areas of woodland where soil types and structures are not always ideal and where deer may graze without disturbance. 38% Meadow Fescue 15% Timothy 15% Intermediate Perennial Ryegrasss (Diploid) 5% Late Perennial Ryegrasss (Diploid) 5% Smooth Stalk Meadow Grass 3% Black Medick 3% Lucerne Pre-inoculated 3% Sainfoin 2.5% Common Bent Grass 2.5% White Clover 2% Red Clover 2% Fenugreek 2% Perennial Chicory 1% Meadow Foxtail 1% Plantain 100% Sowing rate 15kg/acre Pack size 15kg

GENERAL PURPOSE REARING PEN MIX

A mixture of species which provides a perfect rearing/ release pen mixture. is mixture establishes rapidly and forms a hardwearing sward which will withstand intensive stocking. e legumes included will x nitrogen and attract insects. 3.00 kg Amenity Perennial Ryegrass 2.50 kg Late Perennial Ryegrass (Diploid) 2.00 kg Timothy 2.00 kg Meadow Fescue 2.00 kg Creeping Red Fescue 1.00 kg Birdsfoot Trefoil 0.50 kg White Clover 13.00 kg/acre Sowing rate 13kg/acre Pack size 13kg

SUNDOWN MIXTURE
A carefully blended mixture of Game Cover Maize and Sun owers that combines the fantastic feeding potential of both species. is mixture provides full season cover and feed. It is not recommended for marginal areas. 11.50 kg Game Maize 1.50 kg Sun ower 13.00 kg/acre Sowing rate 13kg/acre Pack size 13kg Fungicide treated

Decoy Game Mixture

General Purpose Rearing Pen Mix