Cropping

Our aim is to grow all the concentrates and protein that we need in order to be self sufficient. Whilst red clover gives high protein forage, we still require additional protein for the sheep, for the ewes in particular.

Winter Triticale variety Amarillo was sown on 7 October 2009 at 190 kg/ha. It established well and survived the hard winter without any problems. It grew away as soon as the ice and snow had gone and has produced a dense crop with few weeds. It appears to have the potential for a good yield. The same variety yielded 4.60 t/ha at 14 percent MC last year.

Firth oats and Prophet peas were sown on 9 April 2010. Oats were sown at 150 KG/ha and the peas at 50 KG/ha. Germination of the oats was erratic, a problem we have had before, but it finally established and grew well, though shorter than in the past. Pea establishment was poor and may have been  due to either the method of sowing or birds. We are now thinking that drilling rather than broadcasting might be more reliable.

Last year’s crop yielded 4.63 t/ha at 14 percent MC in early September, coming off the combine at 19.5 percent MC. It was immediately crimped with propionic acid (under derogation) to preserve it.

A spring triticale, white mustard and linseed mix was sown in early April.

As an alternative home-grown protein, we are considering sowing winter beans in the autumn. This would give us additional protein for general use.