Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time
of publication (July 2026). Readers should make their own enquiries and rely on their own advice when making
decisions related to material contained in this publication.
| Researcher(s) |
Rohan Brill Ben O'Brien |
|---|---|
| Contact email | rohan@brillag.com.au |
| Contact phone | 0488250489 |
| Year(s) | 2025 |
| Contributor | Brill Ag |
| Trial location(s) |
Site, NSW
|
The aim of this trial is to evaluate different Vetch varieties for grazing and hay production, and determine how sowing date and grazing/hay management affect biomass production, recovery after grazing and feed quality.
• Mid-April sown Timok produced the most total biomass (graze + hay;10.2 t/ha) when grazed early (9 July) and then cut for hay.
• Mid-April sown vetch varieties, with the exception of Studenica, produced the same biomass (graze only; average 6.2 t/ha).
• Mid-April sown vetch grazed late (14 August) did not recover sufficiently to enable a hay cut.
• Early May sown Timok and Morava produced more biomass (graze only; 3.4 t/ha) compared with the other 4 varieties (3.1 t/ha) at the mid August grazing.
• Early May sown Benetas produced the most biomass (hay only; 12.4 t/ ha) from the hay cut on 9 October, compared to the other 5 varieties (hay only; average 7.6 t/ha).
• Grazing feed value (digestibility, metabolisable energy and crude protein) was higher in Morava and Timok from 14 April sowing with 10 July grazing compared to 8 May sowing with 14 August grazing.
| Lead research organisation |
Brill Ag |
|---|---|
| Host research organisation |
Brill Ag |
| Trial funding source | GRDC BRA2105-001RTX |
| Related program | N/A |
| Acknowledgments |
We gratefully acknowledge the investment support of the GRDC for BRA2105-001RTX, ‘Development and extension to close the economic yield gap and maximise farming systems benefits from grain legume production in New South Wales’. |
| Other trial partners | Rit & Jes McKay, ‘North Winnabri’, Warren. |
| Crop type | Hay: Vetch |
|---|---|
| Treatment type(s) |
|
| Trial type | Experimental |
| Trial design | Replicated |
| Sowing machinery |
Knife point press wheel |
|---|---|
| Sow date | 14 April and 8 May, 2025 |
| Harvest date | Not specified |
| Plot size | Not specified |
| Plot replication | Not specified |
| Fertiliser |
Phosphorus: 75 kg/ha MAP with seed |
SILO weather estimates sourced from https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo/
Jeffrey, S.J., Carter, J.O., Moodie, K.B. and Beswick, A.R. (2001). Using spatial interpolation to
construct a comprehensive archive of Australian climate data , Environmental Modelling and Software, Vol
16/4, pp 309-330. DOI: 10.1016/S1364-8152(01)00008-1.
