As seen in Farm Weekly, 29/02/2024

Safeguard ARGT resistant annual ryegrass

Certified Safeguard is the only annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT) resistant variety in the pasture seed market.

Annual Ryegrass Toxicity (ARGT) effects cattle, sheep and other grazing animals and has become a common problem for livestock producers in most areas of Western Australia, including high rainfall zones.

Bred for livestock producers and hay exporters, Safeguard pasture rotation grass has excellent winter yields and vigorous leafy characteristics that can be repeatedly cut and grazed.

  • Only variety available with resistance to annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT).
  • Suitable for the pasture phase of cropping rotations.
  • Assists in protecting future hay or cereal crops from rejection due to ARGT.

Lance Kennedy, from Irwin Hunter & Co, WA's leading, locally owned, and operated distributor of pasture seeds says, "Pasture seed is our specialty and we've helped farmers find the optimum pasture seed that works best in their conditions, for many decades.

"It is crucial to invest in certified seed like Safeguard annual ryegrass as it provides unique and sustainable biological control of ARGT."

Mr Kennedy explains that he hears far too often about the devastating effects of annual ryegrass toxicity on livestock.

"ARGT is something that farmers can prevent, simply by sowing certified Safeguard because you know that your ryegrass is going to be ARGT resistant."

Bred with a high frequency of ARGT-resistant genes, Safeguard gives growers the best chance to protect their livestock whilst producing excellent winter pasture and if ARGT is present in your paddock you can use Safeguard over a few years to eradicate it.

The seed provides effective biological control of the nematode that causes ARGT (Anguina funesta) which prevents the toxin-producing bacterium (Clavibacter toxicus) from reaching hazardous levels in your pasture.

Sowing Safeguard

Irwin Hunter & Co recommends certified Safeguard annual ryegrass for pasture regeneration in Western Australia as it flowers early while there is still good moisture levels in the soil, thereby increasing the chances of a successful seed set as it is a self-seeding annual.

It is also important to sow Safeguard before the break to align its flowering with Wimmera ryegrass.

This aids in the plant's ability to cross pollinate and produce seeds which are ARGT resistant.

If sowing before the break is not possible, all background ryegrass that has germinated after the break must be sprayed with a non-selective herbicide prior to sowing Safeguard.

Safeguard has higher winter production than Wimmera ryegrass which is an added benefit for livestock producers.

Self Regeneration Mix

Self Regeneration Mix was introduced by IH Seeds to cater for the large number of farmers requiring an early flowering pasture of annual ryegrass and various clovers that will set seed for regeneration in the following years and give farmers protection against annual ryegrass toxicity ARGT at the same time.

With the inclusion of Safeguard, it will not allow the bacteria to colonise, so it is safe to graze in spring and summer and should produce enough feed to graze the paddock in the first year.

It has the potential to provide grazing opportunities during the winter and early spring before locking up for seed set and allowing enough seed for the establishment of Safeguard and should provide successful cross pollination with any existing Wimmera, providing ARGT resistance to the following year's progeny.

Safeguard has also proven to be a powerful tool to increase livestock returns in WA.

Sowing Safeguard into a rundown pasture, as an additional component with subterranean clover or using Self Regeneration Mix with Safeguard; sub clovers, Rose and Balansa clovers, could improve dry matter production by 50 per cent, particularly in winter when feed is short.

Safeguard plays a major role in helping farmers improve rundown pastures, manage annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT), and increase stocking rates during the pasture phase of their cropping rotation.

Contact your local farm supplier or Irwin Hunter & Co regarding their extensive range of pasture seed and mixes.