Seed Today

Date Posted: April 4, 2006

GRAZA Forage Radish

Silverton, OR (April 4, 2006) -- “GRAZA” forage radish is the latest offering in brassica breeding from PGGSEEDS, of New Zealand, and distributed by Ioka Farms in the United States. GRAZA is a fast growing, drought tolerant, and multiple grazing leaf brassica, and its growing points allow for rapid, repeated regrowth after grazing. GRAZA has persisted for up to a year without flowering in Oregon and Louisiana, and has survived the rigors of hot, wet summers.

GRAZA offers a palatable solution to summer grazing when milk production and weight gains are difficult with cool season pastures. High intake is required for high production, and GRAZA has digestible dry matter and metabolisable energy levels higher than corn or sorghums. This means animals will consume more feed of higher quality.

GRAZA is a flexible and cost effective cultivar to grow; its seed size (7-10 lb./ acre) makes it easy to sow and fast to germinate. GRAZA FORAGE RADISH does not require special tillage or planting equipment. It is easily broadcast or drilled into stubble, and sequential plantings are not necessary to maintain adequate forage quality during summer periods.

GRAZA is attractive to all classes of livestock and wildlife. GRAZA’s palatability and persistence in the heat of summer provides a new dimension to pastoral farming. The forage herbs plantain and chicory complement any GRAZA sowing to create an additional competitive advantage for all grazing systems. GRAZA and other Pyne Gould Guinness Seed varieties are available through PGGSeeds distributors. For more information, and for the distribution network, contact Liz Schaecher at Ioka Farms, Inc. at 503-873-6498 or Liz Schaecher at Ioka Farms

Information on GRAZA is also available from PGGSeeds Agronomist John Snider at 541-510-5000 or hathorn@harborside.com.

See Related Websites/Articles:

• Ioka Marketing, LLC

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