Issue 5 - Nitrogen in Perennial Ryegrass Seed Crops

This Arable Update describes the biology of small broomrape and initial data on control options including herbicides and their application timing.

This Herbage Update summarises three seasons of irrigation experiments investigating yield penalties from early versus late-season drought and identifying mechanisms to guide irrigation strategies for improved water-use efficiency.

This report outlines findings from the moisture probe trial including the performance of each of the systems tested in Year 2 (2024-25) and outlines key points to consider when choosing a moisture monitoring system based on findings from both year’s work.

Growers are reminded to report any grass weeds that appear unfamiliar or could resemble black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides). Early reporting remains one of our strongest tools for protecting the industry.

The moisture probe trial is back for 2025-26 season. We have moisture probes from different providers installed at our Chertsey research site. View the different companies dashboards here.

Following a very wet winter, FAR has received a number of requests for information around managing yellow autumn sown crops. This Arable Extra outlines ways to distinguish between nitrogen and sulphur deficiencies and provides some information to support decision making around crop management.

With Spark and One NZ decommissioning their 2G and 3G networks across the country near the end of 2025. FAR has contacted the companies involved with the moisture probe trial to find out how it could affect your farm.

This FAR Focus outlines the key practices required to grow cocksfoot seed crops, covering topics such as crop establishment, nutrient requirements, crop management and harvesting. Topics outside the scope of this booklet include emissions profiles and off-farm considerations such as seed cleaning etc.

Read the booklet for the 2025 autumn round up series here. 

This update outlines the results of five years of trials exploring pre-desiccant options for managing bulky white clover crops, aiming to reduce rapid leaf regrowth following diquat desiccation under wet or high-fertility conditions. Achieving effective desiccation required balancing this process with post-harvest regrowth, as clover seed crops are often used for lamb grazing on New Zealand cropping farms.