Issue 5 - Nitrogen in Perennial Ryegrass Seed Crops

Stem rust (Puccinia graminis subsp. graminicola) is the most damaging of the ryegrass diseases. This update discusses how different fungicide programmes and timings affect seed yield. It compares early versus late applications and offers practical advice to help growers improve rust control and maximise returns.

This Herbage Update defines a more accurate harvest window for perennial ryegrass seed crops. Read more here.

Welcome to the revised 2025 version of  The drying and storage of grain and herbage seed, first published in 1999. The book comprises six chapters that cover grain characteristics and their reaction to climate, the importance of seed moisture, the drying system, the storage environment, storage pests and their control, and construction considerations. These have been edited and updated by FAR staff and independent experts from the original chapters written by the late Murray Hill.

Between January and May 2025, FAR and harvester specialists conducted a comprehensive study to quantify the grain and seed left in the paddock by New Zealand growers and identify opportunities to optimise harvester performance. 

If you couldn't make it to ARIA this year, make sure you check out the booklet here. 

This report outlines a fungicide evaluation field trial conducted during the 2023-24 growing season, evaluating the efficacy of a range of fungicides targeting oomycetes for managing cocksfoot downy mildew pathogens.

This arable extra outlines six steps to help you to reduce your nitrogen costs by factoring in what is in the soil using tests and tools available. 

Read the full arable industry code of conduct here. 

This Herbage Update summarises findings from three seasons of irrigation on browntop trials in Canterbury, New Zealand.

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