Download a copy of the Howlong cocksfoot factsheet.
Howlong is an intermediate type cocksfoot selected for its finer, soft leaves and upright growing habit. Bred for Australian conditions, it boasts improved autumn and winter growth to provide plentiful feed. Howlong is a reliable performer and compatible with other pasture varieties making management easier.
Key features
- Bred specifically for Australian conditions
- Fine leaves and tillers, less likely to form clumps
- Improved autumn & winter growth
- Compatible with other species
- A hardy all rounder
Key benefits
- Able to produce quality feed in medium rainfall areas where other species may not be suitable
- Finer leaves mean it is less likely to form clumps, making the pasture more manageable for producers and more palatable for livestock
- Howlong can take some grazing in summer, where other pasture species may have shut down, providing vital summer feed options
Agronomy and management
Cocksfoot in slower to establishment than ryegrass species as the seed is small and lightweight. Paddock preparation is extremely important to give Howlong the best chance at establishing a good level of ground cover. Any weedy winter grasses should be controlled prior to sowing, spray topping the spring prior to sowing is often an effective management strategy. Plants will benefit from a light grazing 6 – 8 months after an autumn sowing, provided the root system has developed adequately and plants are anchored to the ground and not easily pulled out. A light rotational graze will encourage root development and allow the stand to compete with any legume that may be sown as a companion species. Avoid using cocksfoot in water-logged areas – phalaris will better suited in these instances. Cocksfoot pastures being grazed by sheep should be rotated frequently so as not the allow close grazing to the crown of the plant. Over grazing in combination with moisture stress may result in the stand to significantly thin out, allowing weed invasion of your pasture. Howlong being an intermediate cocksfoot will require some form of summer grazing pressure to be applied. This will ensure plants do not become tall and rank as the autumn period approaches. If plants are let to go rank quality of the pasture will significantly reduce.
Suggested sowing rates
Mix: 2–4 kg/ha
Dominant species: 6–8 kg/ha
Sowing depth: 3–10mm
Performance
Plant Breeders Rights (PBR): This variety is registered under Plant Breeders Rights (PBR) in Australia. Unauthorised commercial propagation or any sale, conditioning, export, import or stocking of propagating material is an infringement under the Plant Breeders Rights Act (1994). Any breach of this legislation will leave the grower liable for prosecution.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this brochure is from official and other sources and is considered to be reliable. It is provided in good faith and every care has been taken to ensure its accuracy. Barenbrug does not accept any responsibility for the consequences that may arise from the acceptance of recommendations or the suggestions made.