Farmer Case Studies
Ryegrass as part of a sustainable system
Bruce and Samantha Doery
(October 2006)
Bruce and Samantha Doery run an integrated mixed farming system on “Montreux” near Westmere. They aim to manage the property in a sustainable way, caring for the environment, maintaining healthy and fertile soils, and using integrated pest and weed management methods. Bruce does not routinely use insecticides, and is prepared to tolerate some losses. Since attending an IPM workshop, he understands the importance of balancing the system and allowing predator populations to build up to deal with pest insects.
The Doerys found the move away from burning stubbles caused several problems initially eg. crop yield losses due to later sowing, ryegrass build-up, more nitrogen required, and a build up of pests. A hired stubble cruncher is used to break straw into short lengths. After four years of stubble crunching the dividends are now apparent with greater microbial activity and faster stubble breakdown. The system can now break down heavy wheat stubbles and Bruce can sow into stubble using basic equipment at the optimum time.
To address problems with ryegrass, a Rytec seed collector made by Harvestaire was bought second-hand and adapted to fit the Doery’s header. Ryegrass seed is collected and augered up to a box on the harvester. This box containing a mix of chaff & ryegrass seed is emptied in piles in paddock for collection after harvest. The ryegrass seed is separated out and sold, with 20 tonnes of ryegrass seed collected last harvest. The “offal” from the seed cleaning makes excellent stock feed for cattle, horses and sheep. Ryegrass has not been completely eliminated, but numbers have been reduced considerably without the expense of herbicides. Bruce hopes that decreased reliance on chemicals will reduce the chance of herbicide tolerance developing.
Legumes, particularly vetch, have played a major role in Bruce’s management system. Vetch sown in May, with some ryegrass growing as well, will be cut for hay or grazed before seed set. Early sown vetch (Feb) has produced excellent winter feed this year, and will also be cut for hay. Bruce also grows late winter / spring sown field peas, beans on the heavier soils, and sub clover.
Bruce finds wheat following vetch does well and is comparatively clean with only glyphosate used as a knock down. Bruce has had success growing vetch on IT canola stubble using zincote, and has found Pioneer 46C76 IT canola in the rotation is excellent for controlling broadleaf weeds eg. radish and wild oats. He finds a routine lime regime is critical for both canola and pulses.
Growing pulses and using stubble retention have led to better stock health and fewer stock losses. Without burning Bruce has stubbles for autumn and winter grazing, with reduced hand feeding and simplified management, and the integrated system gives greater flexibility in determining the stock: crop ratio depending on the seasonal and economic outlook.
Refer to Peter Hemphills’ article in the Weekly Times of July 5 2006 for more detail on Bruce and Samantha Doery’s integrated farming system.
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