By Wicus Jordaan and Yvette Brits – sponsored content
Within livestock farming systems, quality roughage, whether used as hay or a stock-piled fodder bank, is of utmost importance. Coated Tiffany offers a cost effective and easy hay crop that provides a great return on investment. With minimal input costs and maintenance, low planting risk, and excellent production yield, Tiffany teff is the ideal choice for producers.
Saving for a rainy day
Hay procurement varies between R2 500 and R3 500 per ton, depending on the quality, production area and market availability. Under unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters, these costs are sometimes unavoidable to the producer.
But your timely planning can influence cash flow, and the establishment of a fodder bank for these unforeseen circumstances is key. Feed produced on the farm is still cheaper than feed acquired from elsewhere, and in times of surplus hay production, producers can enter the hay market and access an additional income stream.
Local is lekker
As Barenbrug’s flagship teff, with superior production potential, Tiffany is widely adapted to most production areas in South Africa. The large crowns produce a substantial number of fine stems and leaves, resulting in a uniform plant height at harvest maturity. An extensive and fibrous roots system results in good water absorption as well as exceptional standability.
Coated Tiffany’s seeding density is 8 – 12kg/ha under dryland conditions and 20 – 25kg/ha under irrigation. The production potential ranges from 5 – 15t/ha, depending on the production system, rainfall, and area, as well as fertilisation practices and harvest management.
Tougher teff
Tiffany’s longer growing season makes it more tolerant to drought stress with delayed flowering under trying conditions, as well as increased yield in most situations compared to other hay varieties.
The crop is harvest-ready in 45-55 days and has a quick recovery rate resulting in shorter intervals between subsequent cuts.
Feed-wise, Tiffany is a very palatable and a “soft” C4 grass, which can be grazed with great success. This makes Tiffany an excellent dual-purpose crop, suitable for both grazing and cut and bale. Despite the low rainfall in several regions this past season, Tiffany has once again proven to be the best teff variety on the market.
The golden coat
Tiffany tef is coated with Barenbrug’s new “Yellow Jacket Coating” technology, formulated to ensure seed quality and sustainability.
The biodegradable coating doesn’t contain any ingredients that are harmful to seed quality and germination. The new polymer technology, combined with and the quality control in the coating process, ensure less unwanted residual matter, as well as uniform seed size. The outcome is increased seed flowability in the planters. The coated seed is easily visible in the soil, making it easier to determine seed planting depth.
It also ensures accurate establishment. Bio-stimulants in the coating make for rapid establishment and better seedling survival in difficult conditions. Continuous quality control, backed by science-based research, ensures reliable seed quality and peace of mind. For maximum hay production ask for the yellow bag and plant Tiffany, your hay production solution!
ENQUIRIES: barenbrug.co.za
