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Issue 72 / Autumn / March 2016
Hi [firstname]
Welcome to the March 2016 SeedData newsletter.
In this months newsletter we look at the introduction to the South Island of a serious new plant pest, we also look at our new fodder beet grazing guide and talk about some of our new value seed mixes.
Please browse these topics below:
Velvetleaf - New noxious weed to watch out for
Taking centre stage in this months newsletter is a new problem weed recently discovered on some farms in the South Island.
Velvetleaf, which is considered one the worlds worst weeds of cropping, has been so far been identified in North Canterbury and Central Otago.
Velvetleaf is a member of the Mallow family (see photo). It is a broad-leafed weed that grows very tall, between 1m and 2.5m.
It has buttery-yellow flowers which appear over summer and autumn. Leaves are heart shaped and velvety to touch.
The Ministry is investigating how it got there and building a picture of how widespread the situation is.
At this time it appears the finds are associated with fodder beet crops and MPI is looking at all possible ways the plants could have arrived at the properties concerned.
The manager of Plants and Environment Surveillance, Mark Bullians, says it is important that those who sowed fodder beet this season should check their crop for the presence of this very distinctive weed.
"We are hoping that in most cases we will be able to locate any velvetleaf plants and remove them before they can spread their seed.
Once seed falls, it can persist for decades, making control a very long term process,'' Mr Bullians says.
If you find Velvetleaf, please help us to get rid of this weed from the South Island by taking the following actions:
- Do not pull the plant out.
- If possible, take a photo of the plant(s).
- Mark the location so it is easy to find again.
- Contact MPI immediately on the Pests and Diseases Hotline
on 0800 80 99 66. All calls to the hotline are treated in confidence.
Note: Your call will be referred to an MPI incursion investigator who will call you back to make arrangements for collecting the plants.
Calls will be referred to an incursion investigator who will make arrangements to safely remove and collect any plants. We advise people not to remove any plants themselves as this could risk seed being spread.
Velvetleaf is known to be present in the Waikato where it is well managed by the regional council.
The South Island discovery looks to be recent and MPI is working with partners in the seed and farming industries and regional councils to manage it.
''Immediate reporting to MPI will give us the best possible chance of dealing with this weed,'' Mr Bullians says.
Full information is at: www.mpi.govt.nz/alerts or please feel free to contact us using the link below.
Information Link: Check out the MPI website alerts for more information.
Contact Link: Contact Specialty Seeds if you have any questions.
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New Fodder beet grazing guide
On my recent trips around the country, I would have to say that almost without exception this seasons fodder beet crops are looking very good.
And it looks like they will be ahead of last years crops in terms of dry matter yield!
There have been some minor issues around fungal diseases, however I must say the fodder beet plant appears to have remarkable ability to overcome a lot of problems thrown at it with weeds being the exception.
Very soon some of our clients will be starting to graze their fodder beet crops so I took the opportunity to overhaul and update our ''Fodder Beet Grazing Guide''.
Even if you have been growing fodder beet for years it is always a good idea to have a quick look to ''jog'' your memory.
Download Link: Download the Specialty Seeds Fodder beet grazing guide.
Website Link: View the Specialty Seeds downloads page.
Contact Link: Contact Specialty Seeds if you have any questions or would like to order any of these new products.
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Cheaper pasture seed mixes may be an option
We do not need to dwell on the fact that any sheep, beef or dairy farmer who reads this newsletter is going to find this year to be a challenge.
Many of our clients who are putting all farm expenses under the microscope, have already approached us looking for cheaper seed blends and of course we are happy to help.
Specialty Seeds have for many years been happy, and are good, at supplying our clients with custom blends of high quality and productive cultivars at reasonable prices.
We spend a lot of time searching out 'good value' deals for our clients and can supply mixes that range in price from $100.00 per hectare up to $275.00 + per hectare. Should you be planning on pasture renovation please feel free to talk to us about the options we have available that will suit both your production and budget aspirations.
For more information on these options please contact us
Website Link: Check out our Value pasture seed mixes.
Contact Link: Contact Specialty Seeds if you have any questions.
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As always, we hope this issue has been of some value to you. If you have a comment on this newsletter or anything on our website, please give us a call on our Freephone: 0800 727 8873, send us an email at: mail@specseed.co.nz.
Kind Regards
Stephen Finch & David Percival
Specialty Seeds - New Zealand
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