Small Seed Guide

Sowing The Right Way

Agriculture’s Link within a Sustainable Food Industry

Welcome to Sowing The Right Way . This comprehensive guide showcases our diverse range of small seeds, from premium grass seed and root crops to specialized environmental mixes and game cover solutions. Alongside the seed range we continue to offer our full support package from establishment to the finished crop including site planning, soil analysis, full nutrient planning and finishing with weed control and general crop husbandry. We believe this service is second to none in the industry and combined with our years of experience within the seed industry we have a long history of consistent success.

We hope you find this handbook useful and informative. We look forward to hearing from you to discuss your ideas and requirements.

The Bartholomews Seed Team

BARTHOLOMEWS

CONTENTS

22 Herbal Ley Options

8 Grassland Mixes 28 Wildflower Mixes

24 Amenity Range

30 Arable Silage

32 Forage Maize

62 Environmental Mixes

34 Roots

69 Companion Crops 94 Feed Department

92 Game Feed

70 Cover Crops

From Soil to Harvest

Every season brings its own challenges, and it is extremely important to plan well in advance which types of crops you wish to grow, their requirements for nutrition, weed control options and other key factors to ensure the best chance of growing a good crop.

Please remember to observe all the relevant Cross Compliance guidelines that are now applicable. GAEC, NVZ and SMRs are all still applicable to cover crops. Check individual SFI agreements and relevant aims that need to be met.

Fertiliser

Starting from the Soil up

Based on soil analysis we are able to provide nutrient advice and produce a nutrient plan for you.

Know your soil conditions. Regular sampling is the best way to keep it in good condition and ensure crop performance. Wherever practical or available, always use FYM on your cover crop areas. Not only is it a good nutrient source, but it also provides a valuable source of organic matter to help maintain soil structure. Check for compaction from traffic or drainage. Dig problem areas and take steps to alleviate it. Ensure thorough mulching of previous crops. This makes residues easier to plough in and helps to speed the decomposition process. KPlough a minimum depth of 6 inches, leaving a clean, level surface to work with.

Granulated lime is a fast solution where pH is a problem.

We are able to supply a full range of fertiliser products, from straights to blends. In situations where manures are not available, there are our special blends which will supply all the necessary nutrients for your game cover crops. A full range of foliar feeds and micronutrients are available, should they be required for the growing crop. As well as straights and blends we are able to offer a full range of fertiliser products to suit your cover crop needs.

Essential Tips for Growing Healthy Crops

Drilling

Weed Control

Good weed control is very important for a successful crop.

Soil conditions are far more important than calendar date.

If you are unsure of your programme or have any particular problems, please contact us before you drill. Due to the withdrawal of some products and the nature of some of the mixtures, it is very important to have a clear herbicide programme before you start. Stale seedbeds are a well-established method of weed control and we would recommend that you use them wherever possible, particularly where a mixture is to be sown, and another weed control is not possible. If using pre-emergence herbicides, then a level, firm, clod- free surface is very important.

Crops that are drilled into unfavourable conditions, or too early, will always be at a disadvantage. Crops like kale, mustard, and linseed are vulnerable to flea beetles if early growth is weak. Ensure proper soil temperature and conditions each season.

Please refer to the chart for individual crops sowing rates.

Ensure accurate depth. For mixed crops like maize, sorghum, and millet, sow maize first and then over-drill the others when practical. Ensure good seed-to-soil contact with a fine, firm finish. Use ring rollers and avoid heavy flat rolls to reduce erosion risks

For more specific advice, please call us and we will be happy to advise on each individual situation

BARTHOLOMEWS

Grass Seed

Mix No. 1 Early Bite & Cut (one – two year cutting ley)

Sown in the autumn, this mixture combines the attributes of tetraploid and diploid Italian ryegrasses. The diploid maintains the high dry matter, while the tetraploid provides the soluble carbohydrate content. Giving one massive first cut of high-quality silage, it can then be ploughed in and followed by maize or linseed. Left in place, it can be grazed through to the autumn or give a second or third cut of silage if no other grass leys are available and it will also provide two/three cuts in the second year. It has also been successfully established after maize and produced the same excellent yields.

Good early spring growth

Good ground cover

Good mid-season digestibility

Suggested sowing rate 35kg/ha Pack size: 14kg

High percentage soluble carbohydrate

Close heading dates to maximise quality and quantity

Westerwolds Ryegrass (one year cutting)

With its quick establishment and early spring growth, this annual species can provide bulky, quality forage.

Suggested sowing rate 37kg/ha. Pack size: 15kg

AberNiche Mix (2-3 years)

50% AberNiche Festulolium 50% IRG

AberNiche brings a longer rooting structure due to its festuloliums parentage, and the IRG brings good disease resistance to the mix. A good allrounder grass mixture with impressive yield.

Suggested sowing rate 30kg/ha. Pack size: 12.5kg

Mix No. 2 Triple Cut (cutting ley) Designed to produce at least three cuts of high-quality silage and excellent autumn grazing. By offering a blend of hybrid and perennial ryegrasses, the mixture not only remains highly productive but will also persist for three years.

• Good persistency and winter hardiness

• Excellent conservation and grazing yields

• Tetraploid content to give soluble carbohydrate

Suggested sowing rate 35kg/ha. Pack size: 14kg

BARTHOLOMEWS

Bartholomews Medium Term Cutting Mix (three – four year cutting)

Designed to produce at least three cuts of high quality silage and excellent autumn grazing. By offering a blend of hybrid and perennial ryegrasses, the mixture not only remains highly productive but will also persist for three years. This is a very popular mixture. Can have Red Clover added into the mix to increase protein content and for nitrogen fixation.

• Good persistency and winter hardiness • Excellent conservation and grazing yields • High percentage soluble carbohydrate

Suggested sowing rate 32kg/ha. Pack size: 13kg

Mixture No. 3 Prime Cut & Graze (three – four year cutting ley) This mixture suits situations where early silage cuts are not possible, on wetter, low lying ground or to follow earlier Italian ryegrass leys. This mixture can provide a second cut of high-quality silage, if required, before being returned to the summer grazing ground. • Productive cutting ley with good autumn grazing

• Excellent conservation and grazing yields • Good disease resistance and persistency • Close heading dates to enable good quality and quantity of silage and prolonged grazing • Highly digestible

Suggested sowing rate 35kg/ha. Pack size: 14kg

BARTHOLOMEWS

Bartholomews Dry Soils Mix

This mix has been put together with species that are more tolerant to dry conditions. Can be cut or grazed and is a long term mix.

Suggested sowing rate 35kg/ha. Pack size: 14kg

Mix No. 4 Dual Purpose Ley – (three – four dual purpose ley)

This versatile mixture gives good early spring growth and high D values for a first cut of silage. Thereafter, the mixture comprises of a blend of the finest grazing perennials, together with clovers to give highly palatable and digestive grazing well into the autumn for cattle and sheep.

• High percentage soluble carbohydrate silage • Excellent grazing and conservation yields • Good persistence and disease resistance • Good early spring growth

Suggested sowing rate 35kg/ha. Pack size: 14kg

Mix No 5 Prestige Ley – (four - five-year grazing ley)

Provides a highly digestible ley for intensive stocking situations such as dairy surrounds or beef cattle grazing. Clover is left out of this mixture for a variety of reasons; where high nitrogen fertilising is practiced and if weeds become a problem the ley management may require herbicide weed control.

• Excellent persistency and winter hardiness • Good early spring growth • Good conservation and grazing yields • Long heading date spread to give prolonged grazing • Suits all soil types

Suggested sowing rate 35kg/ha. Pack size: 14kg

Bartholomews Long Term Dual Mix This versatile mixture gives good early spring growth and high D values for a first cut of silage. Thereafter, the mixture comprises of a blend of the finest grazing perennials which give highly palatable and digestive grazing well into the autumn for cattle and sheep.

•High percentage soluble carbohydrate silage •Excellent grazing and conservation yields •Good persistence and disease resistance •Excellent early spring growth

Suggested sowing rate 32kg/ha. Pack size: 13kg

BARTHOLOMEWS

Mix No. 6 Prestige Ley with Clover (permanent grazing ley)

Similar to Herbage Number 5 but with the addition of a range of high-quality white clovers makes it suitable for both cattle and sheep grazing, providing high nutritive value. It is also a useful source of nitrogen for grass growth. Suits more favourable sites, which allows clover to flourish.

• Highly digestible mix • Good conservation and grazing yields • Excellent persistency and winter hardiness • Contains high yielding and clover with good ground cover.

Suggested sowing rate 35kg/ha. Pack size: 14kg

Mix No. 7 Evergreen Pasture (permanent grazing ley)

A true permanent pasture mixture giving good spring growth and grazing well into the autumn. Amongst the blend of clovers, a small leaved white clover has been added to maintain a bottom to the sward when intensively grazed by sheep. Timothy helps to maintain the yields during the mid-season period when the ryegrass will be yielding less. The clovers are designed to suit long term grazing leys and comprise of small to medium leaved clover which will also flourish in dry summers. • Good persistency and disease resistance • Good grazing yields • Very flexible usage for conservation, cattle and sheep grazing

Suggested sowing rate 35kg/ha. Pack size: 14kg

Bartholomews Grazing No Clover Mix

Provides a highly digestible ley for intensive stocking situations such as dairy surrounds or beef cattle grazing. Clover is left out of this mixture for a variety of reasons; where high nitrogen fertilising is practised and if weeds become a problem the ley management require herbicide weed control.

• Excellent persistency and winter hardiness • Good early spring growth • Superb conservation and grazing yields • Long heading date spread to give prolonged grazing • Suits all soil types

Suggested sowing rate 35kg/ha. Pack size: 14kg

Mix No. 8 Downland Grazing Ley (permanent grazing ley)

A permanent grazing mixture recommended for the South Downs and other marginal areas. The wide diversity of species allows the ley to perform under adverse conditions and provides useful grazing for cattle and especially sheep.

Suggested sowing rate 35kg/ha. Pack size: 14kg

BARTHOLOMEWS

Mix No. 9 Protein Cut (two – three-year dual-purpose ley)

This mix is not suitable for sheep grazing. The mix of red clover and hybrid ryegrass improves quality and persistence without loss of yield. Can be ensiled as a ryegrass sward with up to 3 cuts per season, followed by grazing. Will do well on most well drained soils and is reasonably winter hardy. • First cut will take 50% of the red clover yield • High protein quality silage with long duration for grazing • Drought tolerant – suits light soils (not suitable for poorly drained areas) • Rotational advantage – excellent entry for wheat crop

Suggested sowing rate 30kg/ha. Pack size: 12kg

Mix No. 10 Haylage Maker (good winter hardiness)

A medium term Haylage mix to produce abundant quality forage for general horse hay. (For racehorse hay a mix of No. 1 and No. 2 should be used.) This mix also provides excellent full ground cover. . • Medium term hay production • Quality forage for farm livestock with good fibre content

• Excellent persistence • Good winter hardiness • Good ground cover

Suggested sowing rate 35kg/ha. Pack size: 14kg

Mix No. 11 Early Hay (suitable for winter damaged paddocks)

This mix contains early perennial ryegrass together with Timothy to produce high quality hay for livestock year after year. Once cut it will provide quality late summer and autumn grazing.

Suggested sowing rate 30kg/ha. Pack size: 12kg

Mix No. 12 Grazing Paddock

Specially formulated for horse paddocks to provide a hard-wearing stand and balanced grazing. Red fescue and smooth stalked meadow grass create a strong base to the sward helping to reduce poaching. We can also offer a ryegrass free mixture for laminitics and herbs for diversity.

Suggested sowing rate 30kg/ha. Pack size: 12kg

These mixes (10,11 &12) will last approx. 5 years with correct management.

BARTHOLOMEWS

Overseeding/ Renovation mix

This mix contains fast grown species, and with the use the larger tetraploid seed, gives it the ability to cope with competing with the existing ley.

Suggested sowing rate 25kg/ha. Pack size: 10kg

Lamintic’s Mix

A natural meadow mix with herbs that will help reduce the risk of Laminitis, as it does not contain the bulk of perennial ryegrass which is one of the main causes. Additionally, it provides vital vitamins and minerals for the animals in a natural form.

Suggested sowing rate 35kg/ha. Pack size: 14kg

After Maize Quick Grow

A blend of quick growing species to get away after maize harvest.

Suggested sowing rate 30kg/ha. Pack size: 12.5kg

BARTHOLOMEWS

Not sure which mix to choose?

Cut

Dual Purpose

Graze

Medium Term

Long Term

Medium Long Term

Long Term

Short Term

Medium Term

Prestige + Clover

Grazing Mix

Prime Cut & Graze

Dry Soils Mix

Haylage Maker

Wester- wolds

Downland Grazing

Laminitic Mix

Dual Purpose

Early Hay

Early Bite & Cut

LT Dual

Grazing No Clover

Triple Cut

Evergreen Pasture

Prestige

Herbal

Renovation

Medium Term Cutting Mix

Protein Cut

Undersown Mix

For those situations where you are not able to fit in a post-maize crop, perhaps and undersown mix can work for you. We have two options, depending on the desired sowing time. The benefits to using an undersown grass ley are: Helps to keep the soil together at harvest. Mops up any excess nutrients in the soil. Reduces bare soil run off risks. Additional forage in the spring Increased water holding capacity.

LG Under Maize

Designed to be sown at the same time as the maize Tall Fescue & Festulolium Sow at 8kg/ha

LG Over Maize

For establishing when the maize is at the 6 leaf stage. Festulolium Sow at 15kg/ha

These mixes are suitable for the SOH4 SFI code.

BARTHOLOMEWS

Herbal Ley Options

Designed to produce quality forage with a diverse range of species, including grasses, herbs and legumes. Suitable for cutting or grazing.

Suggested sowing rate: 32kg/ha Pack size: 13kg

Basic – a simple dual purpose herbal ley, with minimal herbs and legumes. Ticks the required boxes for the 2024 SFI CSAM3 herbal ley option (1 grass, 2 legume, 2 herbs). Standard – an ‘in between’ mix, that is more of a traditional herbal ley. Chicory has been omitted, so that this mix can be used for cutting and grazing. Enhanced – a comprehensive mix, ideal for long term grazing situations. Suitable for the 2023 SAM3 herbal ley or GS4 option (5 grasses, 3 legumes, 5 herbs).

Herbal Ley

Basic

Standard

Enhanced

0.70

5% 5% 5% 5% 20%

0.70 0.84 1.40

5% 6% 10%

Tall Fescue Meadow Fescue Festulolium Cocksfoot Late Dip PRG Int Tet PRG SSMG Creeping Red Fescue Timothy

0.70 0.70 2.80 2.80

10% 1.40

3.50 2.10

25% 15%

25% 3.50 30% 4.20

20% 5% 0.70 10% 1.40

0.98 0.98

7% 7%

5% 0.70 15% 2.10

1.0% 0.14

Chicory Plantain

0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18

2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 0.5%

1.25% 1.25% 1.25% 1.25%

0.35 0.35 0.35 0.07

1.66% 1.66% 1.66%

0.23 0.23 0.23

Sheep’s Burnet Sheep’s Parsley Yarrow

Lucerene Sainfoin Red Clover

5% 5% 5%

0.70 0.70 0.70

5% 5% 2% 2% 2%

0.70 0.70 0.28 0.28 0.28

5% 5%

0.70 0.70

White Clover Alsike Clover Black Medick Birdsfoot Trefoil

0.70

5% 75% 20%

0.70 2.80 10.50

75% 16% 9%

10.50

85% 10% 5%

11.90 1.40 0.70

Grass Legume Herb

2.24 1.26

BARTHOLOMEWS

Amenity Grass Range

Fine Lawns

Sowing Rate g / m 2

Mix

Contents

90% Chewings Fescue 10% Brown Top Bent

Golf & Bowling Green

A21

50% Amenity PRG 25% Slender Creeping Red Fescue 20% Chewings Fescue 5% Brown Top Bent 55% Strong Creeping Red Fescue 40% Chewings Fescue 5% Brown Top Bent

A22

Suburban Lawn

A23

Fine Lawns

Urban & Shady Lawns

Sowing Rate g / m 2

Mix

Contents

50% Strong Creeping Red Fescue 10% Slender Creeping Red Fescue 30% Chewings Fescue 5% Brown Top Bent 5% Rough Stalked Meadow Grass

A24

Shady Lawns

Sport Mixes

Sowing Rate g / m 2

Mix

Contents

75% Amenity PRG 20% Strong Creeping Red Fescue 5% Brown Top Bent 80% Amenity PRG 20% Strong Creeping Red Fescue

Heavy Use Lawn

26-35

A25

26-35

Sports Pitch Mix

A26

A27

18-35

Renovation Mix

100% Amenity PRG

Coastal

Sowing Rate g / m 2

Mix

Contents

30% Strong Creeping Red Fescue 20% Slender Creeping Red Fescue 25% Chewings Fescue 5% Brown Top Bent 10% Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass

Coastal

Landscaping

Sowing Rate g / m 2

Mix

Contents

35% Strong Creeping Red Fescue 45% Creeping Red Fescue 5% Hard Fescue 5% Brown Top Bent 5% Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass 5% White Clover

DOE Verge & Landscaping

18-35

BARTHOLOMEWS

Seed Sowing Made Simple

Sports Field Dimensions and Areas Sport

Area (m 2 )

Dimensions (m)

6,400

Football

100 x 64

6,900

Rugby

100 x 69

Hockey

5,027

91.4 x 55

900

Cricket Square

30 x 23

Lawn Tennis

262

23.8 x 11

1,600

Bowls

40 x 40

Croquet

816

32 x 25.5

Polo

50,875

275 x 185

Seed Sowing Rates by Weight

26g/m 2

34g/m 2

51g/m 2

Pack Weight (kg)

195 m 2 391 m 2 587 m 2 782 m 2 980 m 2

147 m 2 294 m 2 441 m 2 587 m 2 733 m 2

98 m 2 196 m 2 293 m 2 391 m 2 489 m 2

26g/m 2

34g/m 2

51g/m 2

Area (acres)

0.25

26 kg

25 kg

52 kg

69 kg

104 kg

0.5

104 kg

138 kg

207 kg

Our carefully crafted amenity mixes have been tried and tested over the years to ensure top performance. We continually update our

Whether broadcasting or drilling, ensure an even spread at the recommended rate—too low may slow establishment, while too high could encourage disease. With our expertly curated mixes, you can achieve a lush, healthy landscape with confidence.

varieties with the latest genetics, guaranteeing superior quality and resilience. Available in

convenient 5kg and 20kg bag options, our seed is designed for optimal establishment. For the best results, prepare a

Best times to sow: August- September or April-June

fine, firm seed bed to maximize seed-to-soil contact.

BARTHOLOMEWS

Bartholomews Wildflower Mixes

As well as our stewardship mixes, we can offer a range of amenity wildflower mixes. These have a wide range of flowers, which are suited to different situations. Premixed to include grasses that will complement the mix, and act as a nurse crop while the flowers establish.

Mix

Name

WF %

Grass %

Flora 1

Cornfield Annuals

Flora 2

Acid Soils

Flora 3

Damp Loamy Soils

Flora 4

Calcareous Soils

Flora 5

Wet Loamy Soils

Flora 6

Dry Loamy Soils

Flora 7

Hedge & Light Shade

Flora 8

Country Meadow

Flora 9

Heritage

Flora 10

Low Maintenance

Wood & Heavy Shade

Flora 11

Water Margins

Flora 10

Economy

Flora 110

Packed in 1kg bags, to cover 200 sqm. Sown at 5g/sqm.

BARTHOLOMEWS

Arable Silage Mixes

Benefits Cost-effective method to produce high-quality feed.

Sowing Details Sowing Time: March to mid-April. Seed Rate: 75-85 kg/acre 50 kg/acre if under-sown with grass.

Useful source of starch and protein.

High-protein forage that is home-produced.

Only in the ground for a short period of time.

Typical Mixture Components Oats Peas

Ready to harvest in 14-16 weeks.

Barley Vetch

Earlier harvest allows for reseeding or drilling of autumn crops. An earlier alternative to maize.

Leaves residual nitrogen for following crops .

BARTHOLOMEWS

Forage Maize

Sowing

Usually sowing commences from mid-April. This can be earlier if sown under plastic. But remember, conditions are more important than date!

Maize needs a warm seedbed, at least 8-10 degrees.

Suggested sowing rate – 110,000 seeds / ha .

Reduce rate for later drillings and drill shallower. This can also encourage an earlier harvest and larger cobs. Increase rate for early or difficult drillings.

SFI 2024 - SOH4

After harvesting a maize crop, you must establish a winter cover crop which will not be harvested as a cash crop. This can wither be a quick growing cover crop that is established post-harvest or maintaining a cover crop that was established through undersowing. Grazing can be done, so long as the crop is still well established over the winter months.

Varties

Joy 150

160

165

170

Kroft 160 KWS

FAO

Skipper

Augustus

Faith

Foxtrot

Variety

Breeder

DSV

LG KWS

Grainseed

170

180

Variety FAO Breeder Variety FAO Breeder Variety FAO Breeder

Autens

Debalto Pinnacle

Yukon P7381

P7179

Pioneer

KWS

LG LG Pioneer

180

190

210

LG30179 190 LG

P7034

P7326 Bonnie

LG30160

Aroldo

Grainseed

DSV

Pioneer Corteva

Farmunox 210 DSV

220

Movanna

For full variety details, please see our dedicated Maize booklet!

DSV

BARTHOLOMEWS

Root Crops

Root crops such as stubble turnips, forage rape or kale are ideal for feeding livestock as they are both flexible and offer good quality feed value. Grazed forage crops can be some of the cheapest form of feed. With sowing periods from May up until August, these crops offer a flexible solution that can fit in with most operations. Depending on the sowing time, these crops can be used as an outwintering option. These crops offer good quality feed, especially when forage stock might be a bit low. You would need to aim for 85 - 90 % crop utilisation on these species. Choose a species and variety that fits in with your requirements.

Choosing A Species

How long do you want the first grazing to be? Look at your feed deficit and when the feed will be required – either late summer grazing or outwintering Bulk feed for a short period of time? Stubble Turnips are a great option and will be ready in 12-14 weeks. Late maturing option? - Forage Rape High yielding single graze? - Kale

Things to consider when looking a different variety within the species:

Yield – Fresh and DM Winterhardiness Growing Height

Versatili ty

Sowing Guide for Forage and Root Crops: Rates and Planting Periods

Sowing rate / ha Drilling

Sowing rate / ha Broadcast

Sowing Period

Species

Late March - Late April

100,000 seeds

Fodder Beet

April - Early July

Kale

8 kg

4-5 kg

May - June/ July - August

5-6 kg

Stubble Turnip

4-5 kg

May - Late August

Forage Rape

6-7kg

5-6 kg

3 kg (direct drilled) 350-850g (precision drilled)

April - June

4-5 kg

Swede

Late August - October

Forage Rye

185 kg

BARTHOLOMEWS

Protein vs Energy Content

20 18 16 14 12 10

8 6 4 2 0

Stubble Turnips

Fodder Beet

Kale

Forage Rape

Swede

Protein (%)

ME (mj/kg DM)

DM vs Fresh Yield (t/ha)

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Offering high protein and energy content, these crops are a great option for home grown forage.

Stubble Turnips

Fodder Beet

Kale

Forage Rape

Swede

Fresh Yield t/ha

DM Yield t/ha

Fodder Beet

Why grow Fodder Beet?

Huge palatable yields with high energy.

Sowing Information

Precision Drilled 100,000 seeds /ha.

Ideal replacement for cereals.

Sowing Period Late March – Late April

Can be grazed or clamped and stored over winter.

We can also offer the primed seed on certain varieties.

Feed Quality

This enables the seed to get away quicker and better establishment.

Crude protein 12-13% Digestibility Value 78%

ME 13 Mj/kg DM

Trial Results

Relative Fresh Yield

Relative DM Yield

Variety

DM Content % % Of Root in Ground

Blaze

95%

57.1%

18.7%

105%

Blizzard

100%

72.3%

22.2%

93%

Brick

112%

76.3%

24.1%

96%

Enermax

101%

67.3%

21.1%

99%

88%

49.6%

15.8%

115%

Feldherr Magnum

100%

65.1%

20.6%

100%

Robbos

99%

60%

19.8%

103%

Tadorne

113%

74%

22.7%

103%

Average fresh yield = 80-100t/ha Average DM content = 15-24%

BARTHOLOMEWS

Variety Profiles

Blaze

A variety with medium dry matter, suited for both sheep and cattle, which can be fed whole or chopped. A bright red root that is easily lifted and is clean.

Blizzard

A very palatable feed, with high DM, best fed to cattle. Ideal for harvesting with sugar beet machinery.

Brick

Has the potential to produce high DM yields, can be fed to dairy cattle, beef or sheep. A true fodder beet, with a smooth skin finish perfect for lifting and clamping.

Enermax

Produces huge fresh yields, ideal for young livestock. 50% of growth out of the ground making it suitable for grazing in situ or lifting. Feldherr It has high dry matter content and a 9% higher root yield, compared to Magnum. Ideal for both forage and biogas. A dual purpose variety with smooth, clean white roots.

A new variety, with excellent resistance to mildew and high dry matter yields. A pink root, with 40% out of the ground. Suitable for lifting. Fosyma A well-known reliable variety with an even sized white root. High dry matter content at 19- 20%, along with high yields. A consistent, reliable variety with good resistance to rust. Magnum

Robbos A clean yellow root with high dry matter yields. Ideal for dairy and beef production and can be grazed in situ, as well as lifted.

Suitable for AD plants, this variety can be lifted and clamped. Providing a high dry matter white root, it can be stored for longer periods of time. Tadorne

BARTHOLOMEWS

Stubble Turnip

Why Grow Stubble Turnip?

Fast growing catch crop. Autumn or winter feed. Used for finishing lambs or a summer buffer feed for dairy cows. Flexible sowing dates.

Fast growing and economical to grow, stubble turnips are ideal for finishing lambs or being used as a buffer feed. A reliable crop, they can be used for either summer grazing, autumn use or out wintering, ready to be utilised within 10-12 weeks of planting. They are also versatile by lowering the seed rate to increase bulb size, or vice versa.

Sowing Information

Direct Drill 4-5 kg/ha.

Feed Quality Crude protein 17-18%

Broadcast 5-6 kg/ha

Sowing Period Late March – Late April

Digestibility Value 68 - 70% ME 11 Mj/kg DM

Trial Results

Disease Score

Relative Leaf Yield

Relative Root Yield

Relative Fresh Yield

Relative DM Yield

Variety

Hector

91%

104%

75%

101%

Rondo

101%

96%

90%

89%

Samson

104%

119%

84%

109%

136% 13

Skyfall

86%

44%

68%

Tyfon

79%

56%

105%

Average Fresh Yield = 40-50t/ha Average DM% = 8-9%

BARTHOLOMEWS

Variety Guide

Selecting the right forage variety is crucial for maximising yield, nutrition, and grazing efficiency. This guide compares bulb and leafy types to help you make the best choice. Each variety has unique benefits depending on grazing requirements, seasonal needs, and nutritional goals.

Variety Options

Samson

Rondo

Vollenda

Hector

Purple tankard bulbs

Green bulb with leafy growth

Large leaved purple bulb

Tankard Bulb

High Utilisation

Tetraploid variety

Can be grazed later

Good early vigour

Bulb or Leafy Type

Bulb Produces large bulbs that grow out of the ground, easily eaten.

Leafy More leaf than bulb, higher in protein. Ideal for summer or early autumn grazing.

BARTHOLOMEWS

Variety Profiles

Hector

Suitable for: Cattle and sheep grazing. Use: Autumn Key points: • Sits out of the soil • High utilisation of the crop, less wastage

Rondo

Good root anchorage for less wastage.

Suitable for: Dairy, beef or sheep grazing. Use: Autumn/Winter Key points: • Green skinned with very leafy growth • Excellent disease resistance • Later use than other varieties

Samson

Huge tankard roots that are highly digestible.

Suitable for: Dairy, beef or sheep grazing. Use: Summer through to winter depending on time of sowing Key points: • Tetraploid variety – shown to be preferentially grazed. • Very palatable to sheep and cattle • Huge purple tankard shaped bulbs

Vollenda

Bolting resistant.

Suitable for: Cattle and sheep grazing. Use: Autumn Key points: A large leafed, highly digestible variety

Good early vigour and good disease resistance. Retains its palatability throughout the season.

Skyfall Bounce Back Brassica with regrowth potential.

Suitable for: Dairy, Beef & Sheep Use: Summer & Autumn Key Points: • Very fast growth •

Provides a palatable leafy feed.

•

Re growth potential

April/ May

5-7 Weeks

Early/ Mid July

Mid/End August

September October

4-6 Weeks

1 st Graze

2 nd Graze

Sow

Growth

Bounce Back

BARTHOLOMEWS

Kale

Why Grow Kale?

Kale is a high yielding crop, with good crude protein content. This makes it ideal as a buffer feed over the summer or as an outwintering feed. The shorter type varieties tend to be more winter hardy than the tall marrow stem types. The taller, marrow stem varieties, such as Bombardier or Caledonian are more suited to cattle feeding, whereas the shorter types, Pinfold for example, are ideal for sheep to graze.

Flexible utilization period.

High yields.

Excellent crude protein content.

Sowing Information

Precision Drilled 2 kg/ha

Direct Drill 4 - 5 kg/ha.

Feed Quality Crude protein 16 - 17%

Broadcast 8 kg/ha

Sowing Period Late April - Early July

Digestibility Value 70 - 75% ME 10 -11 Mj/kg DM

Trial Results

Leaf/Stem Ratio

Relative Fresh Yield

Relative DM Yield

Height

Variety

121% 13.5% 102

Bombardier

0.5

Caledonian

13.8%

105

0.6

122%

Keeper

15.7%

1.2

92%

Maris Kestral

1.1

Average Fresh Yield = 60-70t/ha Average DM% = 8-9%

Variety Options

Caledonian

Bombardier

Keeper

NEW variety

Winter hardy

Highest yielding variety

Clubroot tolerant

Ideal for sheep

Clubroot tolerant

Autumn/Winter use

Short type

Ideal for cattle

BARTHOLOMEWS

Variety Profiles

Bombardier

Ideal for Autumn or Winter use for cattle or sheep

Suitable for: Cattle and sheep grazing. Sow: Spring Use: Autumn & Winter Key points: • Delivers high dry matter yields and high-quality feed.

•

Club root tolerant

•

Improves palatability of the stem

Caledonian

Marrow stem type with club root tolerance

Suitable for: Cattle grazing. Sow: Spring Use: Autumn & Winter Key points: •

Highest yielding variety in trials

•

Club root tolerant

•

Taller than other varieties

Keeper

Leafy type for sheep production

Suitable for: Cattle grazing. Sow: Spring or early Summer Use: Autumn & Winter Key points: • Winter Hardy

•

Good resistance to lodging

•

Very leafy and a shorter variety

Pinfold

Winter Hardy variety

Suitable for: Cattle and sheep grazing. Sow: Spring Use: Autumn & Winter Key points: • Intermediate height

•

A marrow stem with plenty of leaf

•

Highly palatable

High resistance to disease

BARTHOLOMEWS

Forage Rape

Why Grow Forage Rape?

Fast Growing Leafy catch crop Longer lasting than stubble turnip Felxible sowing period High protein content

Forage rape has highest crude protein, ideal for sheep/beef/dairy. Ready in 12-14 weeks, no bulbing needed. Higher protein than stubble turnips but shorter leafy growth duration. Works on wetter land. Includes true forage rapes and rape/kale hybrids. Hybrids can regrow if managed well - drill by late June for multiple grazing or mid-August for single graze. More winter-hardy than turnips/forage rape, suitable for autumn sowing for post-Christmas use.

Sowing Information

Drill into stubble 6 kg/ha

Drill after grass 7 kg/ha.

Feed Quality Crude protein 19 - 20%

Broadcast 8 kg/ha

Sowing Period May - Late August

Digestibility Value 65% ME 10 -11 Mj/kg DM

Trial Results

DM Content

Relative Fresh Yield

Relative DM Yield

Variety

102

Hobson

107

13.9%

Interval

117

12.3%

125

Rampart

102

12.7%

105

Redstart

13.1%

Unicorn

114

111

12.8%

Average Fresh Yield = 24-35t/ha Average DM% = 12-13%

Variety Options

Hobson

Interval

Rampart

Redstart

Unicorn

Rape/ Kale Hybrid

Regrowth potential

Winter hardy

NEW Breeding

BARTHOLOMEWS

Variety Profiles

Bred for feeding quality and grazing flexibility. Suitable for: Cattle and sheep grazing. Sow: Spring/Early summer or after cereals Use: Autumn & Winter Key points: • High yield potential • Winter hardiness • Ready to feed 12-14 weeks after sowing Rampart Offers flexible cost-effective solutions to year-round forage supply. Suitable for: Cattle and sheep grazing. Sow: May to August Use: Autumn & Winter Key points: • Winter hardiness • Regrowth potential • High energy and protein source Redstart Producing quality feed in a short period of time. Suitable for: Dairy, Beef and Sheep Sow: Spring, early Summer and after cereals Use: Autumn & Winter Key points: • Bounce back potential • Good disease resistance • High protein leaves Unicorn

Hobson

A reliable variety with consistent UK performance. Suitable for: Cattle and sheep grazing. Sow: Spring/Early summer or after cereals Use: Autumn & Winter Key points: • Ideal for finishing lambs. • Highly palatable and digestible • Excellent powdery mildew resistance to reduce wastage

Interval

Rape/kale hybrid with exceptional yield potential. Suitable for: Cattle and sheep grazing. Sow: Spring/Early summer or after cereals Use: Autumn & Winter Key points: • Fast to establish - can be used within 10 -12 weeks after sowing. • Can fill the gap in a winter feed programme. • High yield, digestibility and disease resistance make it ideal for finishing lambs or dairy cows

BARTHOLOMEWS

Swede

Why Grow Swede?

High energy winter feed

A high energy winter feed, swedes have a flexible sowing period, which is extended compared to fodder beet. They are usually grazed rather than lifted and make an excellent feed for sheep. Variety choice is important when looking at DM levels – choose a variety with low DM, to plant early and crop early. Varieties with high DM – plant late, and crop late.

Low production costs

Can be grown on a range of soils

Grazed in situ

Sowing Information Precision Driiled 350 - 850 kg/ha

Direct Drilled 3 kg/ha.

Feed Quality Crude protein 10 - 11%

Broadcast 5 kg/ha

Sowing Period April - June

Digestibility Value 82% ME 12.8 - 13.1 Mj/kg DM

Trial Results

DM Content

Relative Fresh Yield

Variety

119% 11%

Gowrie

Invitation

12.6%

94%

Lomond

11.3%

109%

Average Fresh Yield = 70-90t/ha Average DM% = 10-13%

Variety Options

Brora

Gowrie

Invitaion

Lomond

Low DM Earlier to Bulk Oct-Dec Graze

Medium DM Graze Nov-Jan High Disease Tolerance

High DM Winter Hardy (Jan -Feb) Large Leaved

Medium DM Graze Nov-Jan Consistant High Yields

BARTHOLOMEWS

Forage Crop Mixtures

Winter Feed

Contains: •

Key Points:

Bittern Kale

Winter hardy Produces palatable fodder. Yield potential of over 12t DM/ha.

• Swift Hybrid brassica Suitable for: Outwintering cattle and sheep Sow: May to Mid-July

Late Sown Winter Feed

Contains: •

Key Points:

Swift Hybrid brassica Redstart Hybrid brassica

Fast growing fodder for late sowing

• •

Appin Turnip

• Maris Kestrel Kale S uitable for: Outwintering cattle and sheep Sow: Mid June to late August

BARTHOLOMEWS

Summer Multi Graze

Contains: •

Key Points:

Appin Turnip

Increased forage choice for higher DM intake Re-growth potential Fast growing

• •

Swift Hybrid brassica

Stego rape

• Maris Kestrel kale Suitable for: Early lamb finishing or supplementary summer grazing for cattle. Sow: April to Mid-June

Autumn Multi Graze

Contains: •

Key Points:

Swift Hybrid brassica

Winter hardiness from the Swift Rapid establishment Quality feed value

• •

Appin Turnip

Maris Kestrel Kale S uitable for: Late lamb finishing, flushing ewes or late season grazing Sow: Mid June to early August

Forage Rye

Why Grow Forage Rye?

Traditional winter forage, sown as late as October. Early spring growth for a great early bite. Requires a high cereal sowing rate for strong cover. Fresh yields up to 20t/ha. Variety Details - Humbolt Good early spring growth Excellent tillering Winter hardy Quick recovery post grazing or cutting

Sowing Information Sowing Rate 185kg/ha

Sow from late August - October

Feed Quality Crude protein 11 - 12%

Digestibility Value 67% ME 10 Mj/kg DM

For more information on rye as a cover crop, please see page 76.

BARTHOLOMEWS

Environmental Mixes

Sowing Rate

Sowing Period

Mixture

SFI Code

Pack Size

40 Kg/ha

Bumblebird

Autumn

20kg

AHW / AB16

Spring/Summer/ Autumn Spring/Summer/ Autumn Spring/Summer/ Autumn

Bee Mix

AHL1 / AB1

7.5kg

15 Kg/ha

20kg

20 Kg/ha

BSM1

AHL3

CAHL3/4/CIGL3/ BFS1/2/3

Buffer Strip Mix

20 Kg/ha

20kg

Flower Rich Margin Legumes /improved grassland

Summer/Autumn

10kg

20 Kg/ha

CIPM2/AB8

CNUM2

Summer/Autumn

15 Kg/ha

15kg

2 Year Legume Fallow

Summer/Autumn

20 Kg/ha

CNUM3 / AB15

20kg

Spring

20kg

Tree Sparrow

40 Kg/ha

CAHL2 / AB9

Spring

Jack Russell

CAHL2 / AB9

20kg

40 Kg/ha

Sunset

Spring

CAHL2 / AB9

25 Kg/ha

12.5kg

Top Brass

CAHL2 / AB9

Spring

10 Kg/ha

5kg

Bumblebird (AB16)

Designed to benefit insects in the summer and wild birds in autumn.

Contains: •

Vetch Alsike Clover Red Clover Phacelia Linseed

Winter Triticale Winter Wheat

• • • •

Radish

Crimson Clover Birdsfoot Trefoil Kale

Sowing rate: 50kg/ha Pack size: 20kg

BSM1 – Bartholomew’s Special Mix (with Cocksfoot) (AB3/AHL3)

Contains: •

Crested Dogstail

• • • •

Creeping Red Fescue

Cocksfoot

Timothy

Tall Fescue

Sowing rate: 20kg/ha Pack size: 20kg

BARTHOLOMEWS

Buffer Strip Mix (AB3/AHL3)

Contains: •

Timothy Hard Fsc Tall Fsc

• • • •

Strong CRF

Chewings Fsc

Sowing Rate: 20kg/ha Pack Size: 10kg

Nectar Flower Mixes

Bee Mix (AB1/ AHL1/ NUM3)

Specially formulated to attract and maintain bumblebee populations.

Contains: •

Red clover

• • • • • • •

Phacelia

Birdsfoot trefoil

Sainfoin

Alsike clover

Vetch

Oxeye daisy Wild carrot

Sowing Rate: 15kg/ha Pack Size: 7.5kg

Flower Rich Margin & Plots (IPM2/AB8)

Contains: •

• • • • • • • • •

Berseem Clover Alsike Clover

Creeping Red Fescue

• • • • • • • •

Chewings Fescue Meadow Fescue

Wild Carrot Agrimony

Timothy

Yarrow

Hard Fescue

Oxeye Daisy

Slender Red Fescue

Parsley

Birdsfoot Trefoil

Corn Cockle

Red Clover

Meadow Sweet

Vetch Phacelia

Sowing Rate 20kg / ha Pack Size: 10kg

WF1

Designed for mixing in with grasses.

Contains: •

Black Knapweed Birdsfoot Trefoil

Red Clover Oxeye Daisy White Campion Sainfoin

• • •

Red Campion Yarrow Black Medick

VAT Applicable Pack Size: 1Kg

BARTHOLOMEWS

Legumes on improved grassland (NUM2)

Contains: •

Lucerne Birdsfoot Trefoil Yellow Trefoil

Red Clover

• • •

Common Vetch Alsike Clover

Sainfoin

• Sowing Rate: 15kg/ha Packs Size: 15kg

Two-year sown legume fallow (AB15/NUM3) • Contains: Alex Berseem Clover • Contea Crimson Clover • Vetch • Sainfoin • Alsike Clover • Sweet Yellow Blossom Clover

You can also include grasses such as cocksfoot, perennial ryegrass or Timothy in seed mix to help smother blackgrass and other competitive grass weeds.

Sowing Rate: 20kg/ha Pack Size: 20kg

Two-year sown legume fallow WITH GRASSES (AB15/NUM2/NUM3)

Contains: •

Sweet Yellow Blossom Clover Red Clover Timothy

Alsike Clover Yellow Trefoil Common Vetch Lucerne

• •

Sowing Rate: 32.5kgs/ha Pack Size: 20kg bags

Winter Bird Food Mixes

Tree Sparrow (AB9/ AHL2)

Contains: •

Spring Triticale

• • • • •

Quinoa

Red Millet

Spring Wheat White Millet

Linseed

Sowing Rate: 40kg/ha Pack Size: 20 kg

Jack Russell (AB9/ AHL2)

Contains: •

Spring Triticale

• • • • • • •

Sunflower Red millet

This trusted mix offers season-long feed, early autumn seed shedding, and winter resilience from grain sorghum, while also being pre-emergence herbicide tolerant.

Grain Sorghum

White millet

Japanese millet Oilseed radish

Linseed

Sowing Rate: 40kg/ha Pack Size: 20 kg

BARTHOLOMEWS

Sunset (AB9/AHL2)

Contains: •

Mustard Phacelia Red Millet White Millet

Buckwheat Canary Seed

This exclusive two-year driving cover mix, specially formulated for Bartholomews, is a prolific source of small seeds, providing excellent coverage and long-term performance.

• • • •

Sunflower

Caledonian Kale

Linseed

• Sowing Rate: 25kg/ha Pack Size: 12.5kg

Sunflower supplied in seperate pack.

Top Brass (AB9/ AHL2)

Two-year potential.

Contains: •

Kale

• • • • •

Oilseed Radish

Forage rape Red Millet White Millet

Linseed

Sowing Rate: 10kg/ha Pack Size: 5kg

Companion Crops

Go Grow 1

Companion Mix

Buckwheat, Berseem Clover

Vetch, Berseem Clover

A specialized companion mix for Winter Oilseed Rape, designed to trap essential nutrients like nitrogen while enhancing soil porosity and friability.

Provides a canopy to protect the WOSR and reduce damage from CSFB. Post frost, the plants release nutrients to the crop.

Sowing Rate 10kg/ha

Pack Size 25kg, Sowing Rate 8kg/ha

BARTHOLOMEWS

Unlocking the Benefits of Cover Crops Cover cropping has become an integral part of arable rotations, delivering significant benefits to soil health, nutrient retention, and biodiversity. Beyond this, cover crops also enhance soil structure, prevent erosion, and create

2. VESS Score (Soil Structure Assessment) Remove a small square of soil and assess its structure, scoring from 1 (friable) to 5 (very compact). Conduct a test before and

Timing is Key For maximum nitrogen uptake, sowing date is critical. Cover crops established in August benefit from longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, allowing for stronger early growth and a more developed root system. The longer they remain in the ground, the more nutrients they can capture. Improving Soil Structure & Reducing Compaction Different cover crop species offer varied root structures—lateral, fibrous, and taproot—each playing a role in breaking up compaction and improving soil structure. A well-designed mixture targets multiple soil layers, enhancing aeration and water infiltration. How to Measure the Impact of Your Cover Crop Monitoring your cover crop’s effectiveness doesn’t have to be complex. Here are three simple methods to assess their impact: 1. Fresh Weight Cut Down Take a 1m 2 biomass sample, send it for analysis, and determine how much N, P, and K is stored in the plant material. Recent studies have shown nutrient capture varying from 30kg to 200kg N/ha, depending on factors like drilling date, species mix, soil type, and previous cropping.

after cover cropping to measure improvements.

Please visit AHDB topic sheet on our website for further information.

3. Worm Counts

valuable habitats for beneficial insects and wildlife.

Dig a 20cm spadeful of soil and count the earthworms present. Earthworms are a great indicator of soil health, with an optimal population being around 400/m. Numbers may be lower in dry or very cold conditions, so consider the timing of your assessment.

Nutrient Capture & Soil Protection Leaving land bare over winter greatly increases the risk of soil erosion from weather events leading to transportation off the field of expensive and environmentally damaging phosphates and without any living roots Nitrate leaching will almost certainly be increased as well. On average, they cut nitrate leaching by around 60%, making them a key tool for nutrient management. When cover crops are incorporated into the soil, they decompose and return nutrients and organic matter, improving soil fertility for the following crop. Additionally, their root structures stabilise the soil, reducing erosion and surface run-off, which helps keep valuable topsoil and nutrients in place.

Please visit AHDB topic sheet on our website for further information .

Final Thoughts If you haven’t tried our cover crops before, now is a great time to consider them. They capture carbon and nutrients, improve soil health, and support biodiversity, all while helping you reduce input costs. Already using them? Try assessing their performance with a spade, a biomass sample, or a worm count—your soil might be doing more work than you realise!

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96

Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting