DLF Annual Forage Pro Cover Crop Seed Mix 25kg | Regenerative Agriculture | Multi-Use

Transform your soil health and extend your grazing season with Annual Forage Pro, a scientifically formulated 7-species cover crop blend designed for multi-use applications including silage, dry hay, grazing, and soil regeneration. Ideal for progressive farmers committed to regenerative agricultural practices.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Multi-Use Versatility: Harvest as silage, cut for dry hay, or graze directly - adapt to your operation's needs and market conditions
• Extended Grazing Season: Provides high-quality forage well into late fall and early winter (November-December in many regions)
• Regenerative Agriculture Champion: Specifically designed to support soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable farming practices
• Soil Organic Matter Builder: Diverse root systems and plant residues significantly increase soil organic matter content
• Erosion Control: Fast-establishing species provide rapid ground cover to protect soil from wind and water erosion
• Weed Suppression: Dense, multi-species canopy outcompetes weeds and reduces herbicide requirements
• Enhanced Water Absorption: Deep-rooted species improve soil structure and water infiltration, reducing runoff
• Nitrogen Fixation: Legume components naturally fix atmospheric nitrogen, reducing fertilizer costs for following crops
• Full Season Coverage: Provides continuous ground cover and forage production throughout the growing season

7-Species Blend Composition:

• 5% Kale: Nutrient-dense brassica that provides high-quality late-season grazing and deep taproot breaks up compacted soil layers
• 13% Tillage Radish: Bio-drill with massive taproot that penetrates compaction, scavenges nutrients, and improves soil structure
• 20% Common Annual Ryegrass: Fast-establishing grass that provides quick ground cover, erosion control, and high-quality forage
• 20% Crown Millet: Warm-season grass that produces abundant biomass, suppresses weeds, and provides summer forage
• 12% Crimson Clover: Nitrogen-fixing legume that adds protein to forage mix and improves soil fertility
• 10% Forage Turnip: Palatable brassica that provides excellent fall and winter grazing while improving soil health
• 20% Hairy Vetch: Cold-hardy nitrogen-fixing legume that provides ground cover, adds protein, and fixes significant nitrogen for following crops

Ideal For:

• Regenerative agriculture operations focused on soil health and sustainability
• Extended fall and winter grazing programs
• Emergency or supplemental forage production
• Cover crop between cash crops
• Soil improvement and compaction remediation
• Erosion control on vulnerable fields
• Organic farming systems
• Diversified livestock operations

Regenerative Agriculture Benefits:

Annual Forage Pro is specifically designed to support regenerative farming practices:

• Increases Soil Organic Matter: Diverse plant species with varying root structures add significant organic carbon to soil
• Reduces Soil Erosion: Continuous ground cover protects soil from wind and water erosion year-round
• Suppresses Weeds: Multi-species competition and dense canopy reduce weed pressure without herbicides
• Improves Water Infiltration: Deep roots create channels for water movement, reducing runoff and increasing soil moisture retention
• Breaks Compaction: Tillage radish and kale taproots penetrate hardpan layers, improving soil structure
• Fixes Nitrogen: Crimson clover and hairy vetch fix 100-150 lbs of nitrogen per acre, reducing synthetic fertilizer needs
• Enhances Biodiversity: Multiple plant species support diverse soil microbial communities and beneficial insects
• Scavenges Nutrients: Deep-rooted species capture residual nutrients, preventing leaching and recycling them for next crop

Multi-Use Applications:

• Silage Production: Harvest at optimal maturity for high-quality, protein-rich silage for cattle
• Dry Hay: Cut and cure for nutritious hay with excellent protein content from legume components
• Direct Grazing: Graze cattle, sheep, or goats from establishment through late fall/early winter
• Green Chop: Cut and haul fresh to livestock for maximum nutrition
• Cover Crop: Plant after cash crop harvest, graze or terminate, then plant next crop into improved soil

Extended Grazing Season:

One of Annual Forage Pro's standout features is its ability to provide quality grazing well into winter:

• Kale and turnips remain palatable and nutritious after frost
• Brassicas actually sweeten after frost, increasing palatability
• Customers report successful grazing through November and December
• Reduces hay feeding costs by extending pasture season
• Provides high-quality nutrition when other forages are dormant
• Cold-hardy species continue growing in cool fall temperatures

Planting Guidelines:

• Seeding Rate: 45-60 lbs per acre (higher rates for maximum biomass and soil coverage)
• Best Planting Time: When soil temperature reaches 6-10°C (43-50°F) - typically late spring to mid-summer
• Soil Preparation: Firm, weed-free seedbed for optimal germination
• Depth: Plant 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep; brassicas and legumes prefer shallow seeding
• Inoculation: Inoculate legume components for optimal nitrogen fixation
• Moisture: Adequate soil moisture critical for establishment
• Timing: Can be planted after cereal harvest for fall/winter grazing

Management Tips:

• Grazing: Begin when plants reach 8-12 inches; use rotational grazing to prevent overgrazing
• Silage: Harvest when grasses are at boot stage and legumes are flowering for optimal quality
• Hay: Cut before grasses head out for maximum protein and palatability
• Bloat Management: Introduce cattle gradually to legume-rich forage; provide dry hay alongside grazing
• Winter Grazing: Brassicas are safest to graze after hard frost; strip-graze to reduce waste
• Termination: Can be winter-killed, grazed down, or terminated mechanically/chemically before next crop

Soil Health Improvements:

Expect these soil health benefits from Annual Forage Pro:

• Increased soil organic matter: 0.5-1% increase with repeated use
• Improved soil structure and aggregation
• Enhanced water infiltration rates (50-100% improvement possible)
• Reduced compaction in top 12-18 inches of soil
• Increased microbial biomass and diversity
• Improved nutrient cycling and availability
• Reduced erosion and nutrient runoff

Expected Performance:

• Germination: 7-14 days depending on species and conditions
• Grazing Ready: 45-60 days after planting
• Biomass Production: 3-6 tons per acre (dry matter equivalent)
• Nitrogen Fixation: 100-150 lbs N per acre from legume components
• Grazing Season: From establishment through November-December (climate dependent)
• Forage Quality: High protein (15-20%) and energy content

Nutritional Value (Grazing/Forage):

• Crude Protein: 15-20% (high legume and brassica content)
• Energy: High TDN (Total Digestible Nutrients)
• Palatability: Excellent - livestock show strong preference
• Digestibility: Superior, especially brassica and legume components
• Minerals: Brassicas provide excellent mineral content

Crop Rotation Benefits:

Annual Forage Pro improves yields of following crops:

• Nitrogen credit: 50-100 lbs N available for next crop
• Improved soil structure enhances root development
• Reduced weed pressure decreases herbicide needs
• Disease and pest cycle interruption
• Enhanced water availability for following crop
• Excellent preceding crop for cereals, corn, or other cash crops

Climate & Soil Adaptation:

• Adapts to wide range of soil types
• Performs well in cool-season climates
• Tolerates light frost (brassicas and hairy vetch are cold-hardy)
• Suitable for both dryland and irrigated systems
• Works in diverse climate zones across Canada and northern US