Dry sowing of Crusader before the autumn
break maximizes early growth from opening rains
(is an option in some situations).

Crusader's early vigour was evident when, even
under cockchafer pressure, stock returned to this
paddock only 8 weeks after a July sowing.
Simon Greene, Elmhurst, VIC

Still the best!

Crusader ranks highly for winter production among current short-term Italian and Annual ryegrasses (see Tables 2, 3 and Figure 1). Crusader provides bulk feed at a price competitive to other winter grazing options, such as cereals. Strong winter growth rates are also valuable in meeting the demands of autumn calving systems, or achieving target pasture cover to support early spring milk production. Crusader is still the best in trials, insist on the true performer.

Spring quality advantage

Crusader has a flowering date 13 days later than Tetila. This translates into significant benefits for late- spring pasture quality. A later flowering grass like Crusader will produce quality feed for longer (see Figure 2 and Table 3). Quality pastures drive quality animal production. In early environments Crusader will provide leafy growth - a major quality advantage over an early flowering annual like Tetila - until seasonal conditions limit production.

Total production and performance

Crusader provides the on-going benefit of growing feed into spring-summer, something many other short term grasses fail to achieve (see Table 3). Persistence into and through a second year are added benefits (Table 4&5). This attribute of performance is recognized now by farmers as the key to choosing Crusader yet again for a proven result in their pasture program. There is no substitute, insist on Crusader.