Rebound Forage Millet: Fast, Safe Feed
June 28, 2023 New South Wales
Dryland summer forage production can be a challenging endeavour, especially in regions like Central-West New South Wales. However, the rewards it offers in terms of vital feed and rest periods for perennial pastures during the harsh summer months make it a risk worth taking. When it comes to summer forage, one name stands out: Rebound Forage Millet from S&W Seed Company. Let’s explore why it’s the go-to choice for many producers and how you can make the most of its benefits.
Quick Establishment and Early Grazing Opportunities
Unlike many other summer forages, Rebound Forage Millet can be sown while soil temperatures are as low as 14 degrees Celsius and rising. This gives it a significant advantage, as it can be planted up to a month earlier than forage sorghum, which typically requires a soil temperature of 16 degrees Celsius or higher. Rebound is known for its quick establishment, allowing for grazing as early as six weeks after sowing.
Responsive to Rainfall and Grazing Intervals
One of the remarkable traits of Rebound Forage Millet is its responsiveness to rainfall, even after a prolonged period of inactivity. This means that even during dry spells, when moisture becomes scarce, Rebound has the ability to bounce back quickly. Grazing intervals can be as short as four weeks, provided there is sufficient moisture present. This flexibility ensures a steady supply of nutritious feed for your livestock throughout the summer.
Grazing Management for Optimal Results
To maximize the benefits of Rebound Forage Millet, it’s important to implement proper grazing management techniques. Ideally, the millet should be grazed when it reaches a height of 20 to 30 centimetres, as this is when it’s most palatable and nutritious. It’s crucial to keep the plants below 50 centimetres before grazing to ensure optimal regrowth and production. A recommended approach is to put stock on Rebound, reduce it to a height of 10 to 15 centimetres within two weeks, and then remove the animals. This practice promotes vigorous regrowth and increases overall production.
Safe and Versatile Summer Forage Option
One of the standout advantages of Rebound Forage Millet is its safety for livestock. Unlike certain forage sorghum varieties that contain prussic acid (HCN), Rebound can be grazed at all stages of development without posing a risk to your animals. This safety factor has made Rebound a preferred choice for many producers who have concerns over potential poisoning of livestock due to unpredictable rainfall patterns.
Enhancing Nutrition and Feed Quality
Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining and maximizing the quality and quantity of feed produced by Rebound Forage Millet. While it can perform well on poorer quality soils, it thrives on high fertility soils. If the season is favourable, it’s recommended to supplement with additional nitrogen through an incrop application to enhance the forage quality.
Companion Planting for Extended Feed Options
To further extend the length and quality of feed in your paddocks, consider companion planting with Rebound millet. In regions like the Slopes, Tablelands, or under irrigation, mixing Rebound with other forage crops like Subzero Hybrid Forage Brassica, Balance Chicory, and Ranger Plantain can provide excellent finishing feed options for prime lambs or weaners. Adding legumes such as red or white clover can also contribute additional nitrogen to enhance the overall feed quality.
When selecting companion plants to sow with Rebound, it’s crucial to consider potential weed burdens and how the combination of plants may affect your ability to effectively control problem weeds. A strategic approach will ensure optimal results and minimize weed-related challenges.
Hay Option and Supplementary Feed
Rebound Forage Millet also serves as a valuable hay option. While it may not be suitable for finishing stock, it can adequately maintain breeders or complement fresh forage cereal paddocks. The high levels of water-soluble carbohydrates present in millet hay can help mitigate the risk of lambing sickness and grass tetany.
Make the Most of Rebound This Summer
With a surplus of bare paddocks across the Central-West region this year, it’s the perfect time to explore the benefits of Rebound Forage Millet. Reach out to your local rural store and consider incorporating Rebound into your summer forage production plan. Its fast establishment, safe grazing, and ability to respond to varying conditions make it a reliable choice for dryland summer forage production across Australia.