Gortavoy Feeds to host grass re-seeding demo

Gortavoy Feeds, in association with Germinal NI, will host two grass re-seeding demonstrations on lands directly adjacent to the Co Tyrone mill at 2.00pm and 6.30pm on Thursday August 4th.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Aug 2016, 07:50 BST
Updated 1st Aug 2016, 08:55 BST
Assessing the site for next Thursday's grass re-seeding demonstration: l to r Barry Holland and Stephen McKenna, from Gortavoy FeedsAssessing the site for next Thursday's grass re-seeding demonstration: l to r Barry Holland and Stephen McKenna, from Gortavoy Feeds
Assessing the site for next Thursday's grass re-seeding demonstration: l to r Barry Holland and Stephen McKenna, from Gortavoy Feeds

The event will comprise demonstrations of re-seeding into a fully cultivated seed bed, using an Einblock seeder, and stitching into an existing sward with an Erth direct drilling system. All field work will be undertaken on the day by Holland Brothers, a local contracting business.

“Both locations will be sown out in our own grass seed mixtures, many of which contain Germinal varieties,” confirmed Gortavoy’s Stephen McKenna.

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“The cultivated field was burnt off, using Roundup on July 26th. Soil samples have been taken and lime will be applied according to the results that come back from the laboratory.”

He added: “The need for effective weed control, both pre and post establishment of the new sward, will be a key focus of the day. With this in mind Clarendon Agricare’s Kieran O’ Donohoe will be present to discuss how this can be best achieved.”

Other speakers in attendance will include DAERA cattle and sheep advisor Brian Hanthorne, Germinal Ireland’s Mary McEvoy and Germinal NI’s sales manager David Little. Gortavoy staff will also be in attendance to discuss the range of grass seed mixes available from the company.

Each demonstration has been specifically designed to cover all aspects of the re-seeding process: from initial planning through to the management of the new sward.

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There will also be a strong emphasis on how to optimise soil fertility.

“With this in mind the event will be marked by the first demonstration in Northern Ireland of the Tow and Fert dissolved urea and liquid lime spreading system,” confirmed Gortavoy’s Barry Holland.

“This specific demonstration will take place at the 6.30pm event only.

“Tying in with all of this, we will also be hosting a G-Lime spreading demonstration.

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“So there will be plenty to both see and hear next Thursday.”

He continued: “The need to fully realise the significant potential of our grassland areas is obvious, given the volatility now impacting on the world’s food commodity markets.

“Grass, both grazing and silage, are the cheapest feeds that we can offer dairy cows, cattle and sheep. And regular re-seeding is a critical part of an effective grassland management plan.”

Gortavoy has confirmed that significant discounts will be available on all grass seed orders placed on the day of the re-seeding demonstrations.

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“Everyone attending will also have their names automatically entered for a free draw. The prize is a bespoke grass seed package, sufficient for four acres,” confirmed Stephen McKenna.

“Our new grass seed mix catalogues are now available. Copies are available on request.”

For further information, telephone Gortavoy Feeds on (028) 8775 8663. The company is located at 78 Gortindarragh Road, Pomeroy, Dungannon: BT70 3DX