On the road to 2030

The challenge
The dairy sector faces the challenge of producing more gallons of milk from the same acres. Surprisingly the countries which are producing the most litres of milk per cow are not yet leading in grass production! Land is probably the biggest investment when it comes to producing milk, but do you have quality milk-grass on your land, or, is it just green? Not everything which is green will be white!  Did you know that the average amount of good grass in a pasture is only 55% milk-grass (English Ryegrass, Timothy, Italian Ryegrass, smooth meadow grass, clover, etc.) The other plants are doing NOTHING apart from filling a cow’s stomach! These “bad” grass plants need to be replaced by good milk-grass. After all you will want to take full advantage of your most expensive means of production!

Overseeding still improving & more important

Three reasons
why modern day overseeding is more successful than in the past (80s and 90s)

1. In the last two decades the knowledge surrounding grass has increased; we now  know more about how grass grows; what its circle of life is and what process occurs when it’s in a cow’s stomach.

2. Due to improved soil knowledge we have become aware that a good soil structure must be retained and also how important it is to keep organic matter in the cultivation layer.

3. De The Vredo’s overseeding technology, which is already very refined, has been further developed in recent years and it is now equiped with a larger working width, improved following of ground undulations, accurate seed metering, accurate sowing depth and a newly developed packerroller which closes every seedslit even on rough terrain.

Vredo overseeding principle

  • Double V-shaped discs which make a small cut in the soil.
  • Seed is placed in between the discs.
  • The slit is closed by the compaction roller.
  • Optimal situation for germination: The seed is in contact with the soil and gets the optimum amount of light and air.
  • The seed is protected against weather influences such as frost and birds.

Overseeding principle animation

Vredo Agri Circulation

Positive results

Cost-effective
Overseeding is a cost-effective way of grassland rejuvenation. Practical studies show that structural overseeding (annually) in the correct way (grass seed into the soil) gives 10% to 15% more yield. For a farmer this means a net profit of around €200 / ha. The costs of overseeding, the contractor and the seed are already subtracted from this figure*. Vredo has responded to this trend by developing wider machines which have higher capacities and  feature the double disc system that actually sows grass seed directly into the soil. The impressive results of Vredo’s system have been endorsed by several national and international studies in the past few decades (eg Practice Network -  www.graslanddoorzaaien.nl). These studies have shown a 98% equal seed distribution and 96% germination of the grass seed!

Energy Rate & Digestible Protein
Both values are in accordance with independent research are higher after overseeding with a VREDO overseeder.

Did you know...?
Companies that buy lots of forage to (unaware) compensate the mediocre graslandmanagement), score, in average, less than the companies that can feed there cows with their own grass.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure prior to overseeding the existing grass is mowed short.
  • A dense / thatchy turf (often with Rough Meadow Grass) needs to be harrowed intensively.
  • Overseeding in a moist soil is an important key to success.
  • Ensure that the grassland in autumn is not too heavily fertilised and decrease the nitrogen application in a timely manner.
  • Keep unused pastures sprayed during a long waiting time, which preferably includes a period of rain. Harrow it well prior to seeding or mow the dead grass and remove it.
  • Grass which is overseeded without a total spray off, should be grazed 2 weeks after seeding.
  • Make sure that the risk is spread: it’s better to sow a little less grass seed periodically than a lot of all at once.
  • The genetic progress of grass seed is 0.4% per year. By investing in re-seeding the genetic predisposition of the sward increases to achieve more dry matter.
  • Plan just a light fertiliser/dung around the overseeding, to reduce competition from the existing grass.
  • Have patience! A full, young pasture with real milk grass will be available after approximately 3 silage cuts.