FF 9615 3-Year Red Clover

FF 9615 is an elite medium red clover variety developed by the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center in Madison, Wisconsin. This variety has been tested in Indiana, Michigan, New York and Wisconsin demonstrating superior forage yield potential, high forage quality, excellent stand persistence and good disease resistance. FF 9615 is adapted to a wide geographic area and is an excellent choice for hay, silage or grazing.

CHARACTERISTICS:

Establishment: Fast
Persistence: Medium
Drought Tolerance: Medium Low
Winter Hardiness: Medium High
Palatability: Medium Low
Yield Potential: High
Grazing Tolerance: Medium

SEEDING:

Seeding Rate:
Alone (lbs./acre): 8-12
Mixes (lbs./acre): 4-8
Seeds/lb.: 272,000
Depth (In.): 1/4-1/2

Planting Time:
Feb.-May; Aug.-Oct.
Emergence (days): 7
Life Cycle: Perennial

Adaptation:
Red clover grows best on well-drained loamy soils, but also grows on soil that not as well-drained. Medium and fine textured soils are preferred over sandy or gravelly soils. It is best adapted to a pH of 6.0 or higher.

Establishment:
Red clover may be seeded in pure stands, but is often mixed with grain or grass. Spring or late summer seedings are satisfactory. It may be over seeded in spring or fall. Red clover seed should be inoculated. Phosphorus and potash are the fertilizer elements needed most by red clover. Apply as recommended by soil tests.

Seeding may be done with drill or broadcast. A firm, weed-free seedbed is essential. For renovating pastures, the recommended seeding rate is 8 lbs./acre.

MANAGEMENT:

Graze or cut for hay when red clover is 1/4-1/2 in. bloom. A second cutting or successive grazings should occur when red clover is 1/4 in. bloom. Leave at least 2-3 in. of growth after each harvest. Care should be taken to eliminate or reduce bloating of livestock when grazing. Keep lime and fertilizers (phosphorus and potash) at proper level.