AHDB adds 11 new grass varieties to Recommended List
© Tim Scrivener New varieties of hybrid and perennial ryegrasses, clover, and lucerne have been added to the AHDB’s Recommended Grass and Clover Lists for England and Wales.
The updated list for 2026-27 includes 11 new varieties aimed at providing livestock farmers with an improved choice of forage options.
Each variety is tested on key traits such as yields, quality and disease resistance, and must show advancements in order to be selected for the list, with only a small amount achieving the required standards.
See also: Farmer Focus: Flexible grazing decisions key in dry spring
The AHDB says recent improvements include better winter hardiness, higher ground cover and enhanced disease resistance across both ryegrass and clover varieties.
Clovers with a higher protein content have been developed by plant breeders, which is helping to drive improvements in forage performance for cattle and sheep.
The British Society of Plant Breeders oversees the trials of each seed variety, while final selections are made by the Niab Herbage Recommended List Crop Committee.
Cheshire dairy farmer John Hocknell uses the list each year when planning seed mixtures in order to select the best varieties for his dairy system.
He said: “I particularly value the fact that the data comes from robust independent trials that compare varieties from all breeders in traits that are vital to my business.
“I especially look for yield and digestibility to maximise performance from forage, both grazed and ensiled.”
Offset rising costs
Heather McCalman, lead grassland, forage and crop nutrition specialist at AHDB, added: “In the light of rising input costs and volatile markets, the continual development of forage varieties in yield, quality and resilience traits has never been more important to dairy, beef and sheep farmers.
“There are varieties to suit all systems of cattle and sheep, and all have been scrutinised independently to meet exacting and increasing standards of performance.”