Mhari Dawson, Barenbrug UK’s product manager for agriculture, has been appointed to the committee responsible for Recommended Grass & Clover Lists (RGCL) for England and Wales.
As one of twelve voting members on the herbage committee, including farmers, retailers, wholesalers, plant scientists and breeders, Ms Dawson will draw on her experience as a livestock breeder and grassland adviser to contribute to decision-making on variety selection over a two-year term.
“The RGCL is an invaluable resource for grassland farmers throughout England and Wales,” she said. “Allowing farmers to make evidence-led decisions about the varieties that are most suited to their farm – enterprise, farming system, soil and region.
“It’s a tremendous undertaking to organise and produce the RGCL each year, ensuring the independence and validity of testing. It sounds like a cliché, but it’s true to say only the best varieties make it onto the list.
“By choosing a listed variety, you’re not only getting reassurance about how that variety will perform but an understanding of its performance that will allow you to get the most from your grass,” Mhairi points out.
“I’m delighted to be asked to contribute. It’s an important initiative to support, and one that can – if used to its full potential – significantly improve the country’s grassland productivity.”
The RGCL testing programme is funded by plant breeders through the British Society of Plant Breeders and the ruminant levy boards – the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC/Meat Promotion Wales).