Description
Summers Elite S6424 is a high-level sorghum-sudangrass with brachytic dwarf that provides versatility to a producer’s forage operation. It has the ability to fill a bunk or a hay bale to meet feed requirements with fewer inputs. A high-quality plant with improved palatability, this elite multi-cut hybrid will make excellent dry hay. Producers will have the best of both worlds, excellent forage qualities from BMR-6 and a dependable high-yielding feedstock.
BMR-6: BMR-6 sorghums have less lignin than conventional sorghums and are extremely palatable. The high digestibility rivals corn silage as the choice for improved animal performance.
For the best quality and yield under a multi-cut program, harvest at 40 days or 40″ of growth. Mechanical harvesters should be set to leave 2 nodes or 4″ of stubble, whichever is higher. Sharp blades provide for a clean cut and enhance re-growth. Harvesting at this height will promote more rapid re-growth. At the latest, harvest when 50% of the plants have reached the flag leaf stage for a one cut program. Under a one cut program, cutting height can be lowered to maximize yields. Opening the swather for a wide windrow promotes drying.
If grazing, cattle should be turned in at approximately 18″ of growth, and grazing should be stopped when height is reduced to 4″ to promote rapid and adequate re-growth.
Suggested seeding rates: In the Midwest, 30-40 lbs/acre
Approx. seeds/lb.: 14-16,000
Seeding depth: Drill 1″ deep in a firm, moist and warm seedbed.
Preferred soils: Medium to lighter soils that are well drained. Do not plant in high pH soils.
Establishment: Should be planted after soil temperature reaches at least 60° F and is climbing.
Management: Under favorable growing conditions, apply 1-1.25 lbs. of Nitrogen (N) per day of planned growth. We would recommend harvesting at 40 days for easier and faster wilting of forage and doing haylage in-a-day.