Sowing cheap seed, or seed of questionable origin, risks large losses in profit. In this example it saves $255/ha at sowing, but $3405/ha in operating profit is lost over three years.

 

Dairy farm example

This example compares sowing the high quality perennial ryegrass Maxsyn with NEA4 endophyte (AGRICOTE treated), versus uncertified ryegrass seed, over three years. From NFVT trial results Maxsyn produces 3.4 t/ha more per year. This does not include the advantage of NEA4 endophyte, or the better feed value (ME) and seasonal growth pattern of Maxsyn.