Stand density was evaluated during winter 2000 by step-point method with 100 points per plot. All measured parameters were compared using the SAS GLM procedure and least square means calculated. Comparisons among treatment means was made using Fisher's protected least significant difference procedure. No significant differences existed among the cultivars or fertility treatments for any of these parameters indicating that plots had been managed uniformly through the grazing season. This may be due to the high level of annual ryegrass contamination in the 'Mara' plots through June.
Annual crops tend to be lower yielding per unit of height compared to perennial grass crops.
At this point in the study, there appears to be no production advantage for the higher level of soil nutrient application. Forage quality analysis has not been carried out at this time and some increase in forage nutritive value may be found when the analysis are completed. Stand persistence has been difficult to assess due to the unfavorable environmental conditions under which the trial was established. The annual ryegrass contamination in the 'Mara' plots has also been a difficult factor to deal with in the analysis and interpretation of the data. Initial observations from the first year of the study suggest that 'BG34' may be a viable forage option in this region.