Pradel

Product Description

This recent release from Barenbrug is a standout in our recent forage seeding trial and at other screening locations. It is denser and taller than our other meadow fescues tested. Its forage quality and palatability approaches ryegrass. We will be incorporating this new variety into some of our mixtures as seed supply increases.  Pradel has endophytes that are animal friendly causing no problems with animal performance or palatability.  Pradel is a late-maturing, high-yielding meadow fescue. It produces a taller, denser sward than traditional meadow fescues. Pradel exhibits excellent winter-hardiness, excels under cool, moist conditions and tolerates wet soils. Once established, Pradel will also tolerate the hot, dry conditions of summer. Pradel exhibits excellent winter-hardiness, excels under cool, moist conditions and tolerates wet soils.   Pradel is highly palatable and nutritious. Pradel is highly palatable and nutritious. It is ideal for grazing or cutting. 

Pradel is ideal in a pasture mixture with other grasses and is well utilized for silage/baleage and dry hay production. It also performs well mixed with a legume. For grazing, seed with a large-leaved white clover such as Alice. For silage, seed with a premium red clover such as Freedom! or a high-quality alfalfa. For hay, seed alone or in a mixture; dry down time is less than perennial ryegrass, but greater than orchardgrass. 

Establishment

Plant no deeper than 1/8 inch below the surface. Depending upon application, seed at 25-35 lbs/Acre. In moderate climates or in hot, dry areas with irrigation, Pradel can be planted in spring or fall. In regions prone to summer drought, fall seeding is recommended. To ensure good establishment, a well-balanced fertilizer such as 100 lbs/acre of 20-20-20 (N-P-K) should be applied at planting. Pradel can be established via full tillage, no-till, or broadcast seeding. Its seedling vigor and rapid establishment make it ideal for no-till seedings. Also, with its rapid establishment is a good selection for overseeding.

Management

Meadow fescue needs fertile soils for optimum performance. They work well in intensively managed grazing or hay production if not mowed lower than 3 inches.  It is ideal for grazing or cutting and with its rapid establishment is a good selection for overseeding. With adequate fertility, it surpasses perennial ryegrass in summer forage production. Pradel thrives on fertile soils with a pH of 6.0 or greater.

Pradel Tech Sheet