Mara is an intermediate maturity, diploid perennial ryegrass with high yields. Mara has exceptional winterhardiness, and exhibits more tolerance to heat and drought than traditional perennial ryegrasses. Mara establishes quickly, exhibits rapid regrowth and easily forms a dense sward. Exceptional forage quality, make it ideal in a grazing situation. Combined with Alice white clover, Mara can utilize the nitrogen fixation to increase yields.
Uses
Mara is an excellent selection for a grazing or silage production. Its high palatability and digestibility make it ideal for high producing animals such as lactating dairy and beef cattle. Mara is also effective when used as an overseeding grass to improve stand density and forage quality. Mara is a superb choice for a mixed planting of grasses and legumes. Seed with a white clover such as Alice, for a grazing situation. For silage production, seed with a premium red clover such as Freedom!.
Establishment
Mara may be planted in spring or late summer provided adequate moisture is available. At planting, apply 35 to 40 lbs/ acre nitrogen to ensure establishment. Mara’s seedling vigor and rapid establishment contribute to its success in no-till applications. Grazing or clipping encourages tillering and sward establishment.
Management
For optimal production, maintain pasture in a vegetative state through uniform grazing or cutting. In a grazing application, graze at 6 inches to a residual of 3 inches and, for machine harvest, harvest in pre-boot stage of maturity. Mara has shown improved tolerance to extreme summer conditions.
