A new generation of forage performance

Our latest release of forage varieties gives farmers significant improvements in dry-matter yield, seasonal production, rust resistance, and adaptation to local conditions. These eight champion varieties outperformed all others in our long-term breeding programme. They meet the everyday challenges of regional farming in a fast-changing world.
A new generation of forage performance

Eight new varieties give farmers what they most need

Eight new forage varieties from DLF mark a step forward in yield potential, persistence, disease resistance, and overall reliability in the field. These new varieties are tailored to meet the needs of modern forage production.

The eight varieties are the culmination of years of advanced plant breeding, stringent testing, and commercial seed preparation. Only the best have made it through our highly selective development pipeline.

Each new variety carries the DNA of progress. Out of about 30 breeding candidates, we chose the eight highest performers for their agronomic excellence and for the value they bring to farmers. These varieties are more than just new; they give the forage sector the genetic performance it needs to succeed in a competitive and fast-changing world.

A forage line-up rooted in agronomic excellence

This batch of eight new forage grass varieties offers significant improvements in dry-matter yield, seasonal production, rust resistance, and adaptation to local conditions. Here’s a closer look:

  • SILAGO – A late, diploid perennial ryegrass for Ireland and the UK. With dry-matter yields above index 103, SILAGO has earned its place among recommended varieties through top-tier performance across test locations.
  • ANGORAT – Bred for France and with potential for the Irish and UK markets, this diploid perennial ryegrass boasts outstanding summer and autumn production (index 127), strong persistency, and minimal stem content in regrowth. High disease resistance adds to its appeal for long-term pasture performance.
  • BOMIUM – A UK-listed diploid ryegrass recognised for high grazing yield and ground cover. With robust rust resistance, BOMIUM is a dependable choice for intensive grazing systems.
  • PROBUS – Targeting the Netherlands and Denmark, this intermediate diploid variety delivers yield advantages in early-season cuts – ideal for maximising forage before summer drought stress sets in.
  • GRAPHIC – Recommended in the UK, GRAPHIC combines first-cut performance with exceptional sward density. Though total dry-matter yield isn’t the highest, its structure and grazing suitability make it a reliable, high-quality forage base.
  • GEPARD – This late, tetraploid ryegrass brings winter-hardiness, solid yields, and disease tolerance to German producers. High persistency ensures longevity in ley mixtures.
  • ASTRIAN – An intermediate tetraploid ryegrass developed for Dutch conditions. ASTRIAN delivers first-cut yields up to 15% higher than standard varieties, with excellent rust resistance – helping farmers maintain clean, high-energy forage.
  • AFFLUENCE – A tall fescue recommended in France, AFFLUENCE combines high protein levels, strong yields, and flexible cutting windows. This allows farmers to harvest when conditions are optimal, improving forage quality and feed planning.

 

From breeding bench to field bag

These new forage varieties are the product of our long-term innovation cycle. It starts with breeding programmes driven by deep genetic insights and ends in fields of high-yielding forage grasses. Along the way, our R&D teams, seed producers, and logistics units ensure only the highest-performing candidates become commercial products.

“We’ve built this pipeline over many years to ensure that each new variety delivers real, tangible improvements,” says Henrik Lehmann Holm, International Product Manager from DLF. “From disease tolerance to drought tolerance and improved nutritional value, these varieties are aligned with the real-world challenges farmers face today.”

Supporting your forage goals

Whether you're a farmer looking to increase feed security, or a seed distributor aiming to bring added value to your customers, DLF's new varieties offer powerful new tools for productivity and profitability. Backed by years of research and real-world testing, they are ready to meet the demands of modern forage production.

For technical sheets, local trial data, and supply information, reach out to your DLF contact or visit dlf.com.