These webpages contain the main performance characteristics of the
grass and white clover varieties recommended for agricultural use in Northern Ireland. These varieties
all provide a higher agronomic performance under local growing conditions than any other tested varieties.
No varieties with weaknesses in winter-hardiness, disease resistance or any other agronomic factor are
recommended, except that Italian ryegrass may occasionally suffer some winter-damage under severe conditions.
The varieties are initially selected from the UK National List, and if subsequently
removed from that list are retained provided they remain on the EU Common Catalogue. The most recent
additions to the national list will not have completed a full recommended test programme but will be
considered once sufficient data have been collected. Seed supplies of newly recommended varieties are
usually scarce until stocks are multiplied. Furthermore, some varieties may only be available from certain
outlets and sometimes cases can occur where supply and demand factors may also cause variety shortages.
In the majority of cases, however, suitable alternatives of a similar type are available, but in case
of difficulty, guidance can be acquired from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD),
Agricultural Development Centres.
