Starfire Red Clover

High yielding

Very persistent

Disease resistant

Vigorous growth habit

Description

Starfire medium red clover is a high yielding, very persistent proprietary variety that is adapted all across the North Central, Northeastern and East Central US production zone. Starfire was bred from 262 parent plants chosen for agronomic plant type, vigorous growth habit, persistence under stress, and resistance to disease. The result is a unique, high-powered, tough variety that sets the standard for medium red clover performance.

Starfire is strong, especially under aggressive 3 and 4 cut harvest or grazing systems. Replicated yield trials under aggressive cutting management show that Starfire can handle 3-4 cuttings during the first and second hay years and still be there for a productive third year. The result is more total tonnage for the rotation and better forage quality per crop.

Starfire is resistant to Aphanomyces root rot, Fusarium wilt, Northern and Southern Anthracnose, and powdery mildew, rounding out its performance package.

Other Info

Method of Seeding:
Use a Brillion seeder, a no-till drill or a culti-packer is ideal. Frost seeding also works well, especially if the animals are allowed to "hoof" it into the existing pasture. Seed to soil contact is vital to having a successful stand. Take caution to not plant the seed more than 1/4" deep. Starfire establishes quickly, but weed control and proper management on initial grazings is vital to stand establishment.

Seeding Rates:
New hay fields/pasture:

- Seeded with alfalfa: 2-3 lbs/acre
- Seeded in pasture: 2-5 lbs/acre

Renovation/Overseeding existing fields/pastures:

(note: seeding rate for pasture/hay field renovation varies according to the quality/quantity of the forage in the field).
- Pastures: 3-7 lbs/acre
- Alfalfa Hay Field: 2-4 lbs/acre

Click on Photos to enlarge.

Click here to see more photos.

Starfire in a Pasture Perfect mix.
Click on photo to enlarge.