Fine As forage sorghum: quick cuts and quality hay in Springsure, QLD
September 23, 2025 Australia
For mixed farmer Jono Tibbles, finding a forage sorghum variety that could keep pace with variable summer rainfall was key. Based near Springsure, Queensland, Jono needed something high-yielding, quick to establish, and flexible. In the summer of 2024–25, on advice from his agronomist, he trialled 15ha of Fine As forage sorghum alongside his usual hay variety.
Planting with limited stored moisture
With limited soaking-rains going into summer and little stored soil moisture, Jono sowed Fine As on 7 January 2025 at 5kg/ha following 65mm of rain. The paddock received 100kg of urea pre-plant and 30kg of starter fertiliser at sowing.
Fine As’ large seed size gave it an edge at germination.
“It was very quick out of the ground compared to the other variety,” Jono said. “To first cut it was a good 30 days earlier.”
First and second cuts: quality hay on repeat
The first cut came on 2 March 2025, around 55 days after sowing — much earlier than Jono’s existing variety. March rainfall of 100mm fuelled rapid regrowth, with a second cut taken 40 days later.
“The regrowth quality was just as good as the hay I cut to start with, though the yield was back slightly. But impressive for a second cut.”
Across the two cuts, Fine As yielded 81 large square bales (averaging 586kg each) from 15ha.
Performance under pressure
Fine As proved resilient in tough conditions, handling cracking hot days without significant stress. Its fine tillering and impressive growth rates also supported multiple cuts and consistent hay quality.
“I don’t know if the yield was that much different, but the other variety took longer to mature, so there was only one cut.”
From hay to grazing: flexible feed options
After the second cut, more rain brought another flush of regrowth. Jono grazed 80 head on the paddock, making full use of the quick regrowth and residual feed, showcasing the crop’s versatility.
“The regrowth has been really good, and it hasn’t wanted to throw a head out too quickly. It will suit a range of situations — grazing, hay, whatever really.”
Why choose Fine As forage sorghum?
Fine As is a sorghum x Sudan x Sudan hybrid selected for fine stems, high leaf-to-stem ratio, and exceptional regrowth.These traits make it ideal for high-quality hay and grazing systems, particularly where quick turnaround and multiple cuts are needed. Jono was impressed by its resilience, noting:
“As a hay variety—100%—I would plant it tomorrow.”
Key benefits:
- Fine stems for faster, even hay drying
- High leaf-to-stem ratio – more leaf, less waste
- Large seed size for fast, reliable establishment
- Low prussic acid risk for safer grazing over a wider range of growing conditions
Thinking about Fine As for your farm?
If you’re looking for a summer forage sorghum that delivers quick cuts, high-quality feed, and flexibility for hay or grazing, Fine As could be the fit for your system.