When it comes to annual pasture legumes, Cavalier spineless burr medic has earned its place as a trusted favourite. It’s a proven performer that delivers serious dry matter production, plenty of bulk, and the kind of versatility that lets it slot into farming systems right across the country.
From mixed enterprises to livestock-focused operations, Cavalier is a pasture option that just works…. and keeps working through the season.
One of the big strengths of Cavalier is its adaptability. It can be grown across a wide range of environments and fits easily into different production cycles, whether you’re chasing feed, ground cover, or a legume break in the rotation.
Cavalier is a popular option, especially with sheep producers because traditional burr medics can contaminate the wool as vegetable matter, which degrades the quality
Cavalier’s spineless seed pods mean you don’t have to worry about burrs catching in wool, while still getting a high-quality feed source.
It offers strong feed value, with:
As an annual pasture legume, Cavalier remains palatable at all stages, including through summer, when livestock will readily consume dry matter and seed pods.
Adding legumes like Cavalier into your pasture mix can lift your overall production. Livestock generally achieve better liveweight gains and wool production on legume-based pastures, thanks to higher intake and more efficient use of the high-protein, high-energy feed.
Cavalier also brings valuable rotational benefits. When properly nodulated, it has atmospheric nitrogen-fixing properties, which benefits cereal crops. Used as a grass-free pasture, it can also act as a disease break for common cereal issues such as cereal cyst nematode, take-all and crown rot.
Cavalier spineless burr medic is well suited to a wide range of soils and environmental conditions. Once established, it builds a bank of hard seed in the soil, allowing it to naturally regenerate in future seasons – reducing the need for re-sowing.
If you’re looking for a flexible, reliable annual pasture legume that supports livestock performance and your broader rotation, Cavalier is well worth considering.
If SU herbicide residue poses risk for your system, check out Penfield spineless barrel medic, an early-maturing spineless barrel medic with SU herbicide tolerance. The addition of the SU herbicide tolerance trait offers increased persistence and is a valuable option for those with a mixed farming system.
At AlfaGen we have a portfolio of legumes to suit a wide range of soils, systems and rainfall zones. Check out the full legume range of protein-rich clovers, hardy medics and other species to bring you feed value and soil benefits.
If you want to have a chat about what might be the best option for your system, get in touch with your local AlfaGen Seeds Territory Manager or find your local stockist.
Burr medics can regenerate for several seasons by building a hard seed bank in the soil, allowing pastures to re-establish naturally after favourable conditions.
Burr medic is typically sown in autumn, allowing plants to establish with seasonal rainfall and provide grazing through winter and spring.
Burr medics generally perform best in neutral to alkaline soils with good fertility and drainage, although some varieties tolerate a range of soil types.
Get seasonal tips, agronomy advice and seed recommendations from the AlfaGen Seeds team.
