Matua prairie grass (Bromus Catharticus) has been sold in the United States for almost ten years now. It is popular because it is the only cool-season forage grass that manages to survive in areas with severe summer stress. It is also a variety that has proven to be able to utilize manure very well. Dr. Vivian Allen of Texas Tech has done research on the N-uptake capacity of this particular variety. Matua showed increased production up to a level of 800 units of Nitrogen per acre. Also at the Noble Foundation trials in Oklahoma Matua has performed very well.

Many farmers in different states have good experience with using Matua for their wastewater management program. Recently NRCS of North Carolina placed the specie on the recommended list for wastewater management plans.

So far, both ABT and Barenbrug USA have been importing Matua out of New Zealand. The owners of the variety in New Zealand preferred an exclusive distribution in North America. They gave the exclusivity to Barenbrug USA because of both past sales and the present marketing plan are in favor of Barenbrug USA.

After last year's drought many farmers in the South are looking for a good forage grass to plant their pastures with. Matua will give them high yields of very high quality hay providing good animal performance.

Barenbrug is in the process of establishing a good and reliable distribution network for Matua. They will also start a new promotion campaign focused on the end-users emphasizing the different great qualities of Matua.

Company news release
N1765