United Kingdom
July 4, 2025
Germinal’s two newest perennial ryegrass varieties, AberEsk and AberLiffey, have been added to the 2025/26 Recommended Grass and Clover List (RGCL) for England and Wales.
This is the latest success for the breeding team at Germinal’s R&D division, Germinal Horizon, which is embedded at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University.
AberEsk: Top for grazing digestibility
Seven of Germinal’s Aber grazing varieties are now in the top ten based on energy production. Joining them is AberEsk, a late perennial ryegrass diploid that tops the list for grazing digestibility (D) value at 75.7. It also impresses for metabolisable energy (ME) per hectare with 112, ranking second behind AberSevern.
AberEsk delivers excellent forage quality alongside strong annual yields. Delivering consistent seasonal growth from early spring to autumn, it’s ideal for farmers looking to extend their grazing season.
AberLiffey: Joint-top for grazing yield
Although AberLiffey is not a High Sugar Grass, it has the joint-highest grazing yield next to AberSevern at 112. And with 109 ME, it’s joint-fourth with AberThames, just behind AberSevern, AberEsk, and AberDon.
Producing quality yield
“These varieties are ideal for all farmers seeking both quality and yield,” said Dr Joanna Matthews, Technical Trials Manager at Germinal Horizon.
“AberEsk is well-suited to farmers looking for early spring growth who want to turn out early and extend the grazing season. Meanwhile, AberLiffey suits farms that require high yields from limited acreage.”
Dr Matthews emphasised the importance of Germinal’s continued participation in RGCL trials: “The RGCL is independent and sets a high benchmark for plant breeders, challenging them to improve a broad range of traits. It also gives farmers confidence that Aber varieties have been tested rigorously under practical growing conditions.”
She encouraged all farmers to use the list and check that their chosen varieties are on it.
Now moving into production, AberLiffey will be available from 2027, with AberEsk following in 2028. But you can already benefit from Aber HSG by using the highly rated varieties that feature in our brand-new Climate Smart ranges that bring performance plus sustainability to your grassland.
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