Small Commercial Evaluation of RGT Hustle RGT18 Expands to 90ha Despite Tough Seasonal Conditions

Jack Langley – Storm View Jersey, Labertouche
RGT Hustle RGT18 Evaluation Site – One Year On

Mark Palmer, National Sales Manager, and Brett Tonkin, Territory Manager at RAGT Australia, recently revisited Jack Langley on his family’s progressive dairy farm in Labertouche, Victoria—gateway to Gippsland.

They spent a rewarding morning on-farm, interviewing this forward-thinking, high-performance dairy farmer and inspecting a RGT Hustle RGT18 pasture that has now surpassed the one-year mark.

Back in April 2024, the Langley’s volunteered to sow 10 hectares of RGT Hustle RGT18 as part of an early commercial evaluation and provide feedback to both RAGT and the broader dairy industry. Just five months later, in September, they welcomed resellers and farmers as part of RAGT AU’s RGT18 AgriBio & Gippsland Study Tour. The paddock—already grazed twice—was thriving beyond expectations on land that, according to Jack, has always been a challenge. Visitors were impressed by the pasture’s lush, healthy growth.

Now, one year on from sowing, the same RGT Hustle RGT18 paddock—currently in its second grazing for the season—is outperforming every other pasture on the farm.

This performance is particularly remarkable given the severe seasonal pressure. The region has endured a record dry period, with just 80mm of rain during what is typically a 300mm window, and no autumn break following an extremely dry summer. While other pastures were grazed down to dirt and failed to recover, RGT Hustle RGT18 continued to deliver.

This success prompted the Langley’s to renovate a further 80 hectares using RGT Hustle RGT18—transitioning from 0% to over 20% of their farm sown with this standout perennial ryegrass, known for its unique novel endophyte. Even under low rainfall and below-average soil moisture, establishment has been strong. Notably, the renovated pastures are located in some of the farm’s more challenging, elevated areas—and still, they’ve exceeded expectations.

RAGT is proud to support this innovative, multi-generational dairy farming family. RGT Hustle RGT18 is proving to be a game-changer, driving reliable productivity for their thriving herd of 310 Jersey cows.

Important notice of immediate changes for canola treated with haloxyfop

Australian canola growers and farm advisors are notified that the European Union (EU) has announced it intends to reduce the maximum residue limit (MRL) for haloxyfop.

To meet this changing MRL, this means 2023/24 canola treated with haloxyfop should not be delivered or received into the Australian grain handling system for canola segregations (grades) destined for export. This change is necessary as, if delivered, it will jeopardise market access to the EU for Australian canola. This applies to canola received in the 2023/24 season.

Whilst haloxyfop remains a legally registered product in Australia, any future use on canola, given the impending change in the EU MRL, will result in a residue detection above the new EU MRL. To maintain access into the EU market, Australian canola growers are advised of the need to use alternative weed control options for the 2023 season crop, and in future cropping programs. Potential alternatives are listed in the information sheet which can be accessed by the button below.

Australian canola is highly sought after in overseas export markets. To maintain our strong trading reputation and ensure continued market access, it is critical that exported canola meets import country MRLs.

This information sheet provides background on the EU’s decision, to be proactive and help inform growers and industry about these important changes.

Information on this notice has been generated and supported by the Australian Oilseeds Federation, Grains Australia, Grains Research and Development Corporation, Grain Trade Australia, the National Working Party on Grain Protection, Grain Producers Australia and GrainGrowers Limited.

See information sheet