Andrew McLauchlan, of Valma, Whitemore, planted moby forage barley in two of his paddocks last season to compare the Moby growth to wheat and the effects it had on his livestock.

One Moby barley paddock was grazed by ewes, lambs and bull calves continuously through winter and into spring.

The larger paddock was grazed by ram lambs initially and then spelled, before being used again further into the season.

Mr McLauchlan said the moby barley produced an exceptional amount of feed throughout the season.

"It went really well," he said. "It is an option to fill that winter feed gap with our ewes and lambs.

"It seemed to absolutely kick into gear. We had to throw stock at it to keep on top of it."

Mr McLauchlan said he had previously grown oats or winter wheat as a cereal option on the property but decided to give Moby barley a try on the recommendation of friends on the mainland.

Last season the Moby barley was planted in April, although the intention is to sow it in early March next year, shortly after the poppies are harvested.

"I think you get a lot more growth from the Moby and it responds so much quicker than wheat. The growth of the stuff has been amazing."

After the ram lambs were shorn in early October, about 170 head along with 40 to 50 heifers grazed the paddock through until the property ram sale in the middle of November.

Mr McLauchlan said he would use the Moby barley immediately after poppy harvest and get excellent early feed in the lead-up to the colder months.