About BGS

BGS is involved in the development, management and dissemination of the RGCL for England & Wales.  The list provides information on grass and clover varieties that have been trialled in the UK.  The testing of the grass and clover varieties in the list is supported by BSPB, AHDB and HCC.

The RGCL Handbook contains information on grass and clover varieties and on formulating mixes for cutting and grazing in both wet and dry areas.

The extended Merchants Guide has a greater focus on technical information and is designed for industry specialists to aid farmers in their variety selections for mixtures.

Copies of the list can be downloaded by clicking the link below.

RGCL Handbook 2023/24

RGCL Merchants Guide 2023/24

Hard copies are available via our Publications page (click here).

The associated Excel spreadsheet can also be downloaded

Full RGCL Spreadsheet 2023/24

Previous copies are available (click here)

AHDB Nutrient Management Guide (RB209) offers best practice guidance on the application of mineral fertilisers, manures and slurries to crops and grassland. Making the most efficient use of fertilisers can reduce costs and will help to protect the environment.

Sections 1 – 3 of the seven available are relevant to grass and forage management.  The other sections cover arable and horticultural crops.

BGS has representation on the RB209 Livestock Technical Working Group.  The partnership coordinates the research and knowledge exchange it funds to generate independent, scientifically robust and practical data on crop nutrient management for the UK. All of the research used to update the Nutrient Management Guide (RB209) is published by AHDB.

Visit the Nutrient Management Guide (RB209) website

CFE is a partnership that provides guidance and support for farmers to deliver environmental benefits within a productive farm business, and promote the efforts of farmers who currently work to maintain and improve the natural environment on their farm.  CFE is supported by a number of organisations who are committed to agriculture and the environment.

BGS is a supporter of Championing the Farmed Environment providing input where required and helping to promote the messages and work of the partnership.

Visit the CFE website

Tried & Tested is a partnership initiative of the agricultural industry that was set up to provide a simple nutrient management plan for farmers through a toolkit of resources and guidance.  Due to nutrient planning becoming more complex and expensive, it promotes a very practical way to plan and record nutrient use through publications and electronic methods.

It helps farmers to meet regulatory requirements and reduce the impact on the environment, including water sources.

BGS is represented on the committee of the Tried and Tested Professional Nutrient Management Group, offering guidance where required and help to promote the Tried and Tested work and resources.

Visit the Tried & Tested website

BGS in involved with the SARIC Project:  Breaking the barriers to soil testing on pastures (Breaking-STEP)

The project aims to understand why the uptake of soil analysis by UK livestock farmers is poor and to develop new approaches to promote soil testing within the livestock industry.

The methods include:

• Mapping current soil sampling by frequency and parameters analysed, according to land use classification, soil type and farm typology.
• Survey farmers to identify the barriers to, and opportunities for, soil testing.
• Use on-farm demonstrations to demonstrate the benefits of soil testing in areas where testing rates are low.
• Evaluate new soil testing technologies and evaluate the likelihood that they would be adopted by farmers.
• Hold workshops and dissemination events to demonstrate the benefits of soil testing to grassland farmers.

The role of BGS in the project is to assist with identifying the barriers to soil testing and organising workshops and dissemination events in conjunction with the other parties.