My sheep keep getting ryegrass staggers, what pasture should I sow instead?
We recommend AusVic Perennial Ryegrass, a very low endophyte variety designed to stop staggers in sheep, cattle and other grazing animals. It is Australian bred for improved persistence and gives excellent winter feed. It suits dryland paddocks with 550mm+ rainfall on sandy to heavy soils; sow 12–20 kg/ha depending on rainfall, with subterranean clover.
What perennial grass should I sow in dryland South West country getting around 600mm?
AusVic Perennial Ryegrass suits dryland farms with 550mm+ rainfall and was bred from very old pastures in drier parts of NSW and Western Victoria, so it's built to persist. In the 550–700mm zone, sow it at 12–15 kg/ha with subterranean clover. It tolerates mildly acidic soils (minimum pH 5, CaCl2) and waterlogging.
How much perennial ryegrass seed do I need in a 750mm rainfall area?
For AusVic Perennial Ryegrass in 700–850mm rainfall, we recommend 15–20 kg/ha, while 12–15 kg/ha is enough in the 550–700mm zone. Sow shallow into a firm, moist seedbed in autumn, and include subterranean clover and chicory for a productive, balanced pasture. Control weeds and redlegged earth mite before sowing to protect the young seedlings.
Can I let a perennial ryegrass pasture go to seed to thicken it up?
Yes, AusVic Perennial Ryegrass is a prolific seeder, so you can let it set seed in its first or later years to thicken the pasture naturally, and it regenerates well the following season. Ease grazing pressure in late spring to allow seed set, then use the dry feed over summer. This helps fill gaps and extend pasture life.
What should I sow with perennial ryegrass for a sheep and cattle pasture?
We recommend sowing AusVic Perennial Ryegrass with subterranean clover and our Six Point Chicory. The sub clover fixes nitrogen and adds winter and spring protein, while chicory contributes deep-rooted, high-quality summer feed. Choose a sub clover suited to your rainfall, such as Seaton Park Subterranean Clover (425mm+) or, above 750mm, Leura Subterranean Clover.
Is there a perennial ryegrass that won't give my horses staggers?
Yes, we recommend AusVic Perennial Ryegrass, a very low endophyte variety designed to stop staggers in sheep, cattle and other grazing animals. Like all ryegrasses it can be high in sugar when lush, so limit access for laminitis-prone horses and introduce them to new pasture gradually. Our Equi1st Pasture Mix, formulated specifically for horses, is another option.
What's the difference between high and low endophyte ryegrass?
Endophytes live inside ryegrass plants, and high endophyte levels can cause ryegrass staggers in grazing animals. Our AusVic Perennial Ryegrass is a very low endophyte variety, bred to stop staggers in sheep, cattle and other grazing animals by greatly reducing the endophyte level. Check the endophyte status of any perennial ryegrass seed with us before sowing.
How do I keep a perennial ryegrass pasture going for years in dryland country?
With AusVic Perennial Ryegrass, start with good paddock preparation, graze rotationally so plants can recover, and avoid overgrazing over summer and autumn when plants are stressed. Letting it set seed occasionally helps thicken the stand. AusVic was bred from very old pastures in drier parts of NSW and Western Victoria for persistence under long summers and low fertility.
Is AusVic ryegrass early or late heading?
AusVic Perennial Ryegrass is early heading, with a flowering date between the KV and Victorian types it was developed from. Early heading suits drier dryland areas where the season finishes sooner. It produces excellent winter feed, suits 550mm+ rainfall, and regenerates well if left to go to seed.
AusVic vs Victorian perennial ryegrass, what's the difference?
Both are perennials suited to dryland conditions, and AusVic Perennial Ryegrass was developed partly from Victorian-type ryegrass. The key difference is that AusVic is a PBR-protected, very low endophyte variety bred to prevent staggers, for 550mm+ rainfall. Victorian Perennial Ryegrass is a traditional, older type suited to 450mm+ and may carry endophyte. Where stock safety matters, we generally recommend AusVic.
