I want a ryegrass that grows like an Italian but lasts like a perennial, what's out there?
We recommend Hypa, a new tetraploid hybrid ryegrass bred from 25% Italian and 75% perennial genetics. It delivers high dry matter yields from late winter to mid spring, with more persistence than other hybrid ryegrasses in drier conditions. It suits sheep, beef and dairy in 650mm+ rainfall areas.
What ryegrass will hang on through a dry spell in high-rainfall country?
Hypa has good drought tolerance, and its perennial-heavy breeding makes it more persistent than other hybrid ryegrasses in drier conditions. It's best suited to 650mm+ rainfall and sandy to heavy soils. Rotational grazing and avoiding overgrazing through summer help it persist.
Which ryegrass should go into an irrigated pasture in the South West?
Hypa is a component of our reformulated Irrigation Mix, bringing high dry matter from late winter to mid spring and strong rust resistance. It suits sheep, beef and dairy. Sow it with clovers such as Haifa White Clover for a productive, high-quality irrigated pasture.
How much hybrid ryegrass seed should I sow per hectare?
For Hypa we recommend 15 to 25 kg/ha. Use the lower rate when mixing with clovers or herbs, and the higher rate for a dense grass stand. Sow shallow into a firm, moist seedbed in autumn, with fertiliser guided by a soil test.
Can I make silage from a longer-lasting ryegrass?
Yes, Hypa suits silage and hay as well as grazing. Its mid-late maturity and strong growth from late winter to mid spring give a good bulk for a spring cut. Leave adequate stubble and fertilise after cutting to support regrowth and protect persistence.
Is there a ryegrass that doesn't go rusty in humid spring weather?
Hypa displays excellent rust resistance, helping it keep feed quality and palatability through warm, humid spring conditions. It's a tetraploid hybrid with high dry matter yields from late winter to mid spring, suited to 650mm+ rainfall districts and to sheep, beef and dairy.
What animal health issues should I watch for on lush ryegrass pasture?
Hypa is suitable for sheep, beef and dairy, but as with any lush ryegrass, watch for grass tetany in cows and nitrate problems on heavily fertilised growth. Perennial-type ryegrasses can also carry endophytes, so check the endophyte status of your seed with us if staggers is a concern.
What ryegrass tolerates a bit of salinity on a high-rainfall farm?
Hypa tolerates mild salinity, making it suitable for slightly salt-affected parts of otherwise productive paddocks. It won't handle severe salt scald, where our Puccinellia is a better fit. Hypa suits sandy to heavy soils in areas with 650mm+ rainfall, and gives strong late winter to mid spring growth for sheep, beef and dairy.
How many years will a Hypa ryegrass pasture last?
Hypa is a hybrid perennial, so it's bred to last longer than annual or Italian ryegrasses, and it is more persistent than other hybrids in drier conditions. Actual pasture life depends on rainfall, grazing management and summer stress. Rotational grazing and avoiding hard summer grazing help extend it.
Hypa vs Dunstan, which ryegrass should I sow?
Hypa is a tetraploid hybrid with Italian genetics, giving high dry matter from late winter to mid spring, mid-late maturity and suitability for silage and hay, and it needs 650mm+ rainfall. Dunstan is a diploid true perennial with mid maturity for 600mm+ rainfall, valued as a persistent grazing backbone.
