What's a tough, old-style perennial ryegrass for dryland grazing?
We stock Victorian perennial ryegrass, a traditional Australian type valued for its hardiness and persistence under dryland grazing. It suits higher-rainfall areas with reliable winter moisture. Sow it with sub clover for a balanced, long-lived sheep or cattle pasture. Talk to us about the best companion species for your district.
Which perennial grass should I sow with sub clover for sheep?
Victorian perennial ryegrass is a traditional companion for subterranean clover in sheep pastures. The ryegrass gives winter and spring bulk, while the clover adds nitrogen and protein. Choose a sub clover suited to your rainfall, such as Seaton Park or Leura, and talk to us about sowing rates for your district.
How deep should perennial ryegrass seed be sown?
Sow Victorian perennial ryegrass shallow, generally no deeper than about 1-2cm, into a firm, moist seedbed. Rolling after sowing improves seed-soil contact. Autumn sowing after a good break gives seedlings time to establish before winter, and controlling weeds and pests beforehand makes a big difference.
Can perennial ryegrass give horses or sheep staggers?
Yes, perennial ryegrasses that carry certain endophytes can cause ryegrass staggers, particularly in summer and autumn. Traditional types such as Victorian may carry endophyte, so check the seed's status with us before sowing for horses or sheep. Where staggers is a concern, our very low endophyte AusVic is designed to prevent it.
How do I stop my perennial pasture dying out after a hot, dry summer?
With Victorian perennial ryegrass, avoid grazing too hard over summer and autumn, when plants are stressed and slow to recover. Rotational grazing, correcting soil pH and fertility, and letting plants rebuild leaf after the break all help persistence. It is a hardy type, but it still needs reliable rainfall.
What kind of soil suits a perennial ryegrass pasture?
Victorian perennial ryegrass does best on moderately fertile loams and heavier soils that hold moisture, in higher-rainfall districts. Lime very acidic soils before sowing, as low pH restricts root growth. On deep, infertile sands, deeper-rooted perennials or annual pastures are usually more reliable.
When should a newly sown perennial ryegrass paddock first be grazed?
Graze newly sown Victorian perennial ryegrass once plants are firmly anchored and pass the pluck test, usually at a few leaves. A quick, light first grazing encourages tillering. Then graze rotationally and avoid hard grazing in the first summer, when young plants are most vulnerable.
Can I cut hay from a perennial ryegrass and clover pasture?
Yes, surplus spring growth from a Victorian perennial ryegrass and clover pasture can be cut for hay or silage. Cut before plants get too stemmy for better quality, and avoid cutting too low. Fertilise afterwards to replace removed nutrients and help the pasture persist.
Is Victorian ryegrass a true perennial, and how long will it last?
Yes, Victorian is a perennial ryegrass, known as a hardy, persistent traditional type when well managed in suitable rainfall. How long a stand lasts depends on summer stress, grazing pressure and soil fertility. It can also thicken up from seed if allowed to set seed occasionally.
Victorian vs Dunstan perennial ryegrass, which should I choose?
Victorian is a traditional, hardy perennial type valued for persistence under dryland grazing. Dunstan is a modern diploid perennial with mid maturity, strong rust resistance and high-quality winter and spring feed for 600mm+ rainfall. Where you want improved feed quality and rust resistance, we'd usually recommend Dunstan.
