What's a tough, old-style perennial ryegrass for dryland grazing?
Victorian Perennial Ryegrass is our traditional Australian perennial, valued for hardiness and persistence under dryland grazing. It suits higher-rainfall districts with reliable winter moisture and at least 450mm, on sands through to heavy soils, and tolerates mild salinity and mild waterlogging. The general sowing rate is 25–35 kg/ha. Sow it with a sub clover suited to your rainfall for a balanced, long-lived sheep or cattle pasture.
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 grass bulk while the clover adds nitrogen and protein. It needs 450mm+ rainfall, and the general sowing rate is 25–35 kg/ha. Choose a clover suited to your rainfall, such as Seaton Park Subterranean Clover (425mm+) or, where rainfall exceeds 750mm, Leura Subterranean Clover.
How deep should perennial ryegrass seed be sown?
We recommend sowing Victorian Perennial Ryegrass shallow into a firm, moist seedbed after the autumn break, at a general rate of 25–35 kg/ha. Rolling after sowing improves seed-soil contact, and autumn sowing gives seedlings time to establish before winter. Controlling weeds and pests beforehand makes a big difference. Talk to us about the right depth for your soil.
Can perennial ryegrass give horses or sheep staggers?
Yes, perennial ryegrasses carrying certain endophytes can cause ryegrass staggers, particularly in summer and autumn. Traditional types such as Victorian Perennial Ryegrass may carry endophyte, so check the seed's status with us before sowing for horses or sheep. Where staggers is a concern, AusVic Perennial Ryegrass is very low endophyte and designed to prevent it, though ryegrass isn't a good choice for laminitis-prone horses.
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, especially the first summer, 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 winter moisture and at least 450mm of rainfall.
What kind of soil suits a perennial ryegrass pasture?
Victorian Perennial Ryegrass suits soils from sands through to heavy soils, and does best on moderately fertile loams and heavier soils that hold moisture, in districts with 450mm+ rainfall. It tolerates mild salinity and mild waterlogging. Lime very acidic soils before sowing, as low pH restricts root growth, and correct fertility to help the stand persist.
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, so the stand can build persistence.
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 so the pasture can regrow. 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 Perennial Ryegrass is a true perennial, a hardy, persistent traditional type under dryland grazing in higher-rainfall districts (450mm+) with reliable winter moisture. How long a stand lasts depends on summer stress, grazing pressure and soil fertility. Avoid hard grazing over the first summer, and sow it with a sub clover suited to your rainfall for a long-lived pasture.
Victorian vs Dunstan perennial ryegrass, which should I choose?
We'd usually recommend Dunstan Perennial Ryegrass where you have 600mm+ rainfall and want better feed quality and rust resistance. Dunstan is a diploid with mid maturity, strong rust resistance and high-quality winter and spring feed. Victorian Perennial Ryegrass is a traditional, hardy, early-heading perennial valued for persistence under dryland grazing, and suits drier country from 450mm rainfall.
