What's a hardy annual grass for a low-rainfall wheatbelt pasture phase?
We stock Wimmera annual ryegrass, a traditional, hardy diploid long used in southern Australian cropping districts. It establishes easily, grows well through winter and matures early, which suits shorter seasons. It sets seed readily, so it can regenerate in following years if allowed to seed.
Is there a ryegrass that will reseed itself in a sheep paddock?
Wimmera ryegrass sets seed prolifically and readily regenerates the following autumn when grazing is eased in spring to allow seed set. That makes it a common self-regenerating grass in sheep pastures. Pair it with a regenerating sub clover so the pasture stays balanced and the grass doesn't dominate.
How much ryegrass seed should go in with sub clover in sheep country?
Wimmera is usually sown at modest rates when mixed with sub clover, so the grass doesn't crowd out the legume. Diploid ryegrass seed is small, so a little goes a long way. Talk to us about the right rate for your rainfall and soil, and sow shallow into a firm, moist seedbed.
Are there stock health risks with common annual ryegrass in the wheatbelt?
Yes. Wimmera and other standard annual ryegrasses are susceptible to annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT), which can harm or kill stock grazing infected seed heads in affected districts. Where ARGT is a known problem, we recommend our ARGT-resistant Safeguard, which was bred out of Wimmera, instead.
What should I watch for when putting ryegrass into a cropping rotation?
Wimmera ryegrass seeds heavily and can become a weed in following crops, and many wheatbelt ryegrass populations are herbicide resistant. Plan grass control before returning to crop, for example by spray-topping or cutting hay to limit seed set. Consider Safeguard where ARGT is also a concern.
Which annual grass handles light, sandy wheatbelt soils?
Wimmera ryegrass is widely grown on lighter soils in low to medium rainfall districts, where its early maturity helps it finish before the season dries off. Lime very acidic soils first, as ryegrass roots suffer at low pH. Sow it with a sandplain-adapted legume such as Cadiz serradella for a better balanced pasture.
When can I start grazing a ryegrass pasture sown after the break?
Graze Wimmera once plants are firmly anchored and won't pull out, usually after they've developed a few leaves. A light early grazing encourages tillering. In spring, reduce grazing pressure if you want the pasture to set seed and regenerate the following year.
Can I cut hay off an annual ryegrass pasture in the wheatbelt?
Yes, Wimmera can be cut for hay or silage, and cutting before seed set is also a useful way to reduce ryegrass seed going into a following crop. Cut at the right growth stage for quality, as its early maturity means it runs to head sooner than later varieties. Stay ARGT-aware in affected districts.
Is Wimmera ryegrass an annual or a perennial?
Wimmera is an annual ryegrass. Each plant completes its life cycle in one season, but because it sets plenty of seed, a Wimmera pasture can regenerate year after year if managed for seed set. If you want a true perennial for higher rainfall, look at our AusVic or Victorian perennial ryegrasses.
Wimmera vs Dargo ryegrass for a mixed farm?
Wimmera is a traditional, early-maturing annual that suits lower-rainfall areas and regenerates well from seed. Dargo is a more modern diploid with high winter and early spring yields and good rust tolerance, proven from Esperance to Geraldton. For higher production we usually lean towards Dargo; for a hardy regenerating pasture, Wimmera.
