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 and suited to 350mm+ rainfall. It establishes easily, grows through winter and matures early, which suits shorter seasons. Sow 15 kg/ha alone or 5–10 kg/ha in a mix. 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?
Yes, Wimmera Annual Ryegrass sets seed readily and 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?
We recommend 5–10 kg/ha of Wimmera Annual Ryegrass when it is mixed with sub clover, compared with 15 kg/ha sown alone, so the grass doesn't crowd out the legume. Diploid ryegrass seed is small, so a little goes a long way. Wimmera suits 350mm+ rainfall; sow shallow into a firm, moist seedbed.
Are there stock health risks with common annual ryegrass in the wheatbelt?
Yes. Wimmera Annual Ryegrass 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 Diploid Annual Ryegrass, which was bred out of Wimmera, instead.
What should I watch for when putting ryegrass into a cropping rotation?
Wimmera Annual Ryegrass seeds heavily, so plan grass control before returning to crop to stop it becoming a weed. Cutting for hay or silage before seed set is a useful way to limit ryegrass seed. Wimmera is also not ARGT resistant, so where ARGT is a concern, we recommend our ARGT-resistant Safeguard Diploid Annual Ryegrass instead.
Which annual grass handles light, sandy wheatbelt soils?
We recommend Wimmera Annual Ryegrass, a hardy, early-maturing annual long used in low to medium rainfall districts (350mm+), where it finishes before the season dries off. Talk to us about how it suits your soil type. Lime very acidic soils first, and 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 Annual Ryegrass 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 Annual Ryegrass 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 Annual Ryegrass is an annual. 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 Perennial Ryegrass (550mm+) or Victorian Perennial Ryegrass (450mm+).
Wimmera vs Dargo ryegrass for a mixed farm?
Wimmera Annual Ryegrass is a traditional, early-maturing annual that suits lower-rainfall areas (350mm+) and regenerates well from seed. Dargo Diploid Italian Ryegrass is a proven diploid for 400mm+, with high winter and early spring yields and good rust tolerance, grown from Esperance to Geraldton. For higher production we usually lean towards Dargo; for a hardy regenerating pasture, Wimmera.
