As seen in Farm Weekly, 01/05/2025

Certified ARGT-resistant annual ryegrass

Safeguard annual ryegrass – unique ARGT resistance

  • The only certified variety on the market with resistance to annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT)
  • Ideal for pasture phases in cropping rotations
  • Assists in protecting future hay or cereal crops from rejection due to ARGT.

Safeguard is the only certified annual ryegrass variety proven to resist ARGT, a serious and widespread threat to livestock in many parts of Western Australia – including high-rainfall areas.

ARGT can cause severe illness or death in cattle, sheep, and other grazing animals.

Specially bred for livestock producers and hay exporters, Safeguard delivers high winter yields and features a vigorous, leafy growth habit that responds well to both repeated cutting for hay and grazing.

Its standout trait, however, is its ability to naturally combat ARGT through a unique and sustainable biological control.

The importance of certified seed

Lance Kennedy from Irwin Hunter & Co, WA's trusted, locally owned supplier of quality pasture seed, emphasises the value of certified varieties like Safeguard.

"Pasture seed is our specialty," he said.

"We've spent decades helping WA farmers select the right seed for their unique conditions.

"Safeguard is a wise investment – it's the only annual ryegrass with certified ARGT resistance and offers a sustainable way to manage this costly problem."

Mr Kennedy added, "The impact of ARGT can be devastating but is preventable," he said.

"By sowing certified Safeguard, farmers can protect their livestock and avoid the risks because you know that your ryegrass is going to be ARGT resistant."

How Safeguard works

Bred with a high frequency of ARGT-resistant genes, Safeguard gives growers the best chance to protect their livestock while producing excellent winter pasture and if ARGT is present in your paddock you can use Safeguard over a few years to eradicate it.

Over time, this significantly reduces toxin levels and helps cleanse contaminated paddocks.

Recommendations for use

Irwin Hunter & Co recommends certified Safeguard annual ryegrass for pasture regeneration in Western Australia as it flowers early while there is still good moisture levels in the soil, thereby increasing the chances of a successful seed set as it is a self-seeding annual.

It is also important to sow Safeguard before the break to align its flowering with Wimmera ryegrass.

This aids in the plant's ability to cross pollinate and produce seeds which are ARGT resistant for future seed generations.

If early sowing isn't possible, ensure any germinated background ryegrass is controlled by cultivating or using a non-selective herbicide before introducing Safeguard.

Safeguard also delivers superior winter growth providing a valuable feed source which is an added benefit for livestock producers.

Self Regeneration Mix was introduced by IH Seeds to cater for the large number of farmers requiring an early flowering pasture of annual ryegrass and various clovers that will set seed for regeneration in the following years and give farmers protection against ARGT at the same time.

With the inclusion of Safeguard, it will not allow the bacteria to colonise, so it is safe to graze in spring and summer and should produce enough feed to graze the paddock in the first year.

It has the potential to provide grazing opportunities during the winter and early spring before locking up for seed set and allowing enough seed for the establishment of Safeguard and should provide successful cross pollination with any existing Wimmera, providing ARGT resistance to the following year's progeny.

Safeguard has also proven to be a powerful tool to increase livestock returns in WA.

Sowing Safeguard into a rundown pasture, as an additional component with subterranean clover or using Self Regeneration Mix with Safeguard; sub clovers, Rose and Balansa clovers, could improve dry matter production by 50 per cent, particularly in winter when feed is short.

Safeguard plays a major role in helping farmers improve rundown pastures, manage ARGT, and increase stocking rates during the pasture phase of their cropping rotation.

Contact your local farm supplier or Irwin Hunter & Co. for more information regarding the extensive range of pasture seed and mixes.