As seen in Farm Weekly, 16/04/2026

Regenerative agriculture is less about a strict set of rules and more about a practical framework for improving soil health, resilience, and long-term farm productivity.

In Western Australian conditions – where soils are often fragile and rainfall can be unreliable – these principles are closely tied to pasture systems and, increasingly, to the use of well-designed, specialist seed mixes.

Regenerative agriculture focuses on keeping soils functioning as living systems.

That means maintaining living roots in the ground for as much of the year as possible, maximising plant diversity, minimising soil disturbance, keeping soil covered, and using livestock as a tool to cycle nutrients and stimulate growth.

While these ideas are simple in theory, their success in practice often comes down to pasture design.

Pasture is one of the most effective ways to implement regenerative principles on farm.

A well-managed pasture system keeps roots active, protects the soil surface, and supports microbial life below ground.

This is where multi-species pastures have gained attention.

Instead of relying on a single grass, diverse mixes combine complementary species – typically grasses and legumes, and sometimes herbs or brassicas – to perform different functions within the system.

Grasses such as ryegrass provide bulk feed and root mass, while legumes like clovers fix nitrogen naturally, reducing the need for synthetic fertiliser.

Other species can improve soil structure, increase biomass, and stimulate biological activity.

Together, they create a more balanced and resilient pasture that can better handle seasonal variability.

The key, however, is not just diversity for its own sake – it is selecting the right species for the right purpose.

This is where tailored pasture systems are making a real impact.

IHSeeds is working closely with Western Australian farmers to develop specialist pasture mixes suited to local soil types, rainfall zones, and production goals.

IHSeeds has a selection of broad-based pasture mixes with a wide range of diversity including; SouWest pasture mix, Equi1st Mix, Silahay mix, Self Regeneration mix, Maximix, Western Annual Ryegrass mix, Interow mix, Nitro mix, Irrigation Mix, Green Manure Mix, and our Cover Crop Plus Winter and Summer mixes.

A Mix & Match option is also available for your on-farm requirements.

These mixes are designed to align directly with regenerative principles.

By combining early, mid, and late-season species, they help extend the growing window and maintain living roots for longer periods.

High-density, well-balanced blends improve ground cover, reducing erosion risk and protecting soil moisture.

The inclusion of legumes supports natural nitrogen cycling, while persistent and self-regenerating species reduce the need for frequent re-sowing and soil disturbance.

Some mixes go a step further by incorporating cover crop species such as brassicas and cereals, particularly in summer or shoulder seasons.

These high-biomass plants help build organic matter, improve soil structure, and increase water infiltration – key benefits in WA's often dry conditions.

Over time, this contributes to higher soil carbon levels and improved paddock performance.

Livestock integration is another important part of the system.

Well-designed pasture mixes respond strongly to rotational grazing, allowing farmers to use stock to stimulate regrowth and cycle nutrients back into the soil.

More diverse pastures also tend to recover faster after grazing, supporting both productivity and persistence.

For many producers, one of the biggest advantages of these systems is efficiency.

Healthier soils are better able to retain moisture and make use of available nutrients, which can reduce reliance on inputs such as fertiliser and herbicides.

At the same time, improved pasture performance supports livestock production and overall farm profitability.

Importantly, adopting regenerative practices does not require a complete overhaul of existing systems.

Many farmers are starting by introducing multi-species mixes into part of their program, trialling different combinations, and building from there.

With the support of locally adapted seed solutions from Irwin Hunter & Co, these changes can be implemented in a way that fits existing operations.

In Western Australia, where every season brings its own challenges, resilience is everything.

Regenerative agriculture offers a pathway to build that resilience from the ground up – literally and with the right pasture mix in place, farmers are not just growing feed but actively improving the soil that underpins their entire business.

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