As seen in Farm Weekly, 07/03/2024

Irwin Hunter & Co prides itself on the popular selection of pasture mixes they offer, all carefully put together to cater for a wide spectrum of on farm needs and requirements.

Adrian, from Chittering Valley said, "I took on a rundown and neglected property eight years ago and I wanted to improve my pastures, improve my soil and provide my livestock with the best and right pasture combination for my farm conditions, so that is why I approached Irwin Hunter & Co."

"Their mixes are proven, tried and tested and I know, because I have had outstanding results and the proof is in the pasture production."

Adrian explains how he successfully produced his pasture.

"My preparation for the new pasture included soil tests, clearing the land of invasive weeds and rocks, and preparing a good seed bed and applying lime pre-season," he said.

"Providing adequate water for livestock, fixing fences and getting the necessary equipment together to achieve my objectives.

"Soil and planting preparation were key factors to my success.

"Creating a good seed bed, fertilising adequately and gently incorporating the seed into the soil I achieved perfect pasture emergence giving me a great start.

"After that I managed the pasture growth and grazing using strip grazing and the results were fantastic."

Adrian won his cows in the Farm Weekly Win 10 Angus Heifers Competition in 2021.

"How the girls are yearning for good pasture now and look at me as if to say, what are you doing to us as they wait longingly for another new season of green pastures," he said.

Adrian approached us at Irwin Hunter & Co, and we advised him on the most suitable pasture based on his environment, soil type, rainfall and livestock.

Why a mix works harder than a single species

Mixes provide greater diversity to the pasture which provides the benefits of improved adaptability and success in different conditions, including weather.

The legume component fixes nitrogen into the soil reducing the requirement of fertiliser.

Due to diversity and the addition of various grasses and legumes of different maturities, mixes tend to have extended growing seasons and are therefore more productive.

The addition of legumes also improves the quality of the forage and the mixes can be used for grazing, silage or hay.

Irwin Hunter & Co's selection of speciality mixes include

  • Souwest - the perfect mix, combining productivity with diversity. The original and WA's best known and grown mix which is proven year-in, year-out.
  • Silahay - the big pasture producer, combines a mix of ryegrass and clovers which are perfectly suited for grazing, silage and hay.
  • Self Regeneration - tough and reliable with your best chance to combat signs of ARGT with the inclusion of Safeguard annual ryegrass.
  • Western Annual - an economical mix with a top performing blend of ryegrasses maximising your growing season.
  • Interow - improved formulation to prevent soil erosion providing a good ground cover to suppress weeds and is advantageous as the components attract beneficial insects and bees.
  • Equi1st - this is the horse's choice, being a highly specialised equine mix of annuals and perennials providing a well-balanced feed for your horses as it is low in sugar and starch and moderate in protein, but still highly palatable.
  • Maximix - "Bang for your buck" and designed to provide maximum nutritional intake for your livestock and additionally extending your growing season as long as possible from winter right through to early summer.
  • Nitromix - a unique blend of clovers and serradella that will provide a nitrogen and soil health boost to your soils.
  • Cover Crop Plus Winter - this mix was blended to achieve as much diversity as possible, with different species that provide benefits to both the soil and environment. Species are selected based on their ability to improve soil health and produce as much biomass as possible in the shortest period of time.
  • Mix & Match to your requirements gives you the option to combine a mix suited to your needs.

We would like to thank Adrian, for his assistance with this article and for producing the best feed for his 10 'Southern Starlets' and their new calves.

Irwin Hunter & Co's Specialty Mixes, designed to provide quality productive pasture.

Contact your local farm supplier or Irwin Hunter & Co regarding their extensive range of pasture seed and mixes.