As seen in Farm Weekly, 20/03/2025

Managing pastures on smaller properties presents unique challenges, requiring careful planning to optimise forage production, maintain soil health, and support livestock grazing.

At Irwin Hunter & Co, we provide high-quality pasture seed solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of small-scale landowners.

We offer a diverse range of pasture varieties and seed mixes designed to suit different climates, soil types and grazing requirements.

A well-planned pasture incorporates a mix of grasses, legumes, brassicas, and forbs or herbs to enhance diversity, improve soil health, and provide balanced nutrition for livestock.

Beyond selecting the right seed, effective pasture management is crucial to long-term success.

One of the primary considerations in pasture establishment is controlling competition from weeds and unwanted grasses.

Implementing an effective weed management strategy before sowing ensures that newly established pastures have the best possible start.

Delaying grazing until pastures are well-established further prevents damage to young plants, allowing for strong root development and improved resilience.

Soil health is essential for pasture productivity.

To assess soil conditions, it's important to conduct soil tests that measure pH levels and identify nutrient deficiencies.

Based on the results, appropriate soil amendments or fertilisers should be applied.

In smaller properties with higher stocking rates, regular nutrient supplementation is crucial to maintaining plant growth and pasture resilience.

Including legumes in the pasture mix can naturally provide nitrogen, and the diversity in mixes enhances biodiversity, creating a more supportive environment for beneficial microbes, which in turn improves soil health.

pH is the most fundamental aspect of soil health, as it lays the groundwork for a balanced environment that fosters microbial activity.

Maintaining optimal pH levels also mitigates the limitations imposed by either low or high pH levels, which can affect nutrient availability for plants and hamper the success of legumes, which thrive in neutral pH conditions.

Providing the best environment for seed germination and pasture establishment is crucial.

This includes preparing a good seedbed, sowing at the correct depth, and planting when moisture availability is highest, ideally before follow-up rain.

Water availability is another key consideration, as adequate water sources are necessary for both livestock and pasture growth.

Developing drought management strategies, such as stockpiling forage, implementing rotational grazing, and supplementing feed, can help mitigate the impact of dry conditions and maintain pasture productivity.

Another crucial aspect of pasture management is allowing pastures to set seed.

Pastures can quickly decline without this process, leading to high weed infestations and reduced productivity.

A well-designed rotational grazing system can help manage this by setting aside paddocks for seed setting and natural regeneration each season.

This requires removing all stock to allow the pasture to produce and drop the seed to increase the pasture seed bank in that paddock.

This should also be done on an annual rotational basis.

Overgrazing is a common challenge on smaller properties and using a rotational grazing system prevents overgrazing and allows pastures to recover between grazing periods.

By dividing larger areas into smaller paddocks and using effective temporary electric fencing, livestock can be rotated strategically, reducing selective grazing and improving overall pasture longevity.

Using a 'sacrificial' paddock or designated area can prevent overgrazing during periods of limited pasture growth.

This is particularly useful in high-rainfall conditions when paddocks become boggy.

Firebreak areas can also be fenced and used for short-term grazing, providing an alternative space for livestock while preserving primary grazing areas.

This method is especially beneficial for horse owners, as it helps regulate weight gain in spring when pasture growth is abundant.

The extra growth on the paddocks will enable you to stretch grazing into late spring and early summer.

Selecting the right pasture mix is essential for ensuring long-term pasture productivity.

Irwin Hunter & Co offers a variety of seed mixes tailored to different needs, including the SouWest Pasture Mix, Equi1st Mix, Silahay Mix, Self Regeneration Mix, Maximix, Western Annual Ryegrass Mix, Interow Mix, Nitro Mix, Green Manure Mix, and Cover Crop Plus Winter and Summer Mixes.

For those with specific pasture requirements, the Mix & Match option allows for custom blends designed to suit individual farming conditions.

At Irwin Hunter & Co, we are committed to helping small property owners establish and maintain productive pastures.

Farmers can ensure their pastures' long-term health and productivity by choosing the right seed, implementing sound management practices, and adopting sustainable grazing strategies.

With expert advice and high-quality pasture solutions, Irwin Hunter & Co is here to support you in creating thriving and sustainable pastures tailored to your specific needs.

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