Introduction

At a Glance: Location: Gibson
Rainfall: 450 mm
Soil type: Sand (medium - deep) / gravel / clay
Enterprise mix 60% crop, 30% pasture

Wayne, like many farmers, adopted the new ryegrass varieties to improve pasture production and carrying capacity. It is intended that some paddocks will return to a cropping system but others will remain permanent pasture.

Paddock choice

Paddock choice was based on suitability and paddock history. Paddocks with long cropping phases are typically chosen.

In the paddock

Varieties: Winterstar, New Tetila, Camel (perennial) and Wimmera

Sowing management

Rate: Winterstar and New Tetila: 15-17kg/ha
Equipment: Deep banding system 25 cm (10 inch) spacing
Fertiliser: 100 kg/ha Agstar at seeding
                  50 L/ha Flexi-N® when required
                  200 kg/ha Hayburst when required

Grazing management

Wayne rotationally grazes his ryegrass pastures achieving up to 100 DSE/ha for each grazing. Good management has meant that persistence after grazing has been impressive. One paddock in particular, Wayne was able to graze 4 times and intended to cut it for silage. Unfortunately the season did not finish favorably so the seed was harvested instead.

Harvesting

The cost of establishment has encouraged Wayne to look at harvesting his own seed. The paddock mentioned above was harvested at the end of Nov/Dec in 2006 yielding approx 200 kg/ha with a germination percentage of 78%. After receiving 175 mm in January 2007, the ryegrass stubble reshot and seeds that shed before harvest germinated to provide early feed for 80 weaner cattle.

Pest and Weed

Disease: Rust
Pests: Red Legged Earth Mites
Weeds: Capeweed, other grasses

Difficulties

Ryegrass, similar to cereal crops, can be infected with rust. If it's a heavy infection a fungicide spray can be used however it has a grazing withholding period of 28 days. This makes it difficult to maintain ideal grazing pressures. Wayne has found that grazing will aid in reducing rust.

Benefits

Overall the new ryegrass varieties have improved Wayne's pasture production and he has found them persistent after grazing. He particularly sees benefits with its ability to be easily harvested so establishment costs can be reduced.