Non-ryegrass pastures - the science and farmer practice

A review of recently published science demonstrates that relatively simple non-perennial ryegrass mixtures have performed well in environments as diverse as under deer grazing in Dunedin and the Manawatu, under sheep grazing in dryland mid-Canterbury, and under both irrigated and dryland dairy cow grazing in the Waikato and Northland. Animal productivity has been lifted by up to 30% in milk solids and 50% in deer liveweight gain in non-perennial ryegrass mixtures compared to perennial ryegrass-based pastures. In some cases, the ryegrass pasture has produced similar or more dry matter, yet animal performance has been greater on the non-perennial ryegrass pastures. In other cases, dry matter productivity from complex nonryegrass mixtures has been around 30% higher than from perennial ryegrass pastures. Interviews with farmers from South Canterbury to Northland have all reported positive experiences with non-ryegrass pastures and most have said they will not be planting perennial ryegrass-based pastures again.