Grazing Management Tips

Ryegrass with safe endophyte is so palatable it may not need to be topped and can lead to higher clover content in the pasture.
But it may also get grazed extra hard during drought because of its palatability, which is something farmers in dry areas need to be aware of.

Agriseeds, one of the country's biggest plant breeders and a leading supplier of ryegrass seed containing safe endophyte, says farmers can manage this relatively easily.

"In general animals graze pastures with safe endophyte more readily, and more evenly, which means easier pasture management, particularly through late spring," says Graham Kerr, the company's technical development manager.

"Because grass containing Plus AR1 or Plus NEA2 endophyte is so much more palatable to animals, particularly in summer and autumn when Standard endophyte ryegrass traditionally is not, there can be a greater risk of over-grazing."

That's easily fixed with a bit of observation, and making sure the stock are shifted off before they deck those pastures, Graham Kerr says.

"To get the best persistence from any ryegrass, you need to realise plants keep their reserves just above the ground, in the bottom 2-3 cm of the basal stem. If you graze down into this area and have an extended dry spell, persistence can be compromised."

The high palatability of ryegrass with new endophytes means this is easier for stock to do, he points out.

Stock management through extended dry periods is not simple, but key principles include:

• Remove, sell or cull any excess stock, and reduce stocking rate as much as possible.
• Have crop or supplement on hand to help get you through.
• "Look after your best, most productive pastures, and they will look after you - they're the ones that will regrow best after rain falls and feed stock in the following year."

Farmer feedback is that the benefits of Plus AR1 or Plus NEA2 ryegrass – no staggers, less dags, better production and faster weight gain – far outweigh any adjustment to grazing rotations, Graham says.

Higher clover content as a result of safe endophyte palatability is also seen as a major advantage.

"Overall the message is that these paddocks are easier to manage as well as contributing to improved animal performance."