A timely, new guide to establishing perennial pasture offers producers strategies to improve feed supply in response to positive sheep and cattle market signals.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) development officer, Helen Burns, said the comprehensive guide gives producers proven steps to successfully grow vigorous, productive pasture, which will deliver a return on investment now and into the future. “Producers who successfully establish perennial pasture will achieve a strong return from species which can cope with environmental stress, weed and grazing pressure and have the potential to persist for more than 10 years,” Ms Burns said.
“The trick is understanding the nature of perennial species, with an emphasis on forward planning and management up to two years before sowing and during the first year of pasture growth.”
DPI's how-to guide has tips on paddock assessment, species selection, nutrition, weed and pest management, cover cropping and grazing management. Ms Burns said many perennial pasture species have slow-growing, weak seedlings.
