Grassland reseeding is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your farm’s productivity. Whether you’re aiming to increase grass yields, improve silage quality, or get better animal performance from your paddocks, reseeding can deliver long-term results. 

Why Reseed at All? 

Recent research from Moorepark has shown that old permanent pasture produces up to 3 tonnes less dry matter per hectare compared to new perennial ryegrass swards. It’s also 25% less responsive to nitrogen and has poorer quality throughout the grazing season.  

 

Benefits of reseeding: 

  • Improved grass growth and quality 
  • Better nutrient response and utilisation 
  • Higher output per hectare 
  • Enhanced grazing efficiency and animal performance 
  • Opportunity to incorporate clover for nitrogen fixation 

 

10 Key Steps to Reseeding Success 

  1. Identify Underperforming Paddocks 
  • Choose fields that yield poorly, are weed-infested, or have low-quality swards. 
  1. Plan to Reseed Early 
  • Spring or late summer are ideal windows to maximise establishment before winter or grazing demand. 
  1. Soil Testing & Fertility Correction 
  • Test soils and correct deficiencies. 
  • Target pH: 6.2–6.5 
  • Phosphorus (P): Index 3 
  • Potassium (K): Index 4 
  • Apply lime (approx. 2.5t/acre) and fertiliser (e.g., 3 bags 10-10-20/acre) 
  1. Spray Off the Old Sward 
  • Use glyphosate (e.g., Roundup Flex, Gallup XL) to kill off existing grasses and weeds. 
  1. Choose a Cultivation Method 
  • Ploughing: Best seedbed, also improves drainage 
  • Disc & One Pass: Effective with fewer operations 
  • Direct Drilling: Less labour-intensive, minimal soil disturbance 
  1. Create a Firm, Fine Seedbed 
  •  level, well-prepared seedbed ensures optimal seed-to-soil contact. 
  1. Select the Right Seed Mix 
  • Choose based on your intended use: grazing, silage, or a mix. Always consult the Pasture Profit Index (PPI). 
  1. Sow at Correct Depth (≤15mm) 
  • Too deep and the seed won’t establish; shallow and it may dry out. 
  1. Roll After Sowing 
  • Rolling ensures soil contact and aids germination. Don’t skip this step! 
  1. First Grazing at Low Covers (700–1000 kg DM/ha) 
  • Use light stock like calves or sheep. Avoid grazing too tight to prevent poaching and weed invasion. 

 

Understanding Your Reseeding Method Options 

  1. Ploughing 
  • Most common method, offering: 
  • Excellent seedbed preparation 
  • Opportunity to break compaction 
  • Best results for yield and establishment 

 

  1. Disc & One Pass 
  • Best suited when quick turnaround is needed: 
  • Requires 2–3 angled passes 
  • Power harrow prepares final seedbed 
  • Seed can be applied during final harrow pass 

 

  1. Direct Drilling 
  • Minimally invasive: 
  • Graze tight and spray off before drilling 
  • Slot seeder places seed directly into soil 
  • Less reliable in poor soil structure 

 

 Post-Emergence Weed Control 

Weeds can seriously hinder a new reseed if not tackled early. A post-emergence spray around 5–6 weeks after sowing is vital. 

 

Recommended Sprays: 

Minstrel: Non-clover safe, excellent on docks, chickweed, and broadleaved weeds 

Clovermax: Clover-safe option for mixed swards 

 

Don’t Forget the Clover 

Clover is a must, especially for farms in nitrates derogation. It brings nitrogen-fixing benefits and boosts protein in the sward. 

  • Best sown in late spring/summer 
  • Choose varieties suited to grazing 
  • Use clover-safe herbicides during establishment 

 

Use the Pasture Profit Index (PPI) 

Choosing the right variety is critical. The PPI ranks grass varieties by their potential profitability based on: 

  • Seasonal Yield 
  • Silage Making 
  • Sward Persistency 
  • Grazing Quality 

Select varieties that suit your paddock’s purpose—grazing or silage—and check the PPI score to maximise return on reseeding investment. 

 

Top Tips for Post-Sowing Management 

  • Apply 30 units N/acre 4–5 weeks after sowing 
  • Spray weeds at 5–6 weeks 
  • Graze every 17–21 days to encourage tillering 
  • Avoid taking silage from new reseeds in the first year 
  • Monitor for pests and uneven establishment 

 

 

Need More Advice? 

If you’re considering reseeding or unsure which method suits your land best, talk to a member of our team. We’re here to help ensure your reseed is a success—because better grass means better farming.

Call us on 053 9236240