Grass Reseeding to increase profits
• Grass reseeding is one of the best paying investments available to livestock farmers
Grass & Clover
• Reseeded swards deliver higher grass dry matter yields and increased grass quality
• Each extra tonne of grass dry matter utilised can increase farm profit by €160
• To maximise grass production and utilisation target a reseeding rate of 10% of the farm area each
year
• Get the basics right when reseeding; herbicides, lime, fertiliser, cultivation and sowing
• Choose a grass mixture with the best grass varieties available as they are likely to be in the ground
for 10 years or more
ReSeeding 2014
Grass is the key ingredient in Irish livestock farming and it sets us apart from most other countries. Grazed
grass is the cheapest feed for livestock and grass silage is among the cheapest winter feeds. The benefits are
seen in reduced production costs and in the green and environmentally friendly image of our milk and meat
products. The rainfall that so often makes grass utilisation difficult is what allows such a consistent supply of
grass from year to year.
Grassland management is about decision making
Do not underestimate the challenge of top class grassland management; it requires a combination of
successful decision making and constant learning. There are grass management decisions to be made every
day on the farm and it draws on the experience, knowledge and skills of the farmer. The key to success is
to learn from your past decisions and the experiences of others and then to make better decisions in future;
even if only slightly better. Typical everyday decisions will be about the amount of grass to allocate per cow
or how much nitrogen to apply. The bigger decisions will be about stocking rates on the farm, supplementary
feeds and most importantly reseeding. The decisions about reseeding are seasonal, the best advice is to make
a plan in February each year deciding what fields need to be reseeded and what time of year it will be done.
The decision to reseed
Grass reseeding is an important grassland management tool to increase the productivity of grass swards.
Reseeded pastures will produce higher annual yields of grass compared to old swards. Grass digestibility and
intake potential will improve. Essentially you are sowing the very best grass varieties that are available and
replacing broadleaf weeds, grass weeds and older less productive perennial ryegrass plants. The message
from research and advisory organisations in the past ten years is that reseeding pays; it delivers increased
stock carrying capacity, reduces costs and increases profitability. Based on reseeding rates in Ireland in the
past few years this message is being taken up by farmers. There is however much more potential to exploit
this important management tool to continue improving efficiency and this should be an integral part of dairy
expansion plans.
www.goldcrop.ie
Reseeding advice
– Get the basics right
ReSeeding 2014
1/
2/
Identify the paddocks/fields to be reseeded – Target poor yield performance and low
Perennial Ryegrass content (less than 50%).
3/
4/
5/
6/
7/
8/
9/
Spray off the old sward with Glyphosate at 5L per ha.
Timing of reseeding - The farm needs a good supply of grass and suitable soil conditions
to carry out the cultivation and seed sowing operation. Both requirements are weather
dependent. Spring reseeding generally leads to more successful establishment and gives
better opportunities for post emergence weed control. Ideally graze once or twice, reseed
in April and be back grazing in June. Generally when you plan on spring reseeding you are
more likely to get it done.
Get a soil test done and apply Lime, Phosphate and Potash as recommended. Apply
Nitrogen (up to 60kg/ha) at or after sowing
Select a suitable grass seed mixture with the best available varieties and sow at 14kg per
acre. Increase the seed rate in poor conditions.
A fine firm seedbed is essential whether ploughing or not. The seed must achieve good
contact with the soil and moisture.
Ideally cover the seeds and always roll well.
Monitor closely for pest attack from the date of sowing and take action where necessary.
Slugs, Leatherjackets, Fruit Fly and Rabbits are the main threats.
Post emergence weed control is essential particularly for docks and thistles. Normally
apply herbicide 5-6 weeks after sowing. Get advice on the most suitable product.
Grass & Clover
ReSeeding 2014
Goldcrop Grass, Clover & Forage Crop Variety Catalogue 2014