Pasture establishment

Providing a sustainable feedbase for grazing livestock is important to maximise productivity and to ensure producers can meet the year-round demand for quality products. Economic growth of the sheep and cattle industries will depend to a large extent on the establishment and maintenance of pastures. Pasture renovation is also important for weed management and nitrogen supply in cropping systems.

The establishment of new annual and perennial pastures can be expensive so it is important to reduce the risk of failure. Successful pasture establishment is the result of proper preparation and planning, starting at least 12 months before any pasture is sown. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provides information and advice to assist farmers make appropriate decisions about time of sowing, sowing equipment, inoculation, paddock choice and paddock preparation. Information is also available about the development of new technologies that reduce the cost of pasture establishment.