A Farmer’s Step-by-Step Guide to Grassland Reseeding 

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