How to Make Your Perennial Ryegrass Pasture More Productive in Winter and Spring ready for Summer
Perennial Grass
A cornerstone of productive pasture systems in New Zealand.
Perennial ryegrass is a cornerstone of productive pasture systems in New Zealand. It is especially valued for its ability to provide high-quality feed during the cooler months. To get the most out of it, season-specific strategies are essential, particularly in winter and spring, when pasture growth, soil conditions, and grazing pressures change significantly.
Here’s how to boost the productivity of your perennial ryegrass pasture during the winter-spring period.
Why Winter and Spring Matter for Pasture Productivity
These seasons set the tone for your entire pasture year:
Winter brings slower pasture growth, wetter soils, and increased risk of pugging and damage.
Spring is a peak growth phase. Smart management during this time can build feed surpluses, reduce supplement use, and improve persistence into summer.
1. Prioritise Paddock Selection for Winter Grazing
Perennial ryegrass is vulnerable during wet winter conditions. To protect your pasture:
Rotate stock carefully to avoid overgrazing and pugging.
Use lower-priority or crop paddocks as sacrifice areas during very wet periods.
Limit the time animals spend on each paddock to minimise soil damage.
Pro tip: Graze drier, free-draining paddocks first and leave heavier soils for dry spells.
2. Use Feed Budgeting During Slower Growth
Ryegrass growth slows below 5–6°C, so feed supply is limited in winter. Use a feed budget to:
Prevent overgrazing
Maintain optimal cover levels (ideally 2200–2400 kg DM/ha in mid-winter)
Plan ahead for any feed deficits and supplement use
3. Maintain Post-Grazing Residuals
Aim for post-grazing residuals of 1500–1600 kg DM/ha. Going below this can:
Slow regrowth
Reduce tiller survival
Harm spring recovery and productivity
Leaving enough leaf area supports photosynthesis and helps the plant recover quickly.
4. Prevent Soil and Pasture Damage in Wet Conditions
Soil pugging can cause long-term damage. It:
Kills ryegrass tillers
Compacts soil and restricts root growth
Encourages weed invasion and increases nutrient runoff
To minimise damage:
Use on/off grazing systems
Shift stock more frequently
Use portable troughs and back fencing
5. Fertilise Strategically with Liquid N
Use soil testing to guide fertiliser decisions. Key actions:
Apply Nitrogen (N) at 20–30 kg N/ha in late winter or early spring to jumpstart growth.
Ensure adequate Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Sulphur (S) levels.
Use Liquid N to give your pasture a fast-acting nitrogen boost. This is especially useful in cold or wet conditions when rapid uptake is critical.
Tip: Liquid N is ideal after grazing or as a mid-rotation top-up to stimulate regrowth.
6. Capitalise on the Spring Growth Surge
Spring is your opportunity to grow and store as much quality pasture as possible. To maximise this:
Rotate faster to keep ryegrass in the 2.5–3 leaf stage
Avoid undergrazing, which leads to rank, low-quality feed
Use pasture covers, plate meters, or visual assessments to guide your grazing decisions
7. Manage Surplus Feed Effectively
Spring surpluses are valuable. Don’t waste them:
Conserve excess pasture as silage or baleage
Graze young stock or dry animals on lower-priority paddocks
Spell paddocks to restore energy reserves and support persistence
8. Prepare for Summer During Spring
Spring decisions influence your pasture’s ability to handle summer stress. Support summer resilience by:
· Avoiding overgrazing during ryegrass’s reproductive phase
· Monitoring leaf stage and rotation length
· Topping paddocks that have gone to seed and lost quality
Seasonal Management Checklist
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Final Thoughts
Perennial ryegrass pastures thrive when managed carefully through winter and spring. Smart decisions now will build resilience, boost animal performance, and set your system up for summer success.
Need help with Liquid N or N and S applications or pasture planning? Contact our team for tailored advice and product recommendations to suit your farm system.