Cocksfoot

Hardy Feed. Strong Roots. Year-Round Reliability.

Cocksfoot is one of the toughest and most adaptable perennial grasses in New Zealand farming. Known for its deep rooting, drought resilience, and strong persistence, it thrives where other pasture species might struggle — from light, dry hill country to free-draining and low-fertility soils. Its ability to often keep producing can make it a dependable feed source for sheep, beef, and dairy support systems.

Vernado offers cocksfoot varieties bred for improved palatability and softer leaves, ensuring better utilisation and animal acceptance compared with some of the older, coarse types.

Cocksfoot performs best when sown with Clovers and forage herbs, creating a resilient, balanced sward that maintains productivity for many years. Cocksfoot likes 500–800 mm annual rainfall, Its persistence, combined with soil-anchoring roots and low maintenance needs, makes it a smart addition to long-term pasture programs focused on durability, feed security, and consistent returns.

Commonly used at lower rates in pasture mixes.

Cocksfoot is not liked by most bugs and insects, so can be used more in areas with a higher insect pressure.