Perennial ryegrass variety selection for dairy pasture reseeding

Michael Gowen, a dairy farmer in Kilworth, Co. Cork, reseeds 10% of his 60.5-hectare pasture annually to maintain productivity. Using a disc and one-pass seeding method, he improves grass availability in shoulder periods, enhances nitrogen response by 25%, and boosts regrowth and quality. He monitors grass weekly, comparing diploid and tetraploid ryegrass, with tetraploids outperforming in grazing and quality. Prioritising spring growth, palatability, and performance via the Pasture Profit Index, he integrates white clover to reduce chemical nitrogen use and improve sward quality. Plantain has also been trialled. The interview was conducted by Teagasc with funding from the European Union.