Key messages
- Winter annual grasses are at peak quality, act quickly to maximise grazing benefits
Strategic grazing boosts ewe condition and reduces parasite load
Hard grazing suppresses seed set in barley and brome grasses
Early weaning and mob management can enhance outcomes during this peak window
Winter annual grasses are now hitting their peak, with feed tests showing digestibility at around 80% dry matter, which “is about as good as it gets,” according to Rob Inglis, Elders Livestock Production Coordinator.
But there’s only a short time to maximise the grazing value from these grasses, and this valuable window won’t last long.
Early maturing species like barley grass and brome grass are moving toward seed set, so it’s important to act now to make the most of their nutritional value.
Rob said that with annual grasses offering such high digestibility, there’s a strong case for weaning lambs (if not already done) and boxing mobs of ewes together.
“Using ewe condition scores as a guide, lighter ewes can be allocated to these highly digestible pastures at high stocking rates, delivering three clear benefits,” he explained.
“These include a rapid increase in condition score, reduced parasite load and reduced seed set,” he added.
This is because:
With annual grasses at peak digestibility, now is the time to act. Graze grasses strategically to improve ewe condition, reduce worms, and suppress seed set — while also keeping longer-term plans in mind.
In short, make the most of the opportunities in front of you now but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. The combination of smart seasonal management and long-term planning is what keeps both pastures and livestock productive year after year.
For more seasonal insights and livestock management advice, contact Elders Livestock Production Coordinator Rob Inglis by emailing rob.inglis@elders.com.au