Selecting the right pasture species is a key decision for long-term productivity.
Productive pastures should contain a balanced mixture of grass and legume. A standard guide is 70% grass and 30% legume, although this will vary with the pasture type.
Perennial and annual pastures
- Perennial pasture plants can rapidly shoot from ‘growing points’, which are found on stems or at the base of the plant.
- A perennial plant with a healthy root system can survive dry spells by maintaining a supply of moisture to these growing points.
- Established perennial grasses have deeper root systems and are quicker to respond after rainfall than annuals that must establish from seed.
- Annual pasture plants produce highly productive growth and will often germinate in exposed areas between perennial plants.
- Annuals provide high-value forage for short periods of time.
- Annuals provide rest for regenerating perennial plants as stock will graze palatable annuals first.
Pastures by region and climate
The following outlines the main pasture types used across NSW, grouped by climate zone and seasonal growth habits. It includes native and introduced species, annuals and perennials, and warm and cool season options. See the Common pasture species comparison table for an overview of common types.
Rangeland pastures
Rangeland pastures dominate western NSW and are typically native, perennial and adapted to low rainfall and variable seasons. They provide groundcover, drought resilience and habitat for native fauna. Common species include:
- Mitchell grass (Astrebla spp.)
- Curly windmill grass (Enteropogon acicularis)
- Bladder saltbush (Atriplex vesicaria)
- Woollybutt grass (Eragrostis eriopoda)
Learn more about rangeland pastures
Tropical and warm-season pastures
These species thrive in northern and coastal NSW, and are suited to summer rainfall and lighter soils. They’re often used in pasture renovation, hay production or to boost summer feed. Common species include:
- Rhodes grass
- Setaria
- Paspalum
- Kikuyu
- Couch grass
Learn more about tropical pastures
Temperate and cool-season pastures
Temperate species are widely used in southern, central and tablelands regions of NSW. They provide reliable autumn–spring growth and are often used in mixed pasture systems. Common species include:
- Phalaris
- Cocksfoot
- Ryegrass
- Subterranean clover
- Lucerne
Learn more about temperate pastures
Forage crops
Forage crops are used to fill feed gaps during colder months or to provide high-quality feed during hot, dry periods. They can be grazed, cut for hay or silage, and help rest perennial pastures. Common species include:
- Oats
- Wheat
- Barley
- Triticale
- Ryegrass
- Brassicas
Common pasture species
Use the comparison table below to choose the grass species that suits your property.
| Species | Type | Growth Season | Climate Suitability | Key Traits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kikuyu | Perennial | Summer | Coastal, Tablelands | Spreads via stolons, tolerates heavy grazing |
| Rhodes grass | Perennial | Summer | Northern, Coastal | Fast to establish, drought-tolerant |
| Phalaris | Perennial | Autumn–Spring | Temperate, Tablelands | Deep-rooted, persistent, high feed value |
| Cocksfoot | Perennial | Autumn–Spring | Cool, higher rainfall | Shade-tolerant, slower to establish |
| Annual ryegrass | Annual | Autumn–Spring | Temperate, Irrigated | Fast growth, high-quality feed |
| Subterranean clover | Annual | Autumn–Spring | Temperate, Acidic soils | Self-regenerating, nitrogen-fixing |
| Lucerne | Perennial | Spring–Summer | Well-drained, temperate | High feed value, drought-tolerant |
| Mitchell grass | Perennial | Summer-active | Western NSW | Drought-hardy, stabilises soil |
| Bladder saltbush | Perennial | Winter | Saline, low-rainfall zones | Shrub species, valuable winter feed |
Your next steps
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