Updated December 2025
Regular reseeding and careful selection of grass seed varieties are essential for maintaining productive, high-performing swards. Across Ireland, livestock farmers have made major progress in improving grassland management — maximising the use of grass and clover and extending the grazing season from early spring through to late autumn.
At Specialist Nutrition, we view reseeding as one of the most valuable, cost-effective tools available to Irish farmers. High-quality grass seed mixtures not only maximise grass utilisation and animal performance but also support more efficient fertiliser use — helping lower input costs while improving returns from your land.
Why Reseeding With Quality Grass Seed Matters
Reseeding is a core part of grassland management, directly influencing forage quality, animal performance and farm profitability. Yet less than 2% of Ireland’s grassland is reseeded annually, leaving many pastures underperforming.
Prioritising reseeding with high-quality grass seed delivers:
Higher Productivity
New swards grown from top-performing grass seed varieties produce more leafy, digestible grass — boosting daily liveweight gain and milk yield.
Better Nutrient Efficiency
Freshly reseeded swards utilise nitrogen more effectively, supporting sustainable production and reducing fertiliser costs.
Greater Economic Returns
High-quality grazed grass is the most cost-effective feed on Irish farms. Investing in strong grass seed mixes ensures a supply of top-quality forage throughout the grazing year.
Key Factors When Choosing a Grass Seed Mix
Selecting the right grass seed is critical for reseeding success. Here are the main considerations:
1. Decide the Purpose of Your Grass Seed
Whether your sward will be used for grazing, silage or a combination dictates which grass seed varieties will perform best.
- Grazing: Choose varieties with excellent spring and autumn growth, density and grazing utilisation.
- Silage: Prioritise varieties with strong yield potential and quality at cutting dates.
2. Match the Grass Seed to Soil Type
Your soil’s fertility, drainage and texture influence how different grass seed mixes perform. Always assess P, K and pH before selecting your variety.
3. Choose Between Diploid and Tetraploid Grass Seed
Both types have different benefits:
- Diploid grass seed: Dense sward, strong ground cover, suited to wetter soils.
- Tetraploid grass seed: Leafier, more palatable and digestible, excellent for grazing and drier soils.
New-generation tetraploids have improved stress tolerance, faster establishment and superior quality compared with older diploid genetics.
4. Include Clover in Your Grass Seed Mix
White or red clover boosts nitrogen fixation, improves protein content, and reduces fertiliser needs. Spring is the ideal time to establish clover due to stable soil temperatures.
The Reseeding Process: How to Establish Grass Seed Successfully
1. Soil Testing
Conduct full soil analysis to check pH and nutrient levels. Apply lime or fertiliser where required — a balanced soil enables your grass seed to establish successfully.
2. Sward Destruction
Apply a suitable herbicide to remove the existing sward. Allow adequate time for it to take effect before cultivating.
3. Seedbed Preparation
Aim for a fine, firm, level seedbed to ensure good seed-to-soil contact — essential for uniform germination of your grass seed mix.
4. Sowing Your Grass Seed
Choose a high-quality grass seed mixture suitable for your farm system and soil type. Sow at the recommended rate and avoid burying seed too deeply.
5. Post-Sowing Management
- Apply post-emergence weed control to protect young seedlings.
- Manage early grazing carefully to encourage tillering and develop a dense, resilient sward.
Enhancing Forage Utilisation With Specialist Nutrition
Strong grass growth is the foundation — but overall performance relies on balanced nutrition. At Specialist Nutrition, we provide a full range of complementary feeds including moist feeds, liquid feeds and mineral supplements to support your forage-based system.
By repurposing co-products from breweries, distilleries and food manufacturers, we offer sustainable, cost-effective feed solutions that support the circular economy while improving animal performance.
Conclusion
Investing in the right grass seed this April is a strategic decision that delivers long-term benefits in pasture productivity, animal performance and overall farm profitability. With the correct grass seed mix and best-practice reseeding management, you can maximise the full potential of your grassland.
For tailored guidance on choosing the best grass seed for your farm, contact Specialist Nutrition, Ireland’s #1 grass seed advisors. Our team is here to support every step of your reseeding and nutrition planning.
FAQs: Choosing the Best Grass Seed for Irish Farms
What is the best grass seed for Irish grazing paddocks?
The best grass seed for grazing includes high-performance tetraploids and dense diploids with excellent grazing utilisation, strong spring growth and good persistency.
How do I know which grass seed mix is right for my soil?
Soil testing is essential. Your soil’s pH, fertility and drainage will determine which grass seed varieties are most suitable.
Should I include clover in my grass seed mix?
Yes — clover boosts protein, improves nitrogen fixation and enhances animal performance. Spring temperatures help clover establish successfully.
Are tetraploid or diploid grass seeds better?
Both have advantages. Tetraploids offer higher digestibility and palatability; diploids provide sward density and ground cover. Most Irish farms benefit from mixes containing both.
How much grass seed should I sow per acre?
Most grass seed mixes are sown at approximately 14 kg per acre, though some blends vary. Always follow product recommendations.
When is the best time to sow grass seed in Ireland?
April and May offer ideal soil temperatures for fast germination and strong early growth.
How long does grass seed take to establish?
Typically 6–8 weeks for early grazing under good conditions, with full sward establishment taking a few months.
