Keeping your grassland vigorous and productive is a vital aspect of successful livestock farming. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through regular reseeding of your pastures. By incorporating the right grass seed mixtures and adopting good management practices, you can ensure high-quality forage for your livestock throughout the grazing season, at the shoulders of the year and through the winter. Let’s look at the key considerations and benefits of spring reseeding for Irish farms.
Understanding the Importance of Grassland Reseeding
Reseeding is a core component of grassland management, contributing to increased daily liveweight gain and milk production. In Ireland, where grass is the primary feed source for livestock, maintaining productive swards is essential for long-term farm profitability.
Despite this, reseeding levels remain low — with less than 2% of national grassland reseeded annually. Prioritising reseeding ensures fresh, vigorous swards and makes better use of the grass seed genetics now available from reputable grass seed suppliers.
The Benefits of Reseeding
Why should reseeding be a priority on your farm? Key advantages include:
Higher Productivity
New swards developed from high-quality grass seed varieties deliver superior feed quality and higher dry matter production — driving milk yield and daily liveweight gain.
Improved Animal Performance
Fresh reseeds offer more digestible grass, supporting healthier, more productive livestock.
Enhanced Nitrogen Efficiency
Modern grass varieties and clover blends make better use of applied nitrogen, increasing nutrient efficiency and lowering input costs.
Better Grass Utilisation
Choosing the right grass seed mixture helps optimise grazing utilisation across the full season.
Economic Benefits
High-quality grazed grass is the most cost-effective feed on Irish farms. Reseeding reduces reliance on expensive supplementary feeds and helps maintain consistent forage quality.
Choosing the Right Grass Seed Mixture
Selecting the correct grass seed is one of the most important steps in successful reseeding.
The Pasture Profit Index (PPI) remains a valuable guide when comparing varieties for yield, digestibility, spring growth, autumn growth and persistency. Choosing varieties with strong PPI scores ensures the best economic return.
Why Choose Specialist Nutrition Grass Seed?
As experienced grass seed advisors, Specialist Nutrition provides tailor-made grass seed mixtures designed for Irish grazing and silage systems. Our grass seed mixtures offer:
- Excellent grazing utilisation
- High forage yields across the season
- Superior palatability for dairy and beef systems
- Strong persistency and ground cover
Working with a trusted grass seed supplier ensures confidence that your reseeds establish well and perform consistently year after year.
The Reseeding Process
Timing depends on weather conditions and grass availability, but spring and early summer offer ideal temperatures for establishing perennial ryegrass and white clover.
1. Soil Testing
Conduct a soil analysis to assess pH, P and K levels. Correcting deficiencies before reseeding maximises seed establishment.
2. Kill Off the Old Sward
Spray off existing pasture with glyphosate. Allow 7–10 days before cultivation.
3. Prepare a Fine, Firm Seedbed
A clean, firm seedbed improves germination and rooting. Sow your grass seed mixture at the recommended rate.
4. Weed Control
Apply post-emergence herbicide when weeds are at the seedling stage.
5. Correct Grazing Management
Light grazing with calves or sheep 6–10 weeks after reseeding encourages tillering and strong clover establishment.
Key Considerations for Spring Reseeding
Before undertaking spring reseeding, keep these essential points in mind:
Soil Health and Drainage
Fix drainage issues and correct soil fertility through lime, phosphate and potash where necessary.
Reseeding Method
Spring reseeding supports strong establishment. Disc harrowing, one-pass systems and power harrowing provide good seed-to-soil contact with minimal disturbance.
Grass Seed Variety Selection
Choose varieties based on persistence, soil type and whether the ground is for grazing, silage or a dual-purpose system. Most mixtures benefit from including clover.
Soil Amendments
Apply lime at reseeding to maintain pH. Adjust fertiliser according to soil test results and nitrates limits.
Pre- and Post-Seeding Practices
Spray off 6–7 days prior to cultivation, apply post-emergence sprays around 30–35 days after sowing and graze lightly at 60–70 days to encourage tillering.
Conclusion
Spring reseeding is one of the most effective ways to restore grassland productivity, improve feed quality and support stronger animal performance. By selecting the right grass seed mixture, following good soil management practices and working with knowledgeable grass seed advisors, farmers can unlock significant improvements in both yield and forage quality.
For expert guidance on choosing the best grass seed and planning a reseeding strategy, contact Specialist Nutrition. Our team is here to help you maximise the performance and value of every acre you reseed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grass Seeds and Grassland Reseeding
1. What is the best grass seed mixture for spring reseeding?
The best grass seed mixture depends on your soil type and whether the ground will be used for grazing, silage or a dual-purpose system. High-performing perennial ryegrass varieties paired with white clover usually offer the best persistence and forage quality for Irish farms.
2. How do I choose the best grass seed supplier for my reseeding needs?
A reputable grass seed supplier should offer proven varieties, clear mixture specifications and guidance tailored to Irish grazing systems. Suppliers with hands-on experience in livestock nutrition and agronomy often provide the best results.
3. Do I need grass seed advisors when reseeding my pasture?
Working with professional grass seed advisors ensures that your seed mixture matches your soil fertility, grazing plan and long-term pasture goals. Advisors can also help you interpret soil results and select varieties with strong PPI scores.
4. How much grass seed should I use per acre when reseeding?
Most grass seed mixtures for perennial ryegrass are sown at 14 kg per acre. However, rates can vary depending on the mix, soil conditions and machinery used.
5. What helps grass seed establish quickly after reseeding?
A fine, firm seedbed, adequate soil pH, sufficient moisture and timely weed control are essential for fast establishment. Correct grazing management also encourages tillering and clover development.
6. Should clover seed be included in my grass seed mixture?
Yes, adding white clover seed improves nitrogen efficiency, increases animal intake and supports higher-quality forage throughout the grazing season.
7. Which grass seed varieties perform best for grazing?
Look for grass seeds with high scores for grazing utilisation and digestibility in the Pasture Profit Index (PPI). Varieties that perform well in grazing trials maximise animal performance and sward persistence.
