Using data to choose the right paddocks for renovation

Pasture renovation is most effective when it is targeted. Recent analysis of paddock-level data from farms using AI-powered pasture measurement tool AIMER shows how valuable this information can be.

By examining variation in paddock performance and comparing how different cultivar – endophyte combinations grow across a season, farmers can make more informed renovation decisions.

Specifically, this type of data can help:

• Identify the paddocks that are the best candidates for renovation.
• Quantify the likely return from investing in renovating those paddocks.
• Highlight the cultivars that are performing best on-farm to guide future selections.

Understanding paddock variation

A simple way to spot renovation opportunities is to look at how much your best and worst paddocks differ. On many farms, the top paddocks grow far more feed than the poorest ones.

On one example farm, the poorest 10% of paddocks grew around 7.5t DM/ha/ year, while the top 10% grew 14.1t DM/ha or 1.88x more. The farm average was 11.0t DM/ha. If those low-performing paddocks were lifted to achieve the farm average, it would increase overall production by 0.4t DM/ha.

That lift in average pasture production equates to an estimated $19,041 in profit, assuming 85% utilisation – before renovation costs are accounted for. This type of analysis enables you to prioritise renovation where it will deliver the greatest return.

Regular measurement matters

Opportunities like this can only be identified when pasture performance is measured consistently. Smartphone based tools such as AIMER Vision allow farmers to capture accurate, regular, objective dry matter assessments across paddocks. Over time, these measurements build a detailed picture of variability, seasonality, and long-term paddock performance.

A key advantage of digital measurement is the ability to track the performance of specific cultivars. Farmers can see which genetics are thriving under their own grazing management, soil types, and climate conditions. This moves cultivar selection from relying solely on trial data to being informed by real on-farm performance.

Without reliable measurement, renovation planning largely becomes guesswork. With it, you can quantify the likely return before committing to pasture renovation.

Choosing cultivars: Key factors to consider

Once renovation paddocks have been identified, selecting the right cultivar mix is the next step.

Three characteristics are important:

Endophyte: Endophytes are vital for plant persistence, providing protection against pasture pests. Novel endophytes reduce the animal health risks associated with Wild Type strains while still offering strong insect resistance. The best option depends on local insect pressure and stock class.

Ploidy: Diploids usually persist better under tight grazing and variable conditions. Tetraploids offer excellent palatability and animal performance but require more careful grazing to maintain density.

Heading Date: Earlier-heading cultivars offer stronger early spring growth, while later-heading types help maintain quality into summer. Matching heading date to soil moisture patterns, such as using later types on heavier soils, can help even out feed supply across the season.

Bringing it all together

Pasture renovation delivers the strongest returns when it is both targeted and data driven. By measuring pasture regularly, identifying paddocks with the greatest potential lift, and using on-farm cultivar performance data to guide seed choices, farmers can turn pasture renovation into a precise, profitable exercise rather than a cost-based decision.

Talk to your local Farm Source TSR or visit Aimer’s website to find out how to analyse your pastures.