Pasture seed

Whether you are renewing pastures post crop or improving existing pasture, we have an option to suit.

Custom seed

We can custom mix seed for you using our access to all the seed varieties and expertise from leading seed production companies including Barenbrug, Agricom, PGG Wrightson Seeds and RAGT. We'll work with you to ensure you get the pasture that meets your farm's feed requirements.

Your local TSR can visit to make a recommendation about your pasture options and work with you on your feed plan, taking into account the individual factors and environmental conditions affecting your farm.

Annuals are a winter active 6-8 month option. They are highly valued for their winter and early spring production. Often planted prior to cropping or between crops. They typically establish very quickly so can be ready for their 1st grazing at 6 weeks. Be aware of nitrate poisoning.

CultivarRyegrass typeVendorHeading date
HoganTetraploidBarenbrug+16
Winter Star IITetraploidPGG Wrightson+9
TamaTetraploidCommon+14
SultanDiploidRAGT 

Italians are similar in establishment and winter growth as an annual but will last from 18 months or longer with good conditions. 
Excellent to use for undersowing or if you’re undecided on cropping.

CultivarRyegrass typeVendorHeading date
Tabu+DiploidBarenbrug+11
MantaDiploidAgricom+15

Hybrids have perennial and Italian parentage and typically last 3 years, longer in good conditions. Ideal for undersowing or a “crop” of grass. Better winter growth and faster establishment than perennials but more persistent then an Italian. Advantage of endophyte too!

CultivarRyegrass typeVendorHeading datePersistence
Forge NEATetraploidBarenbrug+113-5 years
Shogun NEA12TetraploidBarenbrug+132-3 years
Mohaka AR37TetraploidAgricom+202-4 years
Palliser AR37TetraploidPGG Wrightson+25 

Pasture packs come with mixture of grass seed and clover. Most pasture packs are Diploid ryegrass so typically planted at a 25kg bag per ha. Pasture packs with Tetraploid ryegrass are sown at a higher rate. For undersowing, sow Diploid ryegrass at 10-15kg/ha and Tetraploids at 18-25kg/ha.

CultivarRyegrass typeVendorHeading datePasture pack
Array NEA2DiploidBarenbrug+23 
Maxsyn NEA4 & NEA12DiploidBarenbrug+8Purple, Orange
Governor AR37 or AR1DiploidBarenbrug+8Gold II
4front NEA2TetraploidBarenbrug+15Yellow, Orange
Legion AR1 & AR37DiploidAgricom+13Teal
Reason AR37 or AR1DiploidAgricom+3Black
Three60 AR37 or AR1DiploidAgricom+20 
Vast AR37TetraploidPGG Wrightson+36 
Platform AR37 or AR1DiploidPGG Wrightson+12Blue
Align AR37 & AR1TetraploidAgricom+35 
Midway AR37 & AR1DiploidPGG Wrightson+3 
Hustle RGT18DiploidRAGT+8 

White clovers are typically sown at around 4kg/ha in a pasture mix. Usually with a 2kg:2kg mix of large and medium leaved clovers. 
Red clovers are typically sown at 4-6kg/ha.

CultivarLeaf typeVendor
KotukuLargeBarenbrug
Ruru MediumBarenbrug
LegacyLargePGG Wrightsons
QuartzMediumPGG Wrightsons
BraceLargeAgricom

Pasture packs

Array Pack

Array NEA2 is the new superstar, bred for the good of both animals, and the environment.

Ryegrass type: Diploid Perennial

Endophyte options: NEA2 (Array)

Heading date: +23

  • Easy to eat
    Array is the diploid perennial ryegrass hard-working cows have been hoping for. Upright, leafy and densely tillered, it’s customised for easy eating and high intake. Animals will naturally eat more as a result, and have more time to relax, ruminate and produce meat or milk
  • Great cool season growth
    Array has the best cool season growth of any perennial ryegrass Barenbrug has bred. That helps fill the gap when feed is short and makes farms more resilient so they can adapt to shifting climatic patterns.
  • Very persistent
    Array NEA2 has Barenbrug’s highest ranking for pasture persistence. It’s as good as Maxsyn NEA4.
  • Eats N for breakfast
    In trials, Array has grown significantly more feed under low N conditions than other ryegrass cultivars.
  • What does this mean on farm?
    First, more even pasture growth at times when soil nitrogen is deficient, something that happens on virtually every farm at some stage during the year. Second, a win for the environment, because this provides the potential to utilise nitrogen more efficiently.

NOTE: Grass is also available as a straight line or for custom mixing if required.

Array NEA2 | Perennial RyegrassTreated
Kotuku | White CloverTreated

Diverse Pasture Mix

This mix is for farmers looking to sow a pasture with a diverse range of species, with different grasses, clovers and herbs.

      Benefits

      • It has the densely tillered and high yielding Maxsyn NEA4 perennial ryegrass along with the very persistent Rohan NEA2 spreading perennial ryegrass.
      • Safin superfine cocksfoot, Bareno pasture brome and timothy provide diversity in stock diet, and good growth on the shoulders of the season.
      • The top yielding Tabu+ increases DM yield through establishment and the first winter.
      • The top performing white, red and annual clovers increase the feed quality, and provide extra nitrogen fixation. Annual clovers and Coolamon improve the spring clover content.
      • The deep taproot of both Morrow red clover and 501 chicory increases forage production, and ME and protein in summer.
      • Captain plantain supplies diet diversity for stock, and the environmental benefits of lower N footprint.

      Management tips

      • With limited weed control options, more careful paddock choice is required to reduce the risk of perennial weeds becoming present.
      • It is also important to have a well-prepared seed bed and weed control programme prior to sowing this.
      • No specific differences from a standard mix, with regards to nutrient applications, however having a good base of soil nutrient status will aid with the performance of all the species.

      Available as treated or bare seed.

      CultivarTreated/BareKg/BagKg/Ha
      Maxsyn | Perennial RyegrassTreated5kg6kg
      Safin | Superfine CocksfootTreated3kg4kg
      Rohan | Perennial RyegrassTreated2kg2kg
      TimothyTreated1kg1kg
      Bareno | Grazing BromeBare3kg4kg
      Tabu+ | Italian RyegrassTreated2kg2kg
      Kotuku | White CloverTreated1kg1kg
      Ruru | White CloverTreated1kg1kg
      Morrow MS | Red CloverTreated3kg4kg
      Laser | Persian CloverTreated1kg1kg
      Coolamon | Sub-CloverTreated1kg1kg
      501 | ChicoryTreated1kg1kg
      Captain | Cool Season PlantainTreated1kg1kg
      Total 25kg36kg
      SituationSowing rate Kg/Ha
      Drilling or broadcasting - cultivating seedbed36kg
      Direct drilling - sprayed out pasture36kg

      Yellow Pack

      The Yellow Pack suits farm systems targeting high animal performance, providing high quality and high yield across all seasons.

      Ryegrass type: Tetraploid Perennial

      Endophyte options: NEA2 (4front)

      Seed treatment options: Agricote Treated

      Heading date: Late +15 days

      • This pack contains the class-leading 4front, which is the unbeaten tetraploid perennial ryegrass in the Industry National Forage Variety Trials.
      • 4front has very high palatability and ME, so can increase animal intakes and performance.
      • Grazed well it can improve your environmental outcomes, through reducing N leaching and GHG (greenhouse gas) production. Go to the Barenbrug New Zealand website for further information.
      • It contains the NEA2 endophyte, for superior animal performance and great insect control.
      • This pack contains the high performance white clover combination of Kotuku and Ruru. Kotuku is a large leaved clover with exceptional DM yield, and Ruru is a new medium leaved with excellent persistence and delivering extra summer yield and protein.

      Note: Grass is also available as a straight line or for custom mixing if required.

      4front | Perennial RyegrassTreated22kg
      Kotuku | White CloverTreated1kg
      Ruru | White CloverTreated2kg
      SituationSowing rate
      Drilling or broadcasting - cultivating seedbed30-35kg
      Direct drilling - sprayed out pasture30-35kg
      Undersowing - into existing pasture20-25kg

      Orange Pack

      The Orange Pack is a unique combination of tetraploid and diploid perennial ryegrasses, providing a great balance of high palatability, density and persistence.

      Ryegrass type: Tetraploid/Diploid Perennial Mix

      Endophyte options: NEA4 (Maxsyn), NEA2 (4front)

      Seed treatment options: Agricote Treated

      Heading date: Late +15 days (4front), +8 days (Maxsyn)

      • Maxsyn and 4front have proven themselves as class leading performers for diploid and tetraploid perennial ryegrass respectively.
      • 4front has very high palatability and ME so can increase animal intakes, animal performance and environmental outcomes. But straight tetraploids don’t suit every farm, so we’ve added diploid Maxsyn to increase pasture density and robustness. For many this mix provides a near ideal balance of animal performance and long term yield.
      • Maxsyn contains NEA4 endophyte, and 4front NEA2, both providing superior animal performance and good insect control.
      • This pack contains the high performance white clover combination of Kotuku and Ruru. Kotuku is a large leaved clover with exceptional DM yield, and Ruru is a new medium leaved with excellent persistence and delivering extra summer yield and protein.

      NOTE: Grass is also available as a straight line or for custom mixing if required.

      Maxsyn | Perennial RyegrassTreated9kg
      4front | Perennial RyegrassTreated13kg
      Kotuku | White CloverTreated1kg
      Ruru | White CloverTreated2kg
      SituationSowing rate
      Drilling or broadcasting - cultivating seedbed29-32kg
      Direct drilling - sprayed out pasture29kg
      Undersowing - into existing pasture15-20kg

      Blue Pack

      The Blue Pack suits farm systems desiring strong year round production with noted quality and persistence.

      Ryegrass type: Diploid Perennial

      Endophyte options: AR37 (Platform)

      Seed treatment options: Agricote Treated

      Heading date: Late +12 days

      • Platform is a diploid perennial ryegrass, with high year round dry matter production and noted cool season activity.
      • Platform’s late heading date (12 days later than Nui) combined with a dense fine leaf structure and low aftermath seed head production produces quality feed to assist with the maintenance of peak milk production.
      • A solid performing cultivar in independent National Forage Variety Trials.
      • Platform contains AR37 providing protection from major pasture pest including Black Beetle, Porina, Argentine Stem Weevil larvae, Root Aphid and Pasture Mealy Bug.
      • Bred from a combination of elite New Zealand genetics and North-west Spanish material that has undergone testing and selection to ensure adaptability across New Zealand.

      NOTE: Grass is also available as a straight line or for custom mixing if required.

      Platform | Perennial RyegrassTreated21kg
      Kotuku | White CloverTreated2kg
      Ruru | White CloverTreated2kg
      SituationSowing rate
      Drilling or broadcasting - cultivating seedbed25-30kg
      Direct drilling - sprayed out pasture25kg
      Undersowing - into existing pasture15-20kg

      Purple Pack

      Our top-seller, the Purple Pack is the next gen in pasture for high performance farm systems, delivering very strong persistence and superior growth, with an animal-safe endophyte.

      Ryegrass type: Diploid Perennial

      Endophyte options: NEA4 (Maxsyn)

      Seed treatment options: Agricote Treated

      Heading date: Mid-Late +8 days

      • Maxsyn NEA4 sets a new level of DM yield, with its key strength in summer and autumn. Superior tillering through summer helps persistence, and improves autumn growth, while providing extra warm season feed when needed. Visually you can see the difference, with Maxsyn holding its green colour longer into hot summer conditions.
      • Maxsyn is densely tillered and easier to graze in spring, encouraging the development of new daughter tillers for the coming season, again enhancing persistence and yield. NEA4 endophyte provides very good insect control, while being staggers-safe for dairy cows and cattle.
      • The Purple Pack contains the high performance white clover combination of Kotuku and Ruru. Kotuku is a large leaved clover with exceptional DM yield, and Ruru is a new medium leaved with excellent persistence and delivering extra summer yield and protein.

      NOTE: Grass is also available as a straight line or for custom mixing if required.

      Maxsyn | Perennial RyegrassTreated21kg
      Kotuku | White CloverTreated2kg
      Ruru | White CloverTreated2kg
      SituationSowing rate
      Drilling or broadcasting - cultivating seedbed25-30kg
      Direct drilling - sprayed out pasture25kg
      Undersowing - into existing pasture15-20kg

      Teal Pack

      The Teal Pack contains Legion AR37 which was bred solely from late heading perennial ryegrass plants that have been individually screened for persistence, rust tolerance and vigour in Canterbury, Palmerston North, Waikato and Northland.

      Ryegrass type: Perennial

      Endophyte options: AR37 (Legion)

      Seed treatment options: Agricote Treated

      Heading date: Late +12-14 days

      • Legion has been in 14 completed National Forage Variety Trials and is in 6 on going yield trials. Legion is a very high performing perennial ryegrass that is well suited to dairy pastures and runoffs. It is highly palatable, particularly in mid-summer when other ryegrass varieties may begin to clump due to residual seedhead development.
      • Legion is a highly vegetative variety, with a thick growth density while also being fast to establish making it well suited to undersowing programmes.
      • Legion has consistently been one of the top yield performers all year round, no matter the region, taking out the top spot for Autumn yields in the National Forage Variety Trials.
      • Legion has extremely low aftermath heading for a perennial ryegrass and very high crown rust tolerance.
      • AR37 endophyte offers long-term, natural protection to porina and rootaphid. It also provides very good control of Argentine stem weevil larvae while not compromising milk production.

      NOTE: Grass is also available as a straight line or for custom mixing if required.

      Legion | Perennial RyegrassTreated21kg
      Kotuku | White CloverTreated2kg
      Ruru | White CloverTreated2kg
      SituationSowing rate
      Drilling or broadcasting - cultivating seedbed25-30kg
      Direct drilling - sprayed out pasture25kg
      Undersowing - into existing pasture15-20kg

      Gold II Pack

      The Gold II Pack has proven its performance across many farm systems, helping to provide year round yield and a robust, high feed value pasture.

      Ryegrass type: Diploid Perennial

      Endophyte options: AR37 (Governor)

      Seed treatment options: Agricote Treated or Bare

      Heading date: Late +8 days

      • Includes Governor AR37 a fine leaved, dense and persistent perennial ryegrass that’s proven to be a great all-round pasture, with good spring and autumn yield. Its fine dense habit can help in wet situations, giving more soil protection against treading damage.
      • The Gold II pack has AR37 endophyte, so is particularly suited to areas affected by porina, although should not be considered a stand alone defence against porina.
      • AR37 endophyte is not recommended for pasture grazed by deer or horses due to the risk of ryegrass staggers.
      • This pack contains the high performance white clover combination of Kotuku and Ruru. Kotuku is a large leaved clover with exceptional DM yield, and Ruru is a new medium leaved with excellent persistence and delivering extra summer yield and protein.

      NOTE: Grass is also available as a straight line or for custom mixing if required.

      Governor | Perennial RyegrassTreated21kg
      Kotuku | White CloverTreated2kg
      Ruru | White CloverTreated2kg
      SituationSowing rate
      Drilling or broadcasting - cultivating seedbed25-30kg
      Direct drilling - sprayed out pasture25kg
      Undersowing - into existing pasture15-20kg

      Black Pack

      The Black Pack is an option for delivering high-yielding spring production while maintaining quality early into summer. With the AR37 endophyte it offers broad insect tolerance including protection against Argentine stem weevil and black beetle. Its tiller density makes it tolerant to winter and summer grazing.

      Ryegrass type: Diploid perennial mix

      Endophyte options: AR37 (Reason)

      Seed treatment options: Agricote Treated

      Heading date: Mid +3 Days

      • Reason AR37 is a very strong early spring producer with competitive production throughout the year. It maintains summer and autumn productivity similar to existing late heading dairy options, ensuring reliable all season performance.
      • Reason AR37 with its +3 heading date supports an early growth habit and returns to full leaf production extremely quickly. It also maintains low aftermath seeding from early summer, ensuring consistent productivity and forage quality.
      • Reason AR37 is a distinctly dense cultivar that is tolerant to winter wear and intense summer grazing.
      • The Black Pack contains the high-performance white clover combination of Kotuku and Ruru. Kotuku is a large leaved clover with exceptional DM yield, and Ruru is a new medium leaved with excellent persistence and delivering extra summer yield and protein.

      NOTE: Grass is also available as a straight line or for custom mixing if required.

      Reason | Perennial RyegrassTreated21kg
      Kotuku | White CloverTreated2kg
      Ruru | White CloverTreated2kg
      SituationSowing rate
      Drilling or broadcasting - cultivating seedbed25-30kg
      Direct drilling - sprayed out pasture25kg
      Undersowing - into existing pasture15-20kg