Grasses
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39 products
39 products
Cantina is a late-heading tetraploid perennial ryegrass bred by Valley Seeds for exceptional feed quality, strong persistence, and high dry matter production. It provides consistent performance through winter, spring, and summer, making it an ideal base for high-performing pasture systems.
As a tetraploid, Cantina produces lush, leafy growth with excellent palatability and digestibility, supporting animal performance in both dairy and livestock systems. Its late heading extends feed quality well into late spring and early summer, while strong disease resistance ensures durability under intensive grazing.
Note: Cantina is only available through Wesco as part of a custom seed mix. It cannot be purchased as a standalone product
| Persistence | 4-5 Years |
|---|---|
| endophyte | High |
| Sowing rate | 27-32kg per hectare |
| heading date | Late |
| Best used for | Grazing, Hay, Silage |
- Late-Heading Tetraploid: Extends f
- High Dry Matter Yield: Consistent performance under good management and fertility.
- Excellent Palatability: Lush, soft leaves encourage high animal intake and improved conversion efficiency.
- Strong Rust Resistance: Maintains clean, green growth through humid conditions.
- Persistent & Adaptable: Performs reliably across a range of soil types and environments.
- Mix Flexibility: Combines exceptionally well with dense diploids, cocksfoot, and clovers for balanced, high-quality pastures
Foxtrot is a tetraploid perennial ryegrass selected for high forage yield, digestibility, and persistence under grazing. It offers improved palatability and higher metabolisable energy compared to many diploid ryegrasses, making it suitable for high-performance finishing or dairy systems
| Persistence | 4-5 Years |
|---|---|
| endophyte | Nil |
| Sowing rate | 27-32kg per hectare |
| heading date | Late |
| Best used for | Grazing, Hay, Silage |
- Improves feed quality and animal intake, which can support higher liveweight gains or milk production.
- Good option for high-output farms where feed quality, not just quantity, is critical.
- Helps maximise pasture utilisation due to improved palatability and regrowth.
- Offers an alternative to diploid ryegrasses especially when performance is the goal rather than low-input persistence.
- Works well when mixed with clovers and herbs to build a high-quality sward.
OCP Perennial Ryegrass, also known as Old Canterbury Perennial, is a heritage New Zealand ryegrass variety derived from breeding lines first established in the 1950s. It is recognised for its rugged persistence, hard-grazing tolerance, and adaptability to lower fertility soils.
Although an older cultivar, OCP continues to perform reliably in challenging conditions where more modern, high-input ryegrasses may not persist. Its high endophyte expression provides strong insect protection and pasture resilience, making it well-suited for traditional sheep and beef systems across a wide range of environments.
| Persistence | 5+ Years |
|---|---|
| endophyte | High, Nil |
| Sowing rate | 25-30kg per hectare |
| heading date | Early |
| Best used for | Grazing, Hay, Silage |
- Reliable production in low-input or extensive grazing systems.
- Long-term persistence under hard grazing or set-stocking.
- Reduced management requirements compared with newer, high-fertility cultivars.
- Ideal for farmers seeking a tough, proven ryegrass for dryland or less intensive pasture systems.
Stamina is a older well tested perennial ryegrass which is know for strong establishment, persistence and rust tolerance
| Persistence | 5+ Years |
|---|---|
| endophyte | High, Nil |
| Sowing rate | 25-30kg per hectare |
| heading date | Early |
| Best used for | Grazing, Hay, Silage |
- Excellent rust tolerance good early spring growth.
- Versatile across soil types and climatic zones in NZ.
- Good compatibility with clover and mixed-pasture systems, enabling flexibility in pasture design.
Rohan Perennial Ryegrass is a spreading-type perennial ryegrass cultivar developed in New Zealand, designed especially for sheep and beef/hill-country systems. It features a unique spreading habit (fills bare areas) and is noted for high persistence, low maintenance, and good palatability.
| Persistence | 5 Years |
|---|---|
| endophyte | NEA2, Nil |
| Sowing rate | 25-30kg per hectare |
| heading date | Late |
| Best used for | Grazing, Hay, Silage |
- Spreading growth habit: Actively spreads to fill bare patches, improving ground cover and long-term sward density.
- Fine, dense tillering: Creates a soft, palatable pasture ideal for sheep and beef systems.
- Late-heading (+16 days): Extends the leafy feed period into late spring and early summer.
- High persistence: Performs well in dry, hill-country, or challenging soil conditions.
- Low staggers risk: NEA2 endophyte maintains animal safety without compromising pest protection.
- Adaptable performance: Suitable for both rotational and set-stocked grazing systems.
Maxsyn Perennial Ryegrass is a mid- to late-heading diploid perennial ryegrass bred in New Zealand by Barenbrug for superior persistence, high-quality feed, and excellent seasonal balance. It features either the NEA4 or NEA12 endophyte, delivering excellent insect protection while maintaining strong animal safety. With its dense tillering and robust root structure, Maxsyn provides reliable performance under both intensive and extensive grazing systems.
| Persistence | 5+ Years |
|---|---|
| endophyte | NEA4, NEA12, Nil |
| Sowing rate | 25-30kg per hectare |
| heading date | Mid |
| Best used for | Grazing, Hay, Silage |
- Reliable, high-quality feed for dairy, sheep, and beef systems.
- Long-term persistence under heavy grazing pressure.
- Excellent palatability and digestibility for high animal performance.
- Maintains strong growth through variable conditions.
Array Perennial Ryegrass is a late-heading diploid ryegrass developed for high-quality feed and reliable persistence under New Zealand conditions. It combines excellent yield potential with a dense, fine-leaved sward structure, making it ideal for intensive grazing systems. With the inclusion of the NEA2 endophyte, Array offers balanced insect protection and dependable performance in a variety of soil types and climates.
| Persistence | 5+ Years |
|---|---|
| endophyte | NEA2, Nill |
| Sowing rate | 25-30kg per hectare |
| heading date | Late |
| Best used for | Grazing, Hay, Silage |
- High-quality feed for improved animal performance and weight gain.
- Outstanding persistence under both rotational and set-stocking systems.
- Reliable year-round production with excellent spring and autumn growth.
- Dense sward structure for weed suppression and clover compatibility.
- Ideal for dairy, sheep, and beef systems seeking longevity and resilience.
Prospect Perennial Ryegrass is a mid- to late-heading diploid ryegrass bred in New Zealand for strong persistence, excellent feed quality, and animal performance. It’s designed to deliver reliable growth across all seasons and perform under a wide range of management systems. With its AR37 endophyte, Prospect provides strong insect protection and exceptional pasture longevity.
| Persistence | 5+ Years |
|---|---|
| endophyte | AR37, AR1 |
| Sowing rate | 25-30kg per hectare |
| heading date | Mid |
| Best used for | Grazing, Hay, Silage |
- Mid-late heading diploid: Combines quality and production across key grazing periods.
- High tiller density: Excellent sward strength and resilience under grazing pressure.
- Outstanding feed quality: High digestibility and metabolisable energy (ME) for improved animal performance.
- Proven persistence: Performs exceptionally well across a range of soil types and climates.
- Strong rust resistance: Maintains leaf quality in humid conditions.
Legion Perennial Ryegrass is a late-heading diploid ryegrass renowned for its balance of persistence, feed quality, and adaptability. It features the trusted AR37 endophyte, which provides superior insect protection and ensures long-term performance under challenging New Zealand grazing conditions. Legion is well known as an all-round performer with excellent seasonal growth and high rust tolerance, making it a reliable choice for dairy, sheep, and beef systems.
| Persistence | 5+ Years |
|---|---|
| endophyte | AR37, AR1, Nil |
| Sowing rate | 25-30kg per hectare |
| heading date | Late |
| Best used for | Grazing, Hay, Silage |
- AR37 endophyte: Offers excellent insect protection, including against Argentine stem weevil and black beetle, while maintaining animal safety.
- High rust tolerance: Consistent leaf quality through humid conditions.
- Excellent all-round growth: Balanced performance in summer, winter, and autumn.
- Fine-leaved, dense tillering type: Forms a durable, persistent sward ideal for intensive grazing.
It features strong autumn and summer leaf production, and is bred with AR37 endophyte for improved insect resistance.
| Persistence | 5+ Years |
|---|---|
| endophyte | AR37, AR1 |
| Sowing rate | 25-30kg per hectare |
| heading date | Late |
| Best used for | Grazing, Hay, Silage |
- Provides sustained leafy feed into late spring and early summer.
- Suitable for dairy, sheep, beef and deer systems looking for longevity and robust performance.
- Good foundation grass for pasture mixes, especially where persistence under grazing pressure is required.
One50 Perennial Ryegrass is a late-heading diploid ryegrass bred for exceptional yield, persistence, and animal performance. It’s one of New Zealand’s most trusted perennial ryegrasses, well known for its strong seasonal growth. One50 remains leafy and palatable late into the season, making it a reliable choice for all livestock systems.
| Persistence | 5+ Years |
|---|---|
| endophyte | AR37, AR1, Nil Endophyte |
| Sowing rate | 25-30kg per hectare |
| heading date | Late |
| Best used for | Grazing, Hay, Silage |
- Late-Heading Diploid: Extends the vegetative period for leafy, digestible feed into summer.
- High Yielding: Excellent annual dry matter production under rotational grazing.
- Strong Persistence: Well proven across a range of soil types and climates.
- Dense Tillering: Creates a robust sward structure that suppresses weeds and supports clover establishment.
- Endophyte Protection: Commonly available with AR37 endophyte for superior insect protection and persistence.
Matrix is a late-heading, high-performance diploid perennial ryegrass renowned for its exceptional palatability, strong persistence, and high feed quality. Bred in New Zealand for New Zealand conditions, Matrix offers excellent year-round production and suits intensive sheep, beef, and dairy systems.
| Persistence | 5+ Years |
|---|---|
| endophyte | High Endophyte |
| Sowing rate | 25-30kg per hectare |
| heading date | Late |
| Best used for | Grazing, Hay, Silage |
- Late-heading diploid: Maintains leafy feed quality later into the season.
- High Density and Persistence: Dense tillering habit ensures excellent ground cover and long pasture life.
- Excellent Palatability: Stock show strong preference for Matrix due to its fine leaf and soft texture.
- Good Disease Resistance: Performs well against common ryegrass diseases including crown rust.
- Strong Year-Round Growth: Proven productivity in both winter and summer.
Stampede Perennial Ryegrass is a premium late-heading diploid ryegrass bred from Matrix, One50, and Prospect. It combines exceptional feed quality with excellent persistence and rust resistance, making it a proven performer in both dairy and livestock finishing systems. Its CM142 endophyte provides superior animal safety, reducing the risk of ryegrass staggers or heat stress while maintaining strong year-round growth.
| Persistence | 5 Years |
|---|---|
| endophyte | CM142 Endophyte |
| Sowing rate | 25-30kg per hectare |
| heading date | Late |
| Best used for | Grazing, Hay, Silage |
- High Animal Safety: Contains the CM142 endophyte, delivering strong pest resistance with minimal risk of staggers or heat stress.
- Exceptional Seasonal Growth: Consistent winter and spring production with reliable summer persistence.
- High Yield & Quality: Excellent metabolisable energy (ME) and digestibility for maximum animal performance.
- Strong Rust Resistance: Maintains leaf quality and palatability through humid conditions.
- Adaptable Performance: Suitable across a wide range of soil types and New Zealand climates.
Japanese Millet is a warm-season annual forage grass developed for rapid establishment and high-yield summer feed. It’s ideal for livestock systems needing fast strike, bulk feed, or multiple cuts in one season. Known for its drought tolerance and ability to produce up to 2–3 cuts for silage or grazing in the right conditions.
First cut or grazing can be around 45-60 days.
The minimum soil temperature for sowing is around 17C
Sowing Rate: 25-30kg per hectare for sowing down or broadcast
Key benefits
- Provides a quick feed source during summer when perennial pastures slow, helping fill feed gaps.
- Supports improved animal intake and performance thanks to its forage quality and palatability.
- Offers flexibility: can be used as a standalone short-term pasture or as part of a feed-crop rotation.
- Suitable for farmers looking for a fast-growing summer feed solution under warm conditions
Hillary Fescue is a deep-rooted perennial fescue grass cultivar developed for New Zealand conditions. It establishes more slowly than many ryegrasses, but once its root system is established it performs particularly well in summer-dry environments and under grazing pressure.
| Persistence | 5+ Years |
|---|---|
| endophyte | Nil |
| Sowing rate |
10-20kg per hectare in a mix |
| heading date | Early |
| Best used for | Grazing, Hay, Silage |
- Offers reliable pasture performance in areas where other grasses may struggle during summer dryness.
- Provides quality feed rather than just bulk, which supports more efficient animal grazing and utilisation.
- Adds longevity and resilience to a pasture mix, reducing the risk of bare ground under drought or summer stress.
- Its compatibility with legumes and herbs helps build a diverse, balanced sward rather than a single-species stand.
Phalaris is a deep-rooted perennial grass known for its exceptional drought tolerance, persistence, and adaptability to a wide range of soils. Originally developed for dryland farming systems, Phalaris performs best in summer-dry, free-draining environments where it provides long-term, high-quality feed.
It is one of the most persistent temperate grasses available, capable of surviving both drought and grazing stress when properly managed.
is best in a mix as you can get Phalaris staggers is the biggest risk in straight stands, caused by alkaloids (tryptamines and β-carbolines) that can build up in plants under certain conditions
| Persistence | 5+ Years |
|---|---|
| Sowing rate |
1-3kg per hectare in a mix |
| heading date | Early |
- Ideal for dryland and marginal country, reducing re-sowing frequency due to its long lifespan.
- Is known to reduce grass grub pressure in pastures.
- Improves pasture resilience in the face of dry spells, reducing bare soil exposure.
Gala Grazing Brome is a perennial brome grass cultivar that offers the performance of ryegrass in the brome family. It is ideally suited for free-draining soils, particularly in summer-dry or low-rainfall regions, and is designed to provide rapid autumn recovery, strong winter and early-spring growth, and high persistence under grazing.
| Persistence | 3-5 Years |
|---|---|
| endophyte | Nil |
| Sowing rate |
6-12kg per hectare in a mix |
| heading date | Early |
| Best used for | Grazing, Hay, Silage |
- Extends productive pasture in challenging conditions – particularly for summer-dry, light-soil farms.
- Safe for stock thanks to nil endophyte status, reducing animal-health risks.
- Reduces reliance on high-input perennial ryegrass in marginal or dryland paddocks.
Matua Prairie Grass is a specialist forage grass originally developed for New Zealand conditions. It performs particularly well through the cooler months (autumn, winter, spring) while also maintaining good palatability and performance into warmer seasons. It is especially suited to free-draining soils with moderate to good fertility and offers a valuable option when looking for feed resilience and diversification in pasture systems.
| Persistence | Up to 3 years |
|---|---|
| endophyte | Nil |
| Sowing rate |
6-12kg per hectare in a mix |
| heading date | Early |
| Best used for | Grazing, Hay, Silage |
- Provides good early spring growth.
- Extends the productive season of your pasture by filling the feed gap in cooler months and maintaining quality into the warmer season.
- Adds resilience to your grazing system - especially useful in free-draining soils or where summer feed drop-off is an issue.
- Improves feed quality and animal performance thanks to its palatable, leafy growth habit.
- Provides a diversification option in pasture mixes, reducing reliance on ryegrass-only swards and improving overall pasture stability.
Kahu Timothy is a New Zealand-bred perennial timothy cultivar known for its nutrient richness and excellent feed quality. It is especially suited for moist, fertile soils, silage and hay production, and grazing systems where high-quality forage is desired.
| Persistence | 3-5 Years |
|---|---|
| endophyte | Nil |
| Sowing rate |
1-2kg per hectare in a mix |
| heading date | Late |
| Best used for | Grazing, Hay, Silage |
- Provides premium feed quality for systems aiming for high animal intake, milk production or weight gain.
- Extends the seasonal feed window thanks to the late heading and prolonged leaf phase.
- Ideal for silage/hay production where feed conservation and quality matter.
- Good option for pastures on fertile, moist soils where other grasses may reach maturity faster.
- Suitable for livestock systems that prioritise quality over sheer quantity or rapid turnover.
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We are a family-based business that lives and breathes farming. In 1937, we purchased our first family property for growing seed crops in North Canterbury. Four generations and 86 years later in 2023, we are still immersed in the industry.
We are a family-based business that lives and breathes farming. In 1937, we purchased our first family property for growing seed crops in North Canterbury. Four generations and 86 years later in 2023, we are still immersed in the industry.
