Winter and Spring Bulk Feed Options
Grazing and Silage Production
Check out below the proven combinations that help farmers achieve strong returns.
Fast, Cost-Effective Pasture Solutions to Boost Winter and Spring Feed Supply
If you're looking to lock in fast-growing, affordable pasture for winter and spring grazing, you’re not alone. Many Kiwi farmers are seeking cost-effective bulk feed options to keep stock fed, maintain weight gain, and make the most of available land during the cooler months.
Whether you're feeding dairy heifers, finishing lambs, or boosting feed on runoff blocks, these proven combinations are helping farmers achieve strong returns in both grazing and silage production.
Here are several winter and spring pasture options that consistently deliver for a wide range of New Zealand farms:
1. Dominate Annual Ryegrass – Quick Feed Over 6–9 Months
Production window: 6–9 months
Best suited for: Break crops, short-term pasture, silage production
Dominate Annual Ryegrass is a standout performer when it comes to quick feed establishment and high dry matter yields. It's ideal for filling feed gaps between crops, ahead of summer sowing, or as a short-term pasture that punches above its weight.
Rapid germination and early growth
Excellent cool-season performance
Great for grazing, baling, or cutting for silage
Suitable for runoffs or cropping rotations
With Dominate, you can reliably bulk up feed reserves during winter and carry growth into spring and early summer moisture depending.
2. Exalta Italian Ryegrass – Flexible Feed for 12–24 Months
Production window: 12–24 months
Best suited for: Deferred cropping, extending pasture rotations
Exalta Italian Ryegrass offers more flexibility and longevity than annual varieties. It’s the perfect choice for those who want to keep their options open—whether you delay a cropping rotation, or simply want extended grazing into the next season.
Strong establishment and tillering
Fast regrowth after grazing
High-quality leafy feed ideal for milk and meat production
Potential for multiple silage cuts over two years
If you’re unsure about next season’s cropping or pasture plans, Exalta buys you time while still delivering quality feed.
3. Winter Cereals – Fast Early Growth with Strong Returns
Options include:
Forage Oats
Grazing Barley
Ryecorn
Triticale
These winter-active cereal crops are valued for their early-season growth rates and reliability. They’re especially effective for building early bulk in colder conditions when pasture growth slows.
Sow early to capitalize on winter growth
Excellent for early grazing in June/July
High dry matter yields
Suitable for silage or green chop
Pro Tip: Combine Cereals + Ryegrass for Staggered Feed
Sow cereals alongside Annual or Italian Ryegrass to create a layered feed plan:
Cereals hit early, delivering quick grazing opportunities
Ryegrass kicks in as conditions warm, carrying your feed supply through late spring
This combination is a smart way to maintain consistent feed quality and quantity over multiple months.
Extending the Grazing Window
One of the biggest benefits of the cereal and ryegrass combo is a longer, more manageable grazing window.
Early grazing with cereals helps reduce pressure on permanent pastures
Ryegrass takes over in spring, providing leafy, high-energy feed
Optimized grazing intervals support better animal performance and pasture recovery
This system is particularly effective in cooler regions or when rotational grazing needs to remain tight.
Farmer Feedback: Proven Results on Real NZ Farms
“We’ve been using Oats and Dominate Ryegrass on our runoff for years. It’s reliable, cost-effective, and gives us peace of mind through winter.”
“Even in a tough season, our dairy heifers averaged 760g/day liveweight gain on Grazing Barley and Annual Ryegrass. That’s a solid result considering our climate and conditions.”
These real-world examples show how smart feed planning delivers tangible results—even in more challenging areas.
How These Cereals Work with Annual Ryegrass
This grid highlights how different cereal crops complement Annual Ryegrass—balancing early winter feed bulk with spring growth quality.
✅ Tip: Pair fast-starting cereals with later-producing ryegrass to extend grazing and boost feed quality through into late spring early summer.
Tailored Advice for Your Region and System
No two farms are the same. Soil type, climate, stock class, and grazing intensity all play a role in what mix will perform best.
Before locking in your sowing plan, consider:
Sowing date and soil temperatures
Stock class and target performance
Drainage and paddock history
Future cropping or pasture plans
We’re here to help you select the right winter and spring pasture mix for your goals—whether that’s fast grazing, deferred silage, or bridging feed gaps ahead of summer.
A Smart Investment with Strong ROI
These winter and spring feed solutions deliver excellent value for money. When managed well, you can expect:
Fast establishment and utilization
Consistent dry matter production
Better stock performance and animal health
Less pressure on permanent pasture
Whether you're chasing liveweight gain, milk production, or just need to get through the winter months with feed on hand, these options are well worth considering.
Ready to Plan Your Feed Strategy?
Get in touch to discuss options for your location, stocking rate, and goals. We’ll help you customize a feed plan that works for your farm—and your bottom line.