Castlereagh Macquarie County Council

PERENNIAL PASTURES FOR INCREASED PRODUCTION AND WEED CONTROL

The county council first  started sowing pasture in 1970 when it sowed Mitchell grass into some old wheat country east of Cooonamble. In 1973 it sowed some  buffel   grass west of Coonamble. The aim of sowing this pasture was to increase production on the properties as well as control Spiny burr grass and Galvanized burr. The business has built up from then and represents a viable economic alternative for landholders when trying to control difficult broadacre weeds

Photos of the pasture established by the Council can be seen at Pasture photos.

The council has adopted a number of different methods to harvest and sow  pasture. These include brush harvesting and harvesting using a conventional header and sowing using aircraft, crocodile rollers and air blasting

Photos of the various methods can be seen at Harvesting and  sowing Methods.

Sowing pasture to control weeds may not suit all situations. Such a project must be planned at least 12 months ahead as it may impact on the overall grazing management of the property while it is being established.

A suitable pasture must be selected and the seed must be of good quality. The pasture must be sown at the right time on a good seed bed. Method   and rate of sowing must be appropriate for the pasture concerned. It is important that pasture not be grazed too soon after sowing so that it is given every chance to establish. For further information please contact the County Council on 02 6822 2377