6 August 2026

Reseeding strategies – improving outputs on farm

On the latest episode of Grass10 TV, the Grass10 team visit sheep farmer Willie Fox near Summerhill in County Meath and Jack Spillane, farm manager of the Tipperary Dairy Calf to Beef Demonstration Farm. John Conroy, Teagasc Advisor, tells us more.

Reseeding is one of the most effective ways of increasing the amount of high-quality grass grown on Irish livestock farms. Both Willie and Jack are achieving a high level of output/Ha based on their ability to grow and utilise a high level of grazed grass, and reseeding is a key pillar in achieving this.

They discuss practical decisions behind successful reseeding programmes and how investing in reseeding can improve farm performance and profitability.

The video showcases reseeding on both a sheep and a dairy calf to beef farm; however, the reseeding principles and management practices outlined are relevant to livestock farms of all types throughout Ireland.

Older permanent pasture can produce up to 3 tonnes of dry matter per hectare less than productive perennial ryegrass swards while also being less responsive to applied nutrients. By replacing underperforming paddocks with modern, high-performing grass varieties, farmers can increase grass production, improve grass quality and utilisation, support higher animal output and create opportunities to establish clover within the sward.

The video follows farms who have developed reseeding strategies that fit their own farming systems. In particular, Willie explains how he combines reseeding in with a lamb finishing crop to reduce costs and workload. Rather than viewing reseeding as a once-off job, they explain how making it part of the annual farm plan helps maintain productive grazing and silage ground.

Viewers are also reminded that successful reseeding is not just about setting the grass and clover seed and hoping for the best. The episode highlights the importance of selecting the right paddocks, completing soil tests, correcting soil fertility, choosing varieties using the Pasture Profit Index (PPI), ensuring good seedbed preparation and timely weed control are all critical to achieving a long-lasting, productive sward.

If you’re considering getting back on track with reseeding on your farm or are considering reseeding for the first time, this latest Grass10 TV episode provides practical advice and real farmer experiences that can help maximise the return from your investment.

Watch the video:

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