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MMFS Manual

Tool 8.1 Daily pasture growth estimates

This tool allows you to determine your average pasture supply, and likely variability, based on data collected in trials across southern Australia.

The mid-monthly estimates of pasture growth rates (kg DM/ha/day) following are for average seasonal conditions for a range of localities and regions across the high rainfall and wheat–sheep zones of Australia. They are from state PROGRAZE® manuals, available from your State Department of Agriculture/Primary Industries, and based on a combination of research results, growth predictions and practical experience. Although there is a large variation in rainfall pattern and feed supply within any year, when put together these monthly values reflect pasture growth in a ‘typical’ year for the locality or region without reference to growth in the previous month.

These estimates assist with calculations for short to medium term decision making in sheep enterprises and assist with the calculations in feed budgets.

Assumptions

The following assumptions are made for the pasture growth information unless otherwise stated in the values for a particular region:

  • Pastures are of moderate to high density
  • Pastures or pasture mixes with a good balance of legumes, grown on suitable soils 
  • Soil has good moisture holding capacity, such as a clay loam 
  • Pasture is maintained in an active growth phase during the growing season 
  • Pastures are well managed and fertilised to avoid nutrient deficiencies 
  • Estimates are the average for each month. 

The following variables need to be considered and adjusted against the expected local, district or regional patterns, and practical experience:

  • Climate (rainfall and temperature)
  • Soil type and variability
  • Pasture species
  • Fertiliser (nutrient) requirements
  • Grazing management.

Source: Information was originally compiled for MLA’s More Beef from Pastures manual and the PROGRAZE® manuals, developed cooperatively with the state agriculture or primary industries departments of NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, SA and WA.

 

New South Wales – pasture growth rate patterns

  • Any pasture with sub clover is assumed to have fertiliser applied yearly
  • Grass only pastures have no fertiliser
  • Growth rates are for set stocked paddocks

 

Northern Tablelands

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day)

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Fescue/white and sub clover

58

57

51

28

12

9

9

11

23

38

51

59

Phalaris white/sub clover

26

30

36

34

13

9

9

11

22

37

49

51

Red grass dominant pasture*

33

33

29

9

2

1

1

1

7

27

33

34

Microlaena white/sub clover

39

36

29

18

8

3

3

7

19

33

40

44

Perennial rye/white and sub clover

20

28

38

34

13

9

9

11

23

43

47

35

 

*Quality of red grass (with low leaf to stem ratio and rapid maturity) may not be adequate to meet livestock production targets. It is estimated no fertilizer is applied to these pastures. 

Source: NSW PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

The predicted growth rate could vary markedly between good and poor growing seasons. 

Predicted growth rate variation 

 

Good growing season

Poor growing season

(not drought)

Spring

30% above

40% below

Summer

30% above

40% below

Autumn

75%+ above

60%+ below

Winter

30% above

40% below

 

Source: NSW PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

Central Tablelands 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Temperate perennial grass* + sub clover

15

12

16

20

20

10

6

10

27

61

69

45

Microlaena/Austrodanthonia grass + sub clover

19

15

19

22

19

7

5

8

18

52

62

51

Microlaena/Austrodanthonia grass

15

14

19

21

15

3

3

3

9

34

51

32

Summer grass# /sub clover

24

10

15

16

12

7

4

8

28

38

25

23

Summer grass#

24

10

14

14

2

2

2

2

2

4

16

23

Annual grass/sub clover

0

0

2

6

12

11

9

17

45

74

10

0

*Phalaris, cocksfoot, fescue or perennial ryegrass based with at least 20% clover  
# Mainly frost sensitive grasses such as red grass 

Source: NSW PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

The predicted growth rate could vary markedly between good and poor growing seasons. 

Predicted growth rate variation 

 

Good growing season

Poor growing season

Spring

50% above

40% below

Summer

100%+above

70% below

Autumn

65%above

60%+ below

Winter

40% above

60%+ below

Source: NSW PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

Southern Tablelands 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Perennial and annual grass* and clover + fertiliser 1-in-2 or 3 years

7

5

7

15

13

8

7

12

32

45

60

10

Microlaena, Austrodanthonia# clover + fertiliser 1-in-2 or 3 years

16

14

10

8

10

7

7

12

15

30

30

18

Red grass, kangaroo grass, no fertiliser applied

10

6

3

3

2

1

1

1

7

15

21

20

Introduced perennial grass and clover + annual fertiliser

10

10

15

26

20

12

10

15

45

75

55

20

* Established perennial pasture (30% introduced grass, ie, phalaris; 20% native perennial grass; 20% annual clover; and 20% annual grass).  
# Microlaena and Austrodanthonia grass 50% pasture, 25% clover and 25% annual grass. 

Source: NSW PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

The predicted growth rate could vary markedly between good and poor growing seasons. 

Predicted growth rate variation 

 

Good growing season

Poor growing season

Spring

80% above

40% below

Summer

80% above

40% below

Autumn

100% above

30% below

Winter

80% above

60% below

 

Source: NSW PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

North West Slopes and Upper Hunter 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Phalaris/sub clover

8

12

16

17

14

13

14

20

34

43

32

10

Summer grass dominant*

35

29

17

6

2

2

2

2

3

8

17

27

Austrodanthonia/sub clover

19

16

11

7

5

5

7

12

24

28

22

18

Lucerne

30

29

26

21

15

10

10

14

25

40

34

31

Sub clover dominant

0

1

1

3

4

5

6

11

28

38

28

3

Medic dominant

0

2

2

3

5

4

4

7

27

38

15

0

Tropical grass only#

48

43

32

17

3

2

2

3

4

18

34

48

 

* Mainly frost sensitive grasses such as red grass.  
# Mix of bambatsi panic and purple pigeon grass with less than 5% sub clover or medic. 

Source: NSW PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

The predicted growth rate could vary markedly between good and poor growing seasons. 

Predicted growth rate variation 

 

Good growing season

Poor growing season

Spring

50% above

50% below

Summer

100% above

50% below

Autumn

100% above

60% below

Winter

30% above

50% below

 

Source: NSW PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

Central West Slopes 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Temperate perennial grass* + sub clover

7

5

8

10

14

16

10

20

30

50

41

17

Sub clover

0

0

0

2

7

10

10

15

30

27

10

0

Summer grass

20

24

9

2

2

2

2

2

2

3

11

25

Lucerne/sub clover

25

25

28

31

26

17

10

10

22

45

43

26

Lucerne

25

25

28

31

24

13

9

9

18

45

43

26

Annual grass/sub clover

5

3

1

6

16

18

12

20

23

42

10

5

Tropical grass only#

35

34

24

8

3

2

2

2

2

8

24

35

 

*Phalaris, cocksfoot, fescue or perennial ryegrass based with at least 20% clover 
#Mix of bambatsi panic and purple pigeon grass with less than 5% sub clover or medic 

Source: NSW PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

The predicted growth rate could vary markedly between good and poor growing seasons. 

Predicted growth rate variation 

 

Good growing season

Poor growing season

Spring

70% above

80% below

Summer

100%+ above

80% below

Autumn

100%+ above

60%+ below

Winter

70% above

60% below

 

Source: NSW PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

South West Slopes 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Phalaris/sub clover

5

7

16

25

24

14

16

26

47

64

43

12

Cocksfoot/sub clover

9

8

16

25

24

14

16

26

47

64

43

15

Lucerne/sub clover

12

10

17

28

26

14

11

25

49

69

54

21

Annual grass/sub clover

3

4

10

23

24

14

10

25

45

64

35

7

Native grass*, no fertiliser

8

6

5

11

10

4

3

3

7

15

23

13

Native grass + fertiliser

11

9

11

15

14

6

5

7

17

35

26

14

 

*Quality of red grass (with low leaf to stem ratio and rapid maturity) may not be adequate to meet livestock production targets. 

Source: NSW PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

The predicted growth rate could vary markedly between good and poor growing seasons. 

Predicted growth rate variation 

 

Good growing season

Poor growing season

Spring

30% above

60% below

Summer

200% above

70% below

Autumn

30% above

60% below

Winter

80% above

20% below

 

Source: NSW PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

North Coast 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Naturalised pasture*

25

30

25

10

3

0

0

0

3

5

9

15

Naturalised/clover + fertiliser

30

35

30

15

8

6

5

6

10

15

20

25

Kikuyu dominant

34

54

50

30

16

10

3

2

8

18

25

30

Kikuyu + nitrogen

80

128

146

100

45

15

3

4

14

30

40

60

Setaria/rhodes grass + clover

30

55

45

25

6

2

2

4

8

20

28

30

Forage ryegrass + nitrogen

0

0

0

30

40

30

30

30

28

10

8

5

 

* Dominated by carpet grass and with no introduced legumes. 

Source: NSW PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

The predicted growth rate could vary markedly between good and poor growing seasons. 

Predicted growth rate variation 

 

Good growing season

Poor growing season

Spring

70% above

60% below

Summer

60% above

60% below

Autumn

120% above

90% below

Winter

150% above

70% below

 

Source: NSW PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

Mid North Coast and Lower Hunter 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Naturalised pasture*

17

25

23

9

2

0

0

0

2

4

8

9

Naturalised/clover + fertiliser

20

29

27

12

4

2.5

2.5

2.5

6

9.5

12

12

Kikuyu dominant

27

45

50

33

16

6

2

3

11

10

10

12

Paspalum

23

33

32

16

5

5

5

5

10

15

15

15

Setaria

29

38

44

23

8

5

5

5

10

11

11

13

Forage ryegrass + nitrogen

0

0

0

5

20

36

35

40

40

25

0

0

 

* Dominated by carpet grass and with no introduced legumes. 

Source: NSW PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

The predicted growth rate could vary markedly between good and poor growing seasons. 

Predicted growth rate variation 

 

Good growing season

Poor growing season

Spring

145% above

73% below

Summer

114% above

46% below

Autumn

70% above

80% below

Winter

89% above

67% below

 

Source: NSW PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

VICTORIA 

Western – Hamilton 

The data is from measurements undertaken between 1990-96 from pastures on well drained soils. For low lying clay soils, winter growth might be 10-20% lower with higher growth rates (20-30 kg DM/ha/day) in December-January. 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Pasture perennial ryegrass or phalaris, sub clover and some volunteer annuals, fertilised every year P 20 kg/ha

5

0

0

9

17

22

23

38

72

105

81

26

Mainly volunteer annuals silver grass, barley grass and sub clover, fertilised every 2nd year P 10 kg/ha

5

0

0

13

17

22

22

27

54

81

75

10

 

Western – Balmoral 

The data is from measurements undertaken in the 1990s from pastures on typical red gum plains country 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Pasture perennial ryegrass and phalaris, sub clover and volunteer annuals. Fertilised every year P 20 kg/ha

0

0

0

9

13

16

19

31

56

89

60

7

Mainly volunteer annuals, silver grass, barley grass and sub clover, 20-30% onion grass, fertilised every 2nd year P 10 kg/ha

0

0

0

13

23

23

19

32

43

58

45

2

 

Central West – Ballarat 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Good pasture

0

0

15

20

30

20

20

35

50

90

100

90

Poor pasture (bent grass based)

30

0

0

5

10

5

5

20

40

60

70

60

 

North East – Rutherglen 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Average pasture*

0

0

0

0

30

20

20

35

70

80

20

0

 

* Average pasture = moderately dense annual grass/sub clover/annual weed-based pasture. 

 

Gippsland – Ellinbank 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Good pasture*

18

10

19

20

18

16

10

20

55

80

70

59

 

* Moderately dense pasture with good balance of rye grass and clover, annual fertiliser applications. 

 

Gippsland – Maffra 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Average dryland pasture

5

5

0

20

17

10

2

15

30

38

30

2

 

Average pasture = moderately dense pasture. 

 

Tasmania 

These growth rates are for a typical pasture mix of perennial ryegrass and cocksfoot with white and red clover in the high rainfall areas, grading to sub clover in the lower rainfall areas. The measurements were taken over 4 years (1992–1995) at trial sites. 

North West – 900 mm rainfall (Elliot Research Station) 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Trial site measurements

25

9

5

14

9

8

8

7

19

54

51

35

 

Source: Department of Primary Industries and Water Tasmania, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

North Central – 700 mm rainfall (Cressy Research Station) 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Trial site measurements

14

5

2

8

6

7

6

6

31

65

46

22

 

Source: Department of Primary Industries and Water Tasmania, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

Southern Midlands – 500 mm rainfall (Jericho) 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Barley grass sub clover pasture with annual fertiliser P&K

0

0

0

3

3

3

3

5

15

45

35

15

Cocksfoot, phalaris and clover with annual fertiliser P&K

7

1

2

8

7

6

4

6

16

36

47

20

 

Source: Department of Primary Industries and Water Tasmania, adapted by AWI and MLA  

 

South Australia 

Mount Gambier 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Phalaris, annual grass, sub clover – high fertility

3

3

8

17

28

27

32

59

106

108

69

17

Phalaris, annual grass, sub clover – low fertility

2

2

6

11

18

17

18

37

76

79

48

13

 

Source: SA PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

Lucindale 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Phalaris, annual grass, capeweed, sub clover

1

3

3

11

25

25

26

42

82

69

32

6

 

Source: SA PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

Keith 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Phalaris, annual grass, capeweed, sub clover – high fertility

0

0

0

10

15

20

18

28

67

64

39

0

Phalaris, annual grass, capeweed, sub clover – low fertility

0

0

0

3

8

9

8

12

34

46

33

0

 

Source: SA PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

Adelaide Hills (dryland) 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Perennial grass, sub clover

0

0

0

10

30

15

15

30

60

65

20

10

 

Source: SA PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

Fleurieu Peninsula 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Perennial grass, sub clover – good

0

0

0

30

25

25

25

35

55

60

35

10

Perennial grass, sub clover – average

0

0

0

10

20

20

20

30

45

50

30

5

Perennial grass, sub clover – poor

0

0

0

0

15

15

15

25

35

40

25

0

 

Source: SA PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

Kangaroo Island (Parndana) 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) of specific pasture types (kg DM/ha/day) 

Pasture type

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Annual grass, sub clover – high fertility

0

0

0

3

9

21

26

35

50

91

44

0

Annual grass, sub clover – low fertility

0

0

0

1

4

11

14

19

31

63

35

0

 

Source: SA PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

Western Australia 

West Midlands 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) in kg DM/ha/day 

Pasture type – annual grass, sub clover and annual weeds

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Dandaragan

0

0

0

2

15

26

28

36

57

51

10

0

Gingin

0

0

0

3

19

28

29

36

55

51

11

0

Irwin

0

0

0

1

16

30

35

39

44

37

0

0

Moora

0

0

0

1

7

13

17

28

44

32

7

0

Three Springs

0

0

0

1

6

12

17

29

36

17

8

0

 

Source: WA PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

Central 

Pasture growth rates are for average sub clover annual grass and broadleaf weed pastures with maintenance fertilisers. 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) in kg DM/ha/day 

Pasture type – annual grass, sub clover and annual weeds

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Northam

0

0

0

2

12

6

15

29

60

24

0

0

 

Source: WA PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

Southern 

Pasture growth rates are for average sub clover annual grass and broadleaf weed pastures with maintenance fertilisers. 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) in kg DM/ha/day 

Pasture type – annual grass, sub clover and annual weeds

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Busselton

0

0

0

6

23

26

28

37

53

58

42

0

Boyup Brook

0

0

0

4

13

17

20

31

37

34

26

0

Katanning

0

0

0

1

11

15

16

28

51

45

5

0

Lake Grace

0

0

0

2

6

11

13

26

45

34

5

0

Narrogin

0

0

0

1

7

12

14

26

50

36

5

0

Plantagenet / Mt Barker

0

0

0

8

21

23

20

25

45

58

16

0

 

Source: WA PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA 

 

South East 

Pasture growth rates are for average sub clover annual grass and broadleaf weed pastures with maintenance fertilisers. 

Estimated daily pasture growth rate (mid-month) in kg DM/ha/day 

Pasture type – annual grass, sub clover and annual weeds

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Ravensthorpe

0

0

0

5

10

13

17

29

52

40

16

0

Esperance

0

0

0

7

12

16

18

29

47

35

16

0

 

Source: WA PROGRAZE®, adapted by AWI and MLA