A B+LNZ-funded trial has shown a promising approach to winter forage production and soil protection. The McLanachan family successfully integrated annual ryegrass into their maize system, providing valuable winter feed while improving farm profitability.
Ken and Karen McLanachan, who farm sheep, cattle, dairy and cropping in the Gisborne region, were looking for ways to boost winter feed supply without compromising soil sustainability. The trial, which began in 2024, involved aerially oversowing annual ryegrass into standing maize before harvest. This allowed the grass to establish in warm autumn conditions, improving growth.
“We’re always looking for ways to make better use of our land, especially during winter when feed can be tight,” says Ken. “This trial has given us a practical way to grow extra feed for lamb finishing while keeping the soil covered and protected.”
Traditionally, ryegrass is sown after maize is harvested, but sowing earlier led to significantly better growth. Instead of struggling with late-sown grass in cold conditions, the early-seeded ryegrass produced an estimated 4 to 5 tonnes of dry matter per hectare—far exceeding the 1-2 tonnes typically achieved with later plantings.
“We ended up with a good amount of grass cover, which meant we could bring in 178 lambs on the trial plot to finish over winter,” Ken explains. “Without this grass, we’d have faced significant costs to secure enough quality feed in what was a tough season.”
The trial also showed strong soil protection benefits. The maize remnants reduced erosion, while the ryegrass added valuable organic matter. Minimal tillage saved time and money while preserving soil structure and fertility.
By mid-July, the ryegrass was well established for lamb grazing. The McLanachans rotated 178 lambs across four paddocks, and after 57 days, 140 lambs reached slaughter weight, averaging 46.5kg live weight—an impressive 250g daily gain.
“This was a real win for us,” says Ken, “having a reliable winter feed source meant we could get our lambs up to weight on-farm rather than selling them store.”
While the first year of trialing wasn’t without challenges—dry conditions delayed germination—the results showed that with the right timing, ryegrass can be a valuable addition to maize systems.
In 2025, the McLanachans will continue trialing the approach, refining seed application methods and addressing gaps in growth to maximize productivity.
“This has been a learning experience, but so far the benefits are clear,” says Ken. “We’ve seen firsthand how this approach can boost feed supply, protect soil, and improve farm profitability. It’s definitely something we’ll be continuing.”
“This trial is an example of how research can be implemented on farm in a practical way,” says Dr Suzi Keeling Head of Science and Research at B+LNZ.
“The B+LNZ extension team and research team are dedicated to working closely with farmers like the McLanachans to turn research into practical solutions that can directly benefit their businesses. This trial is a great example of how science and hands-on experience come together to improve farm productivity and sustainability.”