Pastoral Improvements

06/09/2026

Resilience isn’t only about surviving dry conditions. It’s also about how much input a pasture needs to keep performing. 🌱

Murray started with the 20 Seed Variety before moving into Reboot. What stood out to him was the difference in fertiliser inputs compared with the conventional pasture elsewhere on the farm.

In Murray’s words, they’ve put “hardly any fert” on the Reboot and 20 Seed Variety by comparison.

That’s one farmer’s experience—not a recommendation to simply remove fertiliser. Nutrient decisions should still reflect your soil, production targets and wider farm system. But it raises a useful question: could greater species and root diversity help you get more from what’s already available?

Thinking about Reboot or the 20 Seed Variety this spring? Talk to a Pastoral Improvements agronomist on 0800 NZSEED, or download the seed guide through the link in our bio.

03/09/2026

Every grazing, something different comes forward.

Across this 12-hectare diverse pasture, the mix changes with the conditions. As temperatures reached 25–30°C, plantain and chicory were showing through while the grasses, annuals and oats continued playing their part.

The farmer’s measure of success? Cows sitting down, content and chewing their cuds.

That’s the practical value of matching species with different seasonal strengths and root structures: a pasture designed to keep contributing as conditions change.

Every farm is different. If you’re planning a diverse pasture mix this spring, talk it through with a Pastoral Improvements agronomist on 0800 NZSEED, or download the seed guide through the link in our bio.

02/09/2026

01/09/2026

The ryegrass wasn’t growing. Reboot was. Why? 🌱

When a visitor asked that question on this farm, the farmer’s answer was simple: Reboot was doing more below the soil.

Different species and root structures can explore different parts of the soil profile and contribute at different times of the season. That doesn’t make one mix right for every paddock—but it can change how a pasture responds when conditions become challenging.

This farmer also talks about how aggressively the cows grazed it and the changes he observed in the herd. It’s one farm’s experience, but a useful conversation to have before spring sowing.

Want to know whether Reboot—or another diverse pasture mix—fits your system? Talk to a Pastoral Improvements agronomist on 0800 NZSEED, or download the seed guide through the link in our bio.

31/08/2026

Over 30°C above the pasture. Around 18°C at ground level. 🌱

That’s what Mohi says they measured in a Reboot pasture during summer—and down inside the crop, the ground was still wet.

On another block that had reportedly received no fertiliser for two years, they established Reboot and saw it perform strongly before applying fertiliser more recently.

These are Mohi’s observations from his farm, not guaranteed results or a recommendation to remove fertiliser. But they demonstrate why canopy cover, root structure and species diversity are worth considering when planning for hotter, drier conditions.

Want to know whether Reboot fits your farm system? Call a Pastoral Improvements agronomist on 0800 NZSEED, or download the seed guide through the link in our bio.

31/08/2026

Early September is the time to get orchard cover crops in. 🌱

On this sloping kiwifruit orchard, heavy rainfall can run down the rows like rivers. For this grower, the number-one priority is simple: keep the soil in the orchard—not at the headland or on the neighbour’s property.

After nearly three years of planting cover crops, the approach is practical:

🌱 Sow around early September
🌱 Let the crop grow and set seed until mid-January
🌱 Minimise mowing and machinery where possible
🌱 Prepare each orchard according to its existing cover and soil conditions

The crop changes as the season progresses. Some species naturally die off after setting seed, while grasses and clovers remain—helping create ongoing cover without forcing every orchard into the same management plan.

Planning cover crops for your orchard this spring? Talk to a Pastoral Improvements agronomist on 0800 NZSEED, or download the seed guide through the link in our bio.

30/08/2026

Raw pumice. Drought conditions. And a crop that “just grew”. 🌱

On this Taupō block, the farmer says Reboot was first established during a drought. The following season they planted 36 hectares and harvested around 300 tonnes of dry matter as silage.

With El Niño strengthening into spring and forecast to peak during summer, the decisions made below the soil now could matter later.

That’s one farm’s experience—not a promise for every paddock—but it shows why species choice and root structure matter when you’re building resilience.

Considering a deeper-rooted pasture mix this spring? Talk it through with a Pastoral Improvements agronomist on 0800 NZSEED, or download the seed guide through the link in our bio.

28/08/2026

Summer feed is decided in spring.

For Ben Cameron, chicory earns its place in the system because it’s relatively easy to grow—and he gets very good per-cow production from average cows.

Chicory’s deep taproot gives it a different role from shallow-rooted pasture species, making it worth considering as part of a more resilient summer-feed plan.

The right crop and cultivar still depends on your soil, rainfall, stock class and how the paddock needs to perform.

Thinking about sowing chicory this spring? Talk it through with a Pastoral Improvements agronomist on 0800 NZSEED, or download the seed guide through the link in our bio.