In a series of field days in 2008 on developing options for degraded pastures, one near Tooma gave insights into the value of restoration before taking the much more expensive option of resowing.

Generally, options to consider early in the plan may be as simple as correcting fertility deficiencies, such as phosphorus, or controlling weeds to prevent competition with pasture species, or over-sowing a forage crop, for example, oats or an annual rye grass sub clover mix.

Prior to organising the Tooma field day, the recommendation for the paddock was to spray the pasture out and start again.

After the break an assessment of the pasture was conducted and the decision changed as there were very good numbers of useful annual and perennial pasture species with, Paterson’s curse making up about 50 per cent of the feed on offer.

Options discussed at the field day were to fertilise the paddock and control the Paterson’s curse, which the farmer did.

When pasture production was measured, the unsprayed control produced 5485 kilograms dry matter per hectare, consisting of 3430kg DM/ha (62pc) useful species and 2055kg DM/ha (38pc) Paterson’s curse, compared to an area treated with Igran and MCPA, 5531kg DM/ha of which Paterson’s curse made up 41kg DM/ha.

For an investment of less than $30/ha we have increased the useful component of the pasture by 2000kg DM/ha.

This extra pasture growth may have been sufficient to carry an extra 10 steers weighing 300kg consuming 6.5kg DM per day.

This is just one example of identifying and using all options prior to resowing a perennial pasture.

Determine why the pasture is degraded: for example, overstocking, acid soil, harsh aspect, shallow soil, low fertility, or insect damage - and correct the problem.

Assess the species mix in the paddock and understand the biology of the species present and their grazing response.

Then develop a plan to improve the pasture, with resowing as the last option.

For further information on identifying pasture species, or for options "worth a go before you re-sow!" contact your local NSW DPI office.