A shift forward in Italian ryegrass dry matter production

Featuring strong establishment and rapid winter growth, Shift tetraploid Italian ryegrass has demonstrated its superior performance compared to traditional Italians; outperforming Feast^® II and Nourish^® Italian ryegrass across multiple years and trial sites. As a high yielding tetraploid, Shift is an ideal fit for sheep, beef, and dairy systems seeking a high yielding, fast starting tetraploid for reliable grazing, hay and silage production.

Thriving in and bred for Australian conditions, Shift provides long lasting, leafy, feed due to its mid to late heading date (+16). With annual like vigour and second year reliability, Shift is the dependable feed source you can count on for palatable feed, increased dry matter production and rapid winter growth.

Sowing rate (sole): 25-40kg/ha
Sowing rate (mixed): 15-25kg/ha

Breeding

Shift was Australian bred, tested and selected for its improved production and establishment vigour compared to Feast^® II and Nourish^® Italian ryegrass. As a result, Shift was selected to...

• maximise dry matter production in the first 12 months.
• provide farmers with a quality Italian ryegrass suited to Australian short term ryegrass systems.
• optimise second year recovery.
• have an upright growth habit to complement legumes and herbs within a mix.

Figure 1 trial analysis:

Explosive speed of establishment

• 330kg DM/ha increase.
• The comparative return on investment dollar value equates to an extra $138 per hectare

Improved winter yield

• 318kg DM/ha increase.
• The comparative return on investment dollar value equates to an extra $133 per hectare in winter

Impressive spring flush

• 1041kg DM/ha increase.
• The comparative return on investment dollar value equates to an extra $365 per hectare in spring

Why is this important?

Winter: Proven across multiple environments, Shift’s consistent high winter production and early vigour create a reliable feed base when its needed most.

Spring: As a key time to capture high quality fodder reserves and maximise grazing opportunities, Shift’s high spring dry matter production is ideal for maximising milk in the vat, animal weight gains, and hay/silage production.

Note: Return on investment $ values are based on values obtained from the Forage Value Index (FVI). The FVI values autumn feed at $420/tDM, winter feed at $420/tDM compared and spring at $350/tDM – Gippsland 2025 Italian ryegrass table (FVI Gippsland Autumn $0.42 per kg/DM).

Note: Dry matter cuts taken between September 23 and January 24 (sown on 21st of April 2023)

Note: Dry matter cuts taken between September 23 and January 24 (sown on 21st of April 2023)

Shift outperforms Feast^® II in both year 1 and 2 showing an increase of 1018kgDM/ha and an extra 1672kgDM/ha in year 2.

(demonstrated in Figure 2 and Figure 3) 

• In year 2, Shift showed strong second year recovery compared to Feast^® II with matched production early in the season and, stronger performance from July through to September. 
• Between May and September, Shift grew an extra 959kgDM/ha, meaning Shift contributed an extra $383/ha (based on 2025 FVI for South West VIC, autumn and winter feed is valued at $400-$410/tDM)

Trial note: Due to dry conditions through summer and autumn data was not collected between January 24 and April 24. Trial was terminated at the end of 2024 due to dry conditions in Victoria.

Sowing & Establishment

Sow Shift pasture seed between 15-40kg/ha using Ultrastrike^® seed treatment. Sow as early as possible to maximise winter feed in the first year and monitor fertility levels to optimise production.

For pasture seed sowing rates specific to your farming needs, contact your local DLF Seeds Sales Agronomist.

Grazing management

Before first graze, conduct a pull test to ensure the pasture is ready to graze. At first graze, graze lightly to encourage tillering and help support companion species like herbs and clovers. To maximise performance and ryegrass utilisation, graze when the plant has two and a half to three leaves. 

For persistence and strong second year production … 

• rotationally graze
• avoid a hard summer grazing
• leave sufficient residual after each grazing for maximised recovery and dry matter production