Do you want to stay one step (or 60!) ahead of pasture dieback?

Pasture dieback is spreading rapidly throughout NSW and Qld, affecting common summer growing grasses resulting in what can be significant loss of production. You can choose to be prepared for, or recover from, pasture dieback by including unaffected species. Here’s your list!

Pasture Dieback: 60+ Unaffected species that will help you address your feed gap and improve your soil!

If you do not see a success message please email kirsty@islandbiologicals.com.au 

About the pdf

Here at Island Biologicals, we (Lee and Kirsty) have trawled through species lists to compile a guide including over 60 forage species appropriate for NSW and Qld. A strength of our list is that about half of the species are forbs. Research shows that when you include forbs with your grasses and legumes you super charge your production AND progressively build soil fertility.

The pdf includes:

  • 60+ species of grasses (limited, as these are the affected species), legumes and forbs
  • Annual and perennial plants
  • A guide to temperate/ subtropical/ tropical climate suitability
  • An introduction to seeds as fertility tools
  • An introduction to choosing seeds
  • How to use Biocast as a seed dressing to improve establishment of your seeds

Should I be concerned about pasture dieback?

Pasture Dieback has been in Australia for about 15 years, but in 2024-25 it significantly increased its range. In May ’25 it was found in the Hunter Region in NSW, with multiple sites having been found there by July. With wet conditions and hay movements this winter, it is likely that we will see another big increase in its spread this coming summer. The impact can be severe, killing large swathes of pasture.

If you farm north of Sydney in the eastern half of NSW and Queensland it will be prudent to be prepared (noting that we don’t yet know what its possible range might be). Additionally, you may find that it takes more than one season to successfully establish new species to a level where they can maintain forage; and to adjust your cattle to their new diet.

Whether you have been impacted by pasture dieback yet or not, you can take the opportunity now to grow resilient species that will ensure you have forage; and get the added benefit of naturally improved soil!