Perennial pastures form the backbone of many grazing systems, but strategic use of annual forages like oats, barley, wheat, or vetch can offer seasonal feed boosts, suppress weeds, and improve establishment outcomes. Integrating an annual crop can set your perennial pasture up for long-term success — and if done well, the benefits can far outweigh the costs.

Why Use Annual Forages in a Perennial System?

Incorporating annual crops during pasture establishment can provide many advantages:

• Boost early feed availability: Annuals like oats or barley deliver quick bulk, providing grazing options during the first growing season.
• Compete with and reduce weed pressure: Fast-growing crops can outcompete weeds, reducing reliance on herbicides.
• Assist with ground cover and soil conditioning: Protect bare soil, reduce erosion risk, and improve structure.
• Fix nitrogen: Legumes like vetch can boost soil fertility naturally, benefiting the following perennial phase.

• Diversify Financial Returns: Make the Most of Annuals
  Annual crops don’t just support pasture establishment — they can also create valuable additional income streams. Depending on seasonal conditions and management, annuals like oats, barley, and vetch can be:

  • Cut for hay to sell or store as high-quality livestock feed.

  • Grazed to provide extra feed during critical periods.

  • Harvested for grain if conditions allow.

 

See below Oats and Vetch Establishing in a perenial summer growing legume crop (South East QLD)

When and Where It Works Best

This strategy works best under the right conditions:

• Rainfall: Areas receiving reliable winter rainfall or with access to moisture over the cool season.
• Soils: Well-prepared paddocks with moderate to good fertility are ideal.
• Paddock history: Particularly useful where paddocks have a heavy weed burden, thin ground cover, or a history of cropping.

By sowing an annual alongside or ahead of perennials, you can better utilise the first growing season while setting the scene for strong pasture performance in years two and beyond.

How to Do It Right: Following the 8 Key Steps

Successful pasture establishment doesn’t happen by accident. Following the NSW DPI’s Eight Steps ensures better outcomes:

• Plan ahead: Choose species suited to your environment and system.
• Paddock preparation: Address compaction and residues for good seedbed conditions.
• Weed control: Remove problem weeds before sowing.
• Fertility and soil testing: Identify nutrient needs early.
• Seed selection: Pick compatible annual and perennial species.
• Sowing timing: Match sowing windows to ensure strong early growth.
• Post-sowing management: Monitor germination, pests, and early growth.
• Grazing management: Use light grazing to manage competition and encourage tillering.

👉 Read the full guide: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pastures-and-rangelands/establishment-mgmt/establishment/eight-steps

Cost-Benefit Considerations

Costs:

• Additional seed costs (annual and perennial species)
• Sowing expenses
• Fertiliser and herbicide inputs
• Potential re-sowing if establishment fails

Benefits:

• Stronger perennial pasture establishment, especially for slower species.
• Valuable grazing or hay production during the establishment phase.
• Improved soil structure and nitrogen status (especially with legume annuals).
• Long-term weed suppression, reducing chemical costs down the track.

Case Example:
In Central Queensland, some graziers use oats to establish Rhodes grass pastures. The oats provide early winter feed and help manage weeds, while the Rhodes grass quietly establishes underneath, leading to a productive and persistent stand.

Tips for Success

• Don’t delay sowing perennials too long after the annuals — aim for simultaneous or quick follow-up sowing.
• Choose compatible species — cereals like oats or barley work well with slower-developing perennials.
• Keep a close eye on weeds — monitor and manage competition to protect emerging pasture seedlings.
• Adjust grazing pressure carefully — light, well-timed grazing can encourage annual tillering and support perennial establishment.

Conclusion

Including an annual forage crop during pasture establishment can be a smart move — if planned well. It offers a valuable feed source, suppresses weeds naturally, and sets up a healthier, more resilient pasture for the long term. With the right paddock preparation, species choice, and management, annuals can give your pasture investment the best possible start and deliver excellent returns for years to come.