Beat the summer pinch before it arrives
Every year, farmers watch ryegrass pastures burn off in summer. Feed gets tight, stock performance slips, and options get limited. Lucerne is the answer more farms are rediscovering. October is the time to establish or rejuvenate stands, setting up a summer feed bank that doesn’t blink at drought.
Why lucerne still holds its crown
- Deep roots: Lucerne can tap water 2–3m down, staying green long after ryegrass has browned off.
- High feed quality: Energy levels of 12–13 MJME and protein upwards of 25% make it perfect for lambs or making high quality supplementary feed.
- Nitrogen fixer: Lucerne puts N back into the system, reducing fertiliser spend.
- Multi-year persistence: With the right management, a stand can deliver 15–20t DM/ha for 5–7 years.
Establishing a successful stand
Lucerne is unforgiving of shortcuts.
- Soil pH: Needs to be 6.0–6.5. Lime now if you’re not there.
- Weed control: Lucerne seedlings are poor competitors. A clean seedbed is critical.
- Sowing depth: No deeper than 15mm, or seedlings will struggle to emerge.
- Drainage: Lucerne hates wet feet - avoid paddocks prone to waterlogging.
Management for persistence
- Autumn Recovery: Give lucerne stands a 6-8week spell at some stage during the autumn to allow them to replenish root reserves. The old rule of thumb – let lucerne flower once a year.
- Insect management: Monitor for lucerne weevil and aphids.
- Nutrient management: Cut and carry removes large amounts of nutrients and while lucerne makes its own nitrogen replacement of phosphate and potassium is important. Monitor with regular soil testing.
Lucerne offers one of the lowest c/kg DM options in summer-dry regions. It’s about securing feed when other systems fall short - maximising efficiency and giving you options when the heat is on.
Lucerne is a proven performer for summer resilience. October is your window to act - get soils tested, paddocks sprayed, and seed lined up. Talk to your agronomist about whether lucerne can anchor your summer feed plan.