It’s been a funny old summer for grass. Dry spells have left a lot of leys looking tired and thin, and with rain now moving in, this is the moment to think seriously about reseeding.
Why now?
Moisture is the single biggest factor in getting a new ley away well. Seed needs consistent soil contact and moisture to germinate evenly and after a dry stretch, rain like we’re seeing this week creates exactly the window you want. Wait too long and you risk missing it; the ground dries out again and germination becomes patchy.
What a tired ley is costing you
An old, worn-out sward isn’t just less productive, it’s actively working against you. Yields drop, weed grasses creep in, and feed quality falls off just when you need it most heading into winter. Reseeding with the right mix isn’t a cost, it’s an investment that pays back in silage quality and grazing days.
Getting the mix right
This is where RBC Agri comes in. Our grass seed mixes are developed for real farm conditions not just off a spec sheet. Whether you’re after a longer-term ley for grazing, a fast-establishing option for silage ground, or something suited to heavier land, there’s a mix built for the job and now’s the time to get it ordered from RBC ready to get in the ground.
🌿 We headed out to visit local farmer William Bristol, based just down the road from our Clitheroe mill, to capture the action and hear how the season is shaping up. William works with both Dugdale Nutrition and RBC Agri: a great example of grassland management and livestock nutrition working hand in hand. Watch the full interview and see first cut in action here. 🐄
The bottom line: Rain’s forecast. Ground conditions are turning in your favour. If reseeding has been on the “get round to it” list.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to reseed grassland after rain?
The best window is within a few days of good rainfall, while soil moisture is high and temperatures are still warm enough for germination – typically through late summer. Waiting too long after rain risks the ground drying out again before seed establishes.
The best window is within a few days of good rainfall, while soil moisture is high and temperatures are still warm enough for germination – typically through late summer. Waiting too long after rain risks the ground drying out again before seed establishes.
How long does the reseeding window last?
This varies year to year depending on rainfall and temperature
This varies year to year depending on rainfall and temperature
How do I know if my field needs reseeding?
Check perennial ryegrass content, weed grass levels, and recent yield trends. If ryegrass content is below roughly 50%, a full reseed is usually more cost-effective than overseeding.
Check perennial ryegrass content, weed grass levels, and recent yield trends. If ryegrass content is below roughly 50%, a full reseed is usually more cost-effective than overseeding.
What should I feed livestock while a new ley establishes?
New leys need time to root and mature before they can be grazed or cut hard. A supporting nutrition programme during this transition helps protect performance while the ley gets going – speak to Dugdale Nutrition for a plan suited to your system.
New leys need time to root and mature before they can be grazed or cut hard. A supporting nutrition programme during this transition helps protect performance while the ley gets going – speak to Dugdale Nutrition for a plan suited to your system.
Is overseeding as effective as a full reseed?
Overseeding works well for thin-but-sound leys, topping up productive species without full cultivation. It won’t fix a sward that’s genuinely run down or weed-dominated, that needs a full reseed.
Overseeding works well for thin-but-sound leys, topping up productive species without full cultivation. It won’t fix a sward that’s genuinely run down or weed-dominated, that needs a full reseed.
What grass seed mix is best for silage ground vs grazing?
Silage ground generally benefits from fast-establishing, high-yielding mixes, while grazing leys favour mixes bred for persistence and regrowth after defoliation. RBC Agri can match a mix to your specific system.
Silage ground generally benefits from fast-establishing, high-yielding mixes, while grazing leys favour mixes bred for persistence and regrowth after defoliation. RBC Agri can match a mix to your specific system.
For grass seed advice and reseed planning, Dugdale Nutrition’s sister company RBC Agri can help you build a sward that supports your farm from the ground up.
Contact your DN Specialist or call John, Russell or Nick at RBC Agri direct on 01642 909080
