Resilient Ryegrass Thrives on the West Coast

Words by Niko Kloeten

Green, lush and positioned next to a major intersection, the front paddock on Jeremy and Anna Hart’s West Coast Dairy farm isn’t just turning heads, it’s showcasing the strength of RGT Hustle. We visited Kowhitirangi to see how this perennial ryegrass is performing under pressure.

Farmlands shareholders Jeremy and Anna selected RGT Hustle as part of a recent regrassing effort on their 300ha dairy farm inland from Hokitika. Originally from South Canterbury, the Harts have farmed on the West Coast for the past decade. Jeremy says the climate and remoteness demand a low-input, high efficiency farming approach. “With annual rainfall around 3.8 metres, pasture quality is crucial,” Jeremy explains. “We’re milking 400 cows with an average production of around 410kg of milksolids. We milk once a day; we have one staff member and we do everything ourselves, rarely bringing contractors in.” Timing is everything in their wet environment, and finding reliable, high performance varieties of grass is key.

With support from Farmlands Technical Field Sales member Stephen Wright, the Harts opted for RGT Hustle, bolstered with the RGT18 endophyte. This combination boosts pest tolerance while reducing the risk of common animal health issues seen with older endophyte types. “RGT Hustle is well proven on the Coast,” says Stephen. “It handles wet soils better than most varieties, and we generally recommend a slightly higher sowing rate. Conditions here are unforgiving, and RGT Hustle delivers where it counts.”

This past summer, Hartland Dairies sowed 50 hectares of RGT Hustle RGT18, and it didn’t take long to see the results. “Jeremy’s biggest observation has been the speed of regrowth,” Stephen says. “Older pastures need 24–25 days between grazings, but RGT Hustle paddocks are ready in just 16 days.” This rapid regrowth is particularly valuable heading into winter. On the West Coast, where off-farm wintering isn’t an option, the ability of pasture to recover quickly is essential for maintaining stock condition. “We do about 100 days of on-farm winter grazing,” says Jeremy. “That new grass bounces back faster, so we’re getting more feed when we really need it.” 

Built for local conditions 

The success of RGT Hustle is no accident. It’s the result of a breeding programme that focuses on quality, yield and persistence, the traits that matter most to New Zealand farmers. “It really hits the mark,” says Blair Cotching, RAGT’s South Island Business Sales Manager. “For farmers like the Harts, it’s about consistent growth, regrowth speed, and pasture quality through all seasons.” Winter growth, a must-have trait for the Coast, has been a particular focus. “In colder areas, some grasses struggle through winter,” Blair notes. “RGT Hustle keeps growing and recovering, even under pressure. That makes a real difference when feed demand is high.”

Another standout feature is the RGT18 endophyte. While the West Coast is currently at reduced risk from major insect pests like black beetle, RGT18 still provides added peace of mind, without compromising animal health. “Animal health directly impacts productivity,” Blair says. “RGT18 significantly reduces the risk of ryegrass staggers while still offering robust insect protection. It sets a new benchmark for safety.” Historically, there’s been a trade-off between pest resistance and animal safety. With RGT18, farmers are getting both. 

Certified for confidence 

RAGT seed is certified by the New Zealand Seeds Authority (NZSA) and independently tested by AsureQuality to meet industry standards. Farmers can count on: 

• At least 70% endophyte infection 

• At least 90% germination 

• At least 99% seed purity 

“Certification is a quality guarantee,” says Sheila Househam, Farmlands Seed Category Manager. “It gives confidence to our team and our shareholders that products like RGT Hustle RGT18 will deliver what they promise.” This close collaboration between Farmlands and RAGT is key to getting the right products on the right farms. “We work with Farmlands to help farmers find solutions for their specific challenges,” Blair adds. “It’s a real partnership.” Encouraged by their results, Jeremy and Anna plan to sow more RGT Hustle RGT18 this coming spring as soon as the weather allows. “You never know when a good window will open up to get things done,” Jeremy says. “Out here, they say ‘if you snooze, you lose.’ So, when the time’s right, we’ll be ready.”