Targeting pastures that have fallen behind for reseeding in summer or fall will raise farm performance, but choosing the right mixes with high-yielding and quality varieties will bring the greatest return. Where yield gives you quantity, it is quality that helps your stock digest metabolizable energy (ME) and meet your production goals.
Teagasc research tells us that locally grown grass is more cost effective than purchasing feed. Additional research by the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University shows that farms with higher productivity and quality will give your farm an advantage:
- A 95% perennial ryegrass yields approximately 6t/ha more than an older turf with only 50% perennial ryegrass;
- The older wing also produces less ME – 10.5 compared to 12.0;
- 50% of ryegrass can result in a loss of 15,200 liters less milk or 916 kg less meat per hectare.
Gain lost protein and see the productivity benefits
Ruminant livestock use only about 25% of the available crude protein when grazing perennial ryegrass plots. To utilize more protein, rumen microbes need an adequate supply of readily available energy.
Without additional energy, grazing livestock cannot use the excess protein, which is secreted as urea and broken down by bacteria in the environment into ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions.
The solution is to select high sugar Aber grasses (Aber HSG) when reseeding. Aber HSG varieties are bred with a high content of water-soluble carbohydrates. These unique herbs provide more energy in the rumen to help stock utilize more protein.
While reducing emissions, your livestock production will also benefit from grazing via HSG:
- Increase milk production by up to 6% per cow.
- Increase daily live weight by up to 20% per animal.
Aber HSG varieties top the Producer Price Index (PPI) in terms of quality
Award winning1 High-yielding Aber HSG varieties top the 2026 PPI in terms of quality:
- AberDon is the best quality diploid at €78/ha/year;
- AberClyde is the best quality tetraploid at €71/ha/year.
Why farmers reseed with Aber HSG
Find out how Aber HSG varieties deliver real results for Irish cattle farmers.
“The milk goes up every time the cows (AberGain) graze it, and they graze it well.”
– Michael Doran, dairy farmer, Co. Wexford
“Having high-performance Aber High Sugar Grasses in our mixtures is essential to maximizing grass production and stock performance.”
– James Henderson, mixed farmer, Co. Down
Performance and sustainability without compromising production
All Germinal Climate Smart Blend ranges are made from high-energy Aber HSG varieties to improve meat and milk production along with key environmental benefits:
- Clean smart climate Stimulates turf production while reducing emissions;
- Climate smart capture Alfalfa is used to reduce fertilizer inputs and reduce production costs without compromising production;
- Climate smart is thriving Combines diverse species and root structures to support soil health and maintain long-term yields;
- Smart climate adaptation It contains deep-rooted varieties that build resilience and reduce risks in difficult weather conditions.
You can also consider our widely popular products Top 5 range of grass seed mixtures Which continues to provide access to the tried and trusted Aber HSG varieties that Irish growers have relied on to deliver peak performance for many years.
Get expert support in grasslands
Whether your system is dairy, beef or sheep and you need a mix for cutting, grazing or dual use, we have options to boost your farm’s production.
