Better Grazing, Better Pastures Blog Series Part 2: Grazing Practices

The VSTWP have just completed a new brochure titled ‘Reducing the impact of Serrated Tussock through grazing and pasture management’. We are exploring the brochure over a four-part blog series, covering each topic featured in the brochure in greater detail. The full copy of the brochure can be downloaded here.

Grazing for weed prevention

Grazing management plays a major role in determining whether Serrated tussock gains a foothold on a property.

Poorly managed grazing can weaken desirable pasture species, expose bare ground and create ideal conditions for weed invasion. In contrast, well-planned grazing systems can strengthen pasture resilience and significantly reduce the risk of Serrated tussock establishment.

For many producers, rotational grazing offers one of the most effective ways to achieve this balance.

Understanding rotational grazing

Rotational grazing involves moving livestock through a series of paddocks while allowing previously grazed areas sufficient time to recover.

Rather than leaving stock continuously in the same paddock, grazing pressure is concentrated for shorter periods, followed by extended rest periods.

This approach allows plants to replenish energy reserves, develop stronger root systems and maintain productive growth.

Why continuous grazing creates risk

Under continuous grazing systems, livestock often repeatedly graze the most palatable plants while avoiding less desirable species.

Over time, this weakens productive pasture plants and reduces overall pasture density. As competition declines, gaps appear in the pasture canopy, creating ideal conditions for Serrated tussock seedlings.

Continuous grazing can also reduce root development, limit pasture recovery and increase the amount of bare ground across the landscape.

These conditions favour weed establishment and reduce overall pasture productivity.

Benefits of rotational grazing

Research has shown that rotational grazing can lead to stronger perennial grass populations and lower Serrated tussock seedling survival.

Key benefits include:

1. Improved Root Development

Rest periods allow plants to rebuild carbohydrate reserves and develop deeper, healthier root systems. Strong roots improve drought tolerance and support long-term pasture persistence.

2. Better Ground Cover

Maintaining dense pasture cover reduces exposed soil and limits opportunities for weed invasion.

3. Increased Pasture Diversity

Rotational systems encourage a wider range of desirable pasture species to thrive, creating a more resilient and productive pasture base.

4. Enhanced Weed Suppression

Strong perennial grasses provide ongoing competition, making it difficult for Serrated tussock seedlings to establish.

Managing grazing for maximum benefit

Successful rotational grazing requires more than simply moving stock between paddocks.

Landholders should:

• Maintain greater than 90 per cent ground cover.
• Avoid grazing paddocks below critical pasture levels.
• Schedule grazing according to pasture growth stages rather than calendar dates.
• Allow sufficient recovery time between grazing events.
• Use fencing where necessary to manage grazing pressure effectively.

Monitoring pasture condition regularly is essential to ensure management decisions support both livestock production and weed control objectives.

A practical investment

Rotational grazing is often viewed as a productivity tool, but it is equally valuable as a weed management strategy.

By strengthening pasture competition, improving ground cover and supporting perennial species, rotational grazing helps create conditions where Serrated tussock struggles to establish.

For landholders seeking long-term, sustainable weed control, improving grazing management may be one of the most effective investments they can make.

This project was funded through the Victorian Government Partnerships Against Pests (PAP) Grants and delivered by the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP).