PASTURE SEEDS 
35 pages
Published: 15 May 2026
Author(s): Maier, S. , Dent, R.
ISBN: 978-1-76053-626-8
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White clover seed is in growing demand worldwide. It supports dairy pastures, fixes nitrogen, and suits organic systems. It also underpins honey production. Tasmania has produced white clover seed for over 60 years. Farm gate value now exceeds $3.5 million each year. Irrigation and low pest pressure create strong expansion potential.
Tasmania often adopts research from New Zealand because similar climates and practices make transfer easier. Ryegrass gains show what targeted agronomy can deliver. Yet Tasmania lacked robust trial data for white clover seed yields.
This project built local evidence using four approaches. It surveyed growers, agronomists, and seed companies. It also collated current Tasmanian management practices. A literature review then compared local methods with best practice overseas. That process identified 29 improvement opportunities. Row spacing stood out as a major difference.
Replicated field trials tested wider rows in irrigated, autumn-sown crops. The trials compared 15cm with 30, 45, and 60cm. Wider rows reduced winter grazing dry matter. However, seed yield often increased, by up to 36%. Seed weight, quality, and germination did not change.
A partial budget analysis assessed costs and benefits. Seed yield drove more than 90% of returns. Row spacings of 30-45 cm lifted net income by over 20% in the trials. The results give growers confidence to trial wider rows locally.
The project team also developed a best practice guide for increasing yield potential of Tasmanian white clover seed production crops. Read here.
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