Temperate pasture seed production is concentrated in south-eastern Australia and south-west WA. There are approximately 500 growers of temperate pasture seed in Australia. Lucerne dominates pasture seed production, accounting for 60% of certified pasture seed produced.
Pasture Seeds Insecticide resistance in redlegged earth mites (RLEM) has been closely monitored over the last 15 years. Initial instances of resistance surfaced in 2006 in Western Australia and since then, it has expanded to regions within Western Australia, South Australia, and Victoria, posing a growing concern for existing chemical control options.
5 min read
PASTURE SEEDS / 04.10.23 AgriFutures Australia has announced a new five-year research, development and extension (RD&E) Plan for Australia’s pasture seeds industry. The AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program RD&E Plan 2023-2028 sets the RD&E agenda for the pasture seeds industry to thrive into the future.
4 min read
PASTURE SEEDS / 06.09.23 Amidst the John Deeres, New Hollands and Massey Fergusons, remains a not-so-timeless piece of machinery finally ready to be reborn in the 21st century.
5 min read
PASTURE SEEDS / 05.07.23 Growers and advisors across Australia are being called on to send in samples of redlegged earthmite (RLEM) to help detect the spread of insecticide-resistant populations.
2 min read
Given its status as a high-value crop, clover seed production fields are actively managed using intensive herbicide pressure to control the emergence of weeds, such...
Publication / 20 Pages
The primary objective of the Identifying revenue opportunities for AgriFutures Australia’s rural industries project was to identify potential new and alternate revenue sources within 28...
Publication / 2 Pages
This blueprint serves as a resource for those interested in the pasture seeds industry and provides essential fast facts alongside the fundamental themes highlighted in...
Publication / 2 Pages
This project built on a four-year Grains Research and Development Corporation investment, Future options for the control of the redlegged earth mite in Australian crops,...
Publication / 6 Pages
Redlegged earth mite (RLEM; Halotydeus destructor) has been a significant pest to broadleaf plants and legumes across southern Australia since it was accidentally introduced in...
Publication / 25 Pages
The lucerne seed industry is an important contributor to Australian agriculture, worth an estimated $95 million per year. The industry is made up of more...
Publication / 3 Pages
This study evaluated the level of resistance to commonly used herbicide groups in three key weeds affecting lucerne seed crops in commercial production areas of...
Publication / 6 Pages
Temperate pasture seed production is concentrated in locations within southeastern Australia and southwestern Western Australia. Lucerne dominates, accounting for about 75% of the area sown...
Publication / 24 Pages
Building on from earlier AgriFutures Australia-funded research into lucerne seed wasp (LSW), several DNA tests have been developed to give a more precise measure of...
Publication / 4 Pages
This report summarises the development of DNA tests for lucerne seed wasp (LSW), Bruchophagus roddi, and two associated parasitoid wasps, Idiomacromerus perplexus and Pteromalus sequester,...
Publication / 36 Pages
The University of Adelaide
February 2023 - December 2023
Lucerne Australia Inc.
November 2022 - September 2023
Cesar Pty Ltd
August 2022 - June 2025
Tasmanian Seed Industry Group Inc.
August 2022 - December 2025
University of Western Australia
June 2022 - May 2025
Cesar Pty Ltd
December 2021 - November 2022
Lucerne Australia Inc.
October 2021 - June 2023
Lucerne Australia Inc.
April 2021 - June 2021
Cesar Pty Ltd
January 2021 - November 2023
The University of Adelaide (PIRSA/SARDI)
July 2020 - September 2023
Department of Primary Industries and Regions
June 2019 - December 2023
University of Western Australia
September 2018 - April 2022
Lucerne Australia Inc.
May 2018 - October 2023
University of Western Australia
May 2017 - October 2021
(DPI) The Crown in right of the State of New South Wales acting through the Department of Primary Industries within Regional NSW
July 2016 - March 2019
AgResearch Limited
July 2015 - July 2020
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development acting through the South Australian Research and Development Institute
June 2015 - May 2018
The University of Queensland
June 2015 - April 2019
University of Western Australia
June 2015 - December 2018
SGA Solutions Pty Ltd
April 2015 - January 2016
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development acting through the South Australian Research and Development Institute
November 2014 - July 2018
Agtrans Research
November 2012 - June 2013
Gin Silico Pty Ltd
June 2012 - April 2015
Lucerne Australia Inc.
November 2011 - July 2017
Lucerne Australia Inc.
September 2011 - October 2011
Alpha Group Consulting P/L
September 2010 - December 2012
The Crown in right of the State of NSW acting through the Department of Primary Industries
September 2010 - June 2015
Lucerne Australia Inc.
August 2010 - April 2011
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development acting through the South Australian Research and Development Institute
July 2010 - September 2013
Alpha Group Consulting P/L
July 2010 - November 2013
Lucerne Australia Inc.
July 2010 - June 2015
The University of Adelaide
June 2010 - May 2012
Valley Seeds
June 2010 - July 2011
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development acting through the South Australian Research and Development Institute
June 2010 - October 2013
Western Australian Agriculture Authority, a body corporate established under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007
November 2009 - April 2014
Lucerne Australia Inc.
September 2009 - October 2009
University of Tasmania
July 2009 - May 2013
University of Tasmania
July 2009 - February 2013
University of Technology, Sydney
July 2009 - February 2013
The Crown in right of the State of NSW acting through the Department of Primary Industries
July 2009 - April 2012
Western Australian Agriculture Authority, a body corporate established under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007
July 2009 - May 2012
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development acting through the South Australian Research and Development Institute
July 2009 - January 2013
Western Australian Agriculture Authority, a body corporate established under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007
July 2009 - January 2013
CSIRO
July 2009 - January 2013
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development acting through the South Australian Research and Development Institute
June 2009 - June 2011
The Crown in right of the State of NSW acting through the Department of Primary Industries
June 2009 - December 2012
Arche Consulting Pty Ltd
May 2009 - June 2010
Reed Pasture Science
May 2009 - June 2010
The AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program focuses on certified seed of temperate pasture species including lucerne, sub-clover, other clovers, medics and serradella. The Program focuses on improving seed production, processing efficiencies and market development through four key objectives:
The AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program RD&E Plan identifies and balances the research, development and extension priorities and outcomes to promote industry productivity, profitability and sustainability.
Download the AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program RD&E Plan 2023-28
Australian primary industries that choose to invest in the levies system prescribe the amount of levy or charge applied to a commodity under the Primary Industries (Customs) Charges Act 1999, Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Act 1999, National Residue Survey (Customs) Levy Act 1998 and the National Residue Survey (Excise) Levy Act 1998.
A continued investment into pasture seeds research will ensure a profitable and sustainable pasture seeds industry with a reputation for reliable supply of quality pasture species. We are committed to working closely with all those involved in pasture seeds production, including Advisory Panels and industry associations, to identify research priorities and make Program investments which will have the greatest impact on the industry.
Learn about the AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Advisory Panel
Visit Lucerne Australia
For Project related inquiries:
Amy La
Manager, Levied & Emerging Industries – Pasture Seeds Program
0447 453 254
Stacey Lawrence
Coordinator, Levied & Emerging Industries – Pasture Seeds Program
0429 562 313
For industry and strategic issues and inquiries:
Lucinda Staley
Senior Manager, Levied & Emerging Industries – Pasture Seeds Program
02 6923 6914
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