Coorong CM142: High-yield ryegrass that lasts

Many plants with excellent genetics were screened for yield, heading date, and plant structure. Groups were crossed from the very best plants, and these potential new varieties were tested over several years in Victoria.

Years of local research and on-farm testing went into developing Coorong CM142. The result is a ryegrass variety that stands up to Australia’s variable seasons, offering strong growth in winter and spring, then bouncing back after dry spells. The breeding team analysed data closely, choosing only the plants that excelled in winter growth, feed quality, and total yield.

“We carefully analysed the data, looking for the varieties that demonstrated the best growth over winter and early spring, feed quality, and total yield. There were several top candidates with these features, so we selected a variety that also had the highest tiller density and lower growing points.” 

These features were important to ensure that Coorong CM142 would deliver exceptional animal performance and production, while being highly tolerant of the grazing pressure that commonly occurs from dry summers and wet winters.

When you walk into a Coorong CM142 paddock, you’ll notice the difference. The finer tillers and leaves create a pasture with greater ground cover and less bare soil. High tiller density makes these paddocks less prone to damage from grazing in wet conditions, while also helping to fill in gaps where treading has exposed soil. The result? Dense, productive swards at the end of spring, ready to withstand the next dry summer and suppress weeds.

Persistence is where Coorong CM142 shines. It carries the CM142 novel endophyte, which delivers improved insect protection, helping the pasture hang on through seasons that would knock back standard ryegrass. In real-world terms, this means more feed and less re-sowing.

Coorong CM142 is just one in a new generation of ryegrasses bred with the unique CM142 novel endophyte. Alongside Coorong CM142, AlfaGen now offers a full line-up of high-performance ryegrass cultivars featuring this technology, including Greenmount CM142 (tetraploid hybrid), Almonta CM142 (diploid perennial), and Middini CM142 (diploid perennial). 

Each is designed for different regions and grazing needs, but all deliver the same focus on strong persistence, improved insect protection, and better animal safety. Trials show a reduced risk of ryegrass staggers when compared to other endophyte products and no negative effects on animal performance. That means peace of mind for livestock health as well as pasture longevity.

Farmers using Coorong CM142 have noticed strong feed production, even when conditions get tough. Its resilience and ability to recover from grazing stand out.

“This is exactly what the breeders were trying to achieve; a perennial ryegrass that maximises both pasture and animal performance without sacrificing persistence. While the paddocks are in their establishment year, they have established well in both environments.” explains Gavin.

Trial results show Coorong CM142 performs alongside the industry’s best for dry matter yield, proving its strength among top performers.

Coorong CM142 is designed for Australian farmers who want more from their ryegrass, more yield, more persistence, and more confidence that their pasture will keep going strong. Backed by local research and on-farm success, it’s the reliable choice for productive, resilient pastures.

To learn more about how Coorong CM142 can fit into your system, get in touch with your local AlfaGen Seeds Territory Manager. 

To learn more about our ryegrass products, you can also check out our full pasture grass range on our website.