Coorong CM142 ryegrass: Proven performance in Denison, Vic

A persistent and productive ryegrass for dairy systems

For Brad Vanderland, finding the right perennial ryegrass meant striking a balance between persistence, productivity, and milk production—without compromising the litres going into the vat. Farming in Denison, Victoria, part of the Macalister Irrigation District, Brad needed a ryegrass variety that could withstand variable conditions while delivering high-quality forage for his dairy herd.

Looking for something different, Brad reached out to the AlfaGen Seeds team for expert advice. The solution? Coorong CM142 ryegrass—a tetraploid perennial ryegrass bred for strong tiller density, cool-season growth, and long-term pasture persistence.

Brad trialed Coorong CM142 tetraploid perennial ryegrass across two different paddock establishment methods:

• Direct drilled into existing pasture
• Fully cultivated paddock before sowing

Both paddocks established well, but what really stood out was the tiller density.

As well as breeding for high pasture yields and quality, tiller density was also a key focus in the selection process for Coorong CM142. Higher tiller density enhances robustness and persistence, making the pasture more resilient under grazing pressure. This is especially true when combined with CM142 endophyte, which provides added insect tolerance without compromising animal safety.

Dairy production relies on consistently high-quality pasture throughout the season. As a late-maturing perennial ryegrass, Coorong CM142 maintains strong feed quality well into spring. Brad’s results showed a clear benefit:

“Throughout the later spring months, the herd have lifted or held quality and litres in the vat when they are grazing on the Coorong CM142 ryegrass.”

This showcases Coorong CM142’s later heading date, providing an extended window of high-energy grazing, critical for supporting milk production and maintaining cow condition.

Coorong CM142 was developed specifically for high-performance Australian farming enterprises, with a strong focus on yield and quality, supported by tiller density, seasonal growth, and persistence.

It offers:

• High tiller density for improved pasture persistence and resilience
• Cool-season growth for extended forage production
• Late heading date to maintain feed quality deeper into spring
• CM142 endophyte protection for increased insect tolerance and pasture longevity

For farmers like Brad, Coorong CM142 is proving to be a game-changer for persistent, high-performance pastures.

If you’re looking for a tetraploid perennial ryegrass that delivers exceptional yield and high-quality feed, Coorong CM142 could be the ideal fit.

Find out more about Coorong CM142 Ryegrass, explore our perennial ryegrass range or speak with our team to discuss how it could work in your system.