Kiama tetraploid annual ryegrass is an outstanding new variety for maximising production and profitability. It has an unusually high tiller density and fine leaf for a tetraploid ryegrass, which enables Kiama to recover better after grazing and extend production throughout spring.
When it comes to short-term ryegrass pastures, farmers want two things, reliable yield and real value for money. That’s where Kiama tetraploid annual ryegrass stands out. There were already several highly productive varieties of annual ryegrass available when the breeding for Kiama began.
“A lot of time and effort was invested in developing something at least as good as the existing varieties, but with additional benefits.”
During the selection process, crosses were made from the top-performing plants, and every potential new variety was put through years of local trialling. The team at Alfagen Seeds were able to collect a large amount of yield data, along with observations of plant structure and heading dates. Several lines were discovered that were as productive as the best commercial varieties, but as Gavin Milne says:
“(We) ultimately selected Kiama because of its high leaf density and extended growth later in the season.”
That means more silage, better recovery from grazing, and feed that holds its quality longer – making Kiama one of the best ryegrass options for silage production.
One of Kiama’s real strengths is its unusually high tiller density for a tetraploid ryegrass. With finer tillers and leaves, Kiama produces a dense pasture sward and maintains better ground cover. This is especially important during winter, when ryegrass pastures need to recover quickly from frequent grazing on wet soils, a time when pastures can take a beating.
More ground cover means less risk of soil damage and weed invasion, and better recovery means you’ll see more consistent feed production right through the season.
Agronomists have noted that Kiama possesses the leaf size and tiller density of a diploid variety but the dark green colour typical of a tetraploid. This is due to its finer tillers and leaves – this combination gives you the best of both worlds, high feed density and improved resilience.
Alfagen Seeds have tested Kiama in many trials across Victoria, Tasmania, and New South Wales, and it’ss performed as well as everyone expected Gavin explains. “Compared to other varieties, it offers leading production during autumn and winter, along with extended growth and quality in spring. It should be a top choice for farmers needing more feed during the cooler months.”
Farmers using Kiama have reported strong silage yields and reliable recovery after grazing, helped by the extended leafy growth and strong plant structure. The late heading date helps maintain feed quality into late spring, giving flexibility for cutting hay or silage without losing quality. A 2023 annual ryegrass trial conducted at Ebor demonstrates the excellent winter feed production Kiama can deliver.
Kiama was bred not just to match the best in the market, but to offer farmers genuine value. In many cases, you’re getting equivalent or better feed production, excellent resilience, and high feed quality, at a competitive price point. That means more profit per hectare, without compromising on pasture performance.
Kiama tetraploid annual ryegrass delivers the kind of reliability, quality, and value Australian farmers need for short-term pastures. Backed by local trial data and proven in the paddock, it’s the smart choice for your next season.
Contact your local AlfaGen Seeds Territory Manager to find out more about Kiama and how it can work on your farm.
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