Reseeding is essential for healthy sward

On average, only about 2.5% of good grassland is reseeded annually; it should be at least four times this level (10%), to bring our national grass production up to what is required for reaching the 2020 targets for dairy and beef production.

Farmers know the value of reseeding, but the amount of ground reseeded any year largely depends on the weather.

Reseeding was back by about 50% in 2012, while it was normal in 2011, and up 40% in 2010 following two years of bad weather.