PDS: Serradella’s suitability to the Southern Slopes

Summary

Producers across the Southern Slopes region of NSW have long relied on subterranean clover as the backbone of their pasture legume base. However, with increasing climate variability, declining legume persistence, rising soil acidity and animal health issues such as bloat and oestrogen‑related disorders, relying on a single species is becoming a growing vulnerability for grazing systems. Many producers are now seeking alternative legumes that can better handle variable rainfall, acid soils and emerging seasonal patterns. Recent trials by NSW DPIRD and CSIRO have highlighted serradella – particularly the Avila (Yellow) and Margurita (French) types – as a promising, low‑bloat, high‑resilience annual legume option for the region. 

This Producer Demonstration Site (PDS), will work with 10 core producers to establish seven or more serradella demonstration sites. These will compare establishment methods, varieties, companion grasses and performance across different soil types and land classes, including challenging non‑arable areas where serradella’s deep roots, hard‑seededness and low phosphorus demand make it particularly attractive. 

Across four seasons, the project will measure emergence, biomass, feed quality, seed production and persistence, while supporting producers with training in sowing, paddock preparation, grazing management and pasture assessment. A cost-benefit analysis will quantify serradella’s economic value relative to sub clover and current feedbase options. Extension will include annual field days, workshops, case studies, in‑depth articles and ongoing support through the Holbrook Landcare network. 

Objectives

By January 2030, on the Southern Slopes of NSW, the project will establish 7 or more demonstration sites, engaging 10 Core producers, and greater than 50 observer producers to:  

1. Demonstrate and assess the potential of serradella varieties to: 

• successfully establish in southern NSW farm systems 
• persist (through project-long data collection) 
• produce comparable winter feed yields and quality 
• increase production on non-arable land  
• be a suitable alternative to subterranean clover as a companion legume species in mixed pasture systems 
• contribute effectively within the farm system, particularly in terms of profitability, sustainability and management 
• produce viable seed 

2. Implement a series of skills and training development activities to increase the knowledge and skills of 80% core producers and 60% of observer producers with respect to: 

• pre-sowing paddock preparation (weed and pest management) 

• sowing strategies and timing (bare seed and podded seed) 

• companion species selection 

• pasture management (including grazing management)  

3. Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine the economic impact of serradella pastures compared to current feedbase options. 

4. Drive adoption towards 75% of core producers incorporating (or intending to) serradella into their pasture systems and 25% of observer producers intending to. 

5. Conduct an annual field day and other activities to showcase the demonstration sites results and encourage adoption of key practices by 100 attending producers.