For dependable, strong performing annual ryegrass, New Zealand farmers have turned to Winter Star II. Now, after more than a decade, this icon is nearing the end of its commercial life. Its legacy, however, has set the industry abuzz with excitement.
Developed by the same breeding programme that brought you Winter Star II, Abuzz annual ryegrass features larger, broader leaves providing enhanced establishment, rapid recovery after grazing and cutting, and improved cool season growth.
Whether it is sown after maize crops in the Waikato, used in the extensive grazing systems of the Hawke’s Bay, or the irrigated plains of Canterbury, this new annual ryegrass is adaptable to a range of farm systems across the country.
Extensively tested throughout New Zealand, Abuzz has delivered by out-yielding Winter Star II in trials across a wide range of soil types, growing conditions, and farming environments. The result is a four to 10 percent increase in dry matter production over its predecessor.
It exemplifies the latest advancement in annual ryegrass genetics by offering growers a substantial improvement over old, commoditised varieties such as Tama. On 1 April 2025, Abuzz was sown in a Waikato trial between maize crops. Upon completion of the trial on 8 September, Abuzz produced 22 percent more dry matter than Tama. Even in a short growing season, farmers get a significantly higher return on investment with trial results showing a 668 kg DM/ha increase in yield over Tama across a growing season of only 160 days.
While proprietary seed carries a higher upfront cost, this is easily offset by the additional feed Abuzz produces. When valued conservatively at 25 c / kg DM, and considering the cost of seed, Abuzz delivers a $93 / ha advantage over Tama.
Abuzz is well suited to all short-term pasture systems looking to maximise autumn, winter, and spring productivity. This includes use in silage and grazing paddocks between maize rotations, as a high-quality pure sward for increasing winter and spring supply in all grazing systems and as the main grass component in winter feed mixes containing brassica or forage cereals.
A long-time fan of Winter Star II, agricultural contractor John Austin has been an early adopter of Abuzz. John and his team look after thousands of maize and grass paddocks across the Waikato and northern King Country each year. As both a contractor and grower, it is important to John that he recommends and plants the best cultivars for his customers.
John, working closely with his local PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative and PGG Wrightson Seeds Representatives, has seen these positive results first hand after providing his home block as a site for replicated plot trials for the last few years.
After Abuzz excelled in trials, John wanted to see how it performs on a larger scale.
To see real world results, watch the video to hear John’s first impressions and discover why this new ryegrass has everyone abuzz.
To learn more about Abuzz and how it could work within your farm system, get in touch with your local PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative.
