[Eric Dobbe]

I’ve heard this comment before, and that Phalaris is toxic to livestock. While both comments aren’t entirely wrong, they may be based on a past experience that goes back decades…

the current varieties are much better palatability than the original ones that were tried in WA. Toxicity can be an issue when grazing stressed plants after a big rain event in autumn if that’s all that is available. Sheep are more susceptible than cattle. From a grazing management perspective, yes, the plants will develop large crowns over time and get somewhat clumpy, but the value of a perennial pasture in the farming system far outweigh the negatives.