The purpose of this publication is to help producers select the most appropriate pasture, forage and fodder crop species for their specific site and requirements. These decisions are becoming more difficult as the number of options increases.

Because of the diversity of climatic, soils and production systems within Tasmania, its not possible to have a small suite of universally recommended recipes. It must also be remembered that Tasmania is unique in Australia with its cool temperate climate, varied soil types and rainfall zones. Best outcomes will not be achieved by accepting recommendations and cultivars based on experience derived under very different conditions.

Decision makers need to be able to describe the conditions of the area being sown, and use the information in this book as the basis for asking the right questions of potential seed suppliers. The goal is to plant the most appropriate species, with the best choice of cultivar to suit your specific paddock and the needs of your particular farm business.

This book depicts the diversity of available species, together with a summary of the characteristics that are important in agriculture. It allows the reader to compare the relative merits of pasture and forage crop species.