PDS: Optimising Grazing Management for Improved Production Outcomes

Summary

The Yenda Grazing Group, comprising 20 core sheep and beef producers managing over 5,000 cattle and 50,000 sheep, seeks to improve productivity and profitability through evidence-based grazing management. Despite strong research supporting rotational grazing based on plant growth metrics, adoption in the region remains low, with fewer than 20% of producers using structured grazing practices. Current reliance on set-stocking and inconsistent strategies limits pasture productivity, carrying capacity, and livestock performance, leading to higher supplementary feeding costs and reduced resilience. This presents a significant opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of strategic grazing and build industry confidence in improved practices.

This Producer Demonstration Site project aims to show that rotational grazing guided by key plant indicators—such as the three-leaf stage and optimal residual—can increase pasture biomass, carrying capacity (DSE/ha), nutritional value, and livestock performance compared to current methods. By generating regionally relevant data and engaging producers through workshops, field training, and communications, the project will enable better monitoring and management of feedbases, informed decisions on stocking rates and rotations, and improved business outcomes. Ultimately, the project seeks to drive wider adoption of grazing strategies that enhance productivity, reduce costs, and support more resilient and profitable mixed farming enterprises.

Objectives

By February 2029, in Northern Victoria and Southern NSW, the project will: 

1. Establish three trial sites in the first year of the project, engaging 20 core producers and a minimum of 100 observer producers across mixed livestock enterprises (sheep and beef). The trial sites will be in Wodonga, VIC, and Widgelli, NSW (two sites). Each site will monitor a minimum of two grazing events per year to assess the seasonal and annual impact of rotational grazing strategies. 
2. Demonstrate and measure the impact of rotational grazing on pasture productivity (kg DM/ha), return- to-graze interval (measured as the number of days required to reach the target 2.5–3 leaf stage), and forage nutritional quality—specifically targeting improvements in metabolisable energy (ME ≥ 10 MJ/kg DM), crude protein (CP ≥ 12%), and neutral detergent fibre (NDF ≤ 45%). 
3. Quantify livestock performance improvements by recording pre- and post-grazing liveweight and condition score (target CS 3–3.5) and tracking stocking rate (DSE/ha) under rotational grazing systems. 
4. Conduct annual cost-benefit analyses at each site, measuring changes in cost of production per kg of dry matter produced ($/kg DM) and per kg of liveweight gain ($/kg LWG) to evaluate the economic benefits of rotational grazing. 
5. Deliver one structured training session per year for core producers, supported by up to 3 coordinated core producer (CP) meetings annually, to build capacity in grazing management, pasture assessment, and data interpretation, with 80% of core producers indicating an increase in their knowledge, skills and confidence. 
6. Achieve adoption of rotational grazing practices by 90% of core producers, as verified through practice change surveys and follow-up interviews, and capture 60% intent to adopt among observer producers within 12 months of project completion. 
7. Host one field day per year, rotating between the three trial sites, along with an annual webinar and one workshop (delivered across two locations, VIC and NSW) open to both core and observer producers. These events will showcase trial results, share key learnings, and support wider industry engagement and practice change, with 80% of observer producers indicating an increase in their knowledge, skills and confidence.