PDS: Proactive Pastures – demonstrating innovation for resilience
| Project start date: | 01 November 2025 |
| Project end date: | 01 May 2029 |
| Project status: | In progress |
| Livestock species: | Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Grass-fed Beef |
| Relevant regions: | Western Australia |
| Site location: | Western Australia: Many Peaks/Green Range region |
Summary
The ‘Proactive pastures: Demonstration innovation for resilience project’, led by Stirlings to Coast Farmers Inc. (SCF), aims to address the growing challenge of pasture reliability in southern WA due to climate variability. Traditional pasture systems, such as annual ryegrass and sub-clover, are increasingly misaligned with the region’s drying climate, prompting the need for more resilient alternatives. This Producer Demonstration Site (PDS) project will showcase new and alternative pasture varieties that offer improved productivity and profitability under changing conditions, with a particular focus on bridging the late-season feed gap. The project will be delivered across the Great Southern and South Coastal regions of WA, including Albany, South Stirlings, Wellstead, Mt Barker and Frankland River.
SCF will engage ten core producers and at least 70 observer producers through a combination of small plot and paddock-scale demonstrations, workshops, field walks, and extension activities. The project will generate locally-relevant data on pasture establishment, biomass, feed quality, and livestock performance, supported by economic analysis. Outcomes will include increased producer knowledge and confidence in selecting climate-resilient pasture species, improved feedbase management, and enhanced drought preparedness. By collaborating with existing initiatives such as the ‘Halo’ and ‘FEED365’ projects, SCF aims to accelerate adoption and deliver long-term benefits to livestock enterprises in the region.
