Delivery of PROGRAZE, PRO GRAZE Farmwalk and PRO GRAZE Plus

Summary

This is the final report of a technology transfer project "Delivery of PROGRAZE, PROGRAZE Farmwalk and PROGRAZE Plus," program of the Sustainable Grazing Systems Key Program. The project was initiated to:

Enhance meat and wool producers' skills in pasture and livestock assessment, and plant species recognition.
Demonstrate how these skills are used, with enhanced knowledge and understanding of the grazing system, to improve these producers' grazing management decisions.
During the period 1997 to 2000 inclusive, 1812 producers completed PROGRAZE in one of the 111 PROGRAZE courses held in New South Wales. This represents 312 participants and 11 courses in excess of contract targets. The total number completing PROGRAZE in NSW since the program was first delivered in April 1994 is 4012.

In addition to PROGRAZE, two additional packages were delivered under the PROGRAZE banner. They were PROGRAZE Farmwalk and PROGRAZE Plus. A total of 1275 people participated in PROGRAZE Farmwalk and 213 in PROGRAZE Plus. This represents 775 and 33 respectively in excess of contract targets.

A review of PROGRAZE by Coutts and Daniels (1996) identified "overwhelming evidence that the majority of producer participants gained knowledge about pasture management and animal performance strategies as a result of their participation in PROGRAZE. Change in attitudes to pasture quality and factors to consider in decision making was evident as a result." Also, "the change in attitudes and approach to management outlined in previous sections (of the review) provides a strong basis to argue that PROGRAZE is assisting in a 'culture change' of participants".

When participants were surveyed 10 to 12 months after completing PROGRAZE, 89% indicated their participation had resulted in improved financial returns to their farm and 96% considered they had more productive and sustainable pastures through the use and adoption of skills and knowledge gained in PROGRAZE. PROGRAZE is recognised as one of the most successful extension programs ever conducted by NSW Agriculture. The project has in most instances exceeded expected outcomes and has had a significant influence on how grazing systems are managed within this State.