Satellite farms speed rate of technology transfer in Western Australia

Summary

Seventeen satellite demonstration farms established under a Producer Research Support project were the catalyst for the rapid uptake of controlled grazing and other best practice by beef producers in the south-west of WA. According to BIA (WA) secretary, John Lucey, veterinarians reported increased use of the full serving capacity test to evaluate the reproductive soundness and fertility of bulls while there had been an increase in the number of WA beef producers harvesting their own ryegrass to reduce production costs and increase productivity. The project was initiated and undertaken by the Beef Improvement Association (WA Branch), with technical assistance supplied by Agriculture WA to: "increase the rate of adoption of proven technology on beef farms by actively involving groups of producers in initiating and monitoring best management practices on local satellite farms."