Enhancing adoption of improved grazing and fire management practices in northern Australia: Synthesis of research and identification of best bet management options

Summary

This project was part of the Northern Grazing Systems project which aimed to increase adoption of innovative best-practice grazing management by beef producers throughout Queensland, the Northern Territory and the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia. Published research results relating to four management factors [infrastructure development (fences and water points), stocking rate management, pasture resting and prescribed burning] and other relevant literature were collated and reviewed. This information was used to develop a set of scientifically-based principles and guidelines for managing grazing lands in northern Australia. 
The principles and guidelines were applied to four widespread management issues - matching feed supply and animal demand, managing C condition land, woody plant problems, and utilising ungrazed areas in large paddocks. In the short term, the combination of this information with results of bio-economic modelling and regionally specific information from Project B.NBP.0578 will provide a solid foundation for future research and extension activities.   In the longer term, we can anticipate that grazing land management will be more appropriate for northern Australian conditions and there will be financial benefits to producers, land will be in better condition, and the northern beef industry will be more sustainable.