Progressing the Pasture Trial Network

Summary

This per diem consultancy (Aug 2016- May 2017)  was to support the MLA Program Manager and provide technical and management assistance to the Pasture Trial Network across southern Australia. The initial development projects have been expanded into a MDC project with support of the Australian Seed Federation and seed companies. Maintaining the momentum and expanding the project geographically with additional partners is required.

Key tasks were around:
- implications of analysed trial data with seed company and independent agronomists
- test the usefulness and understanding of the web delivery platform, presentation of the PVTN analysed data with producers and advisors
- Pasture Trial Network technical advisory committee
- Provide technical and management support towards the integration of a dairy industry forage value index and its equivalent for beef and sheep sectors

Feedback was provided (commercial in confidence) to the MLA manager on the program, and recommendations on the PVTN web site. 
Key points included:

• Participation was in support of MLA and the program more generally.  Advisory committee (seed company participants) do some of the work, this falls short of the work required to be done for the program to grow and develop satisfactorily.
• A lot of work is being left to the program manager and as this is only a part time activity, overall time input is constraining development of the program generally. All stakeholders need to take an active role in the PTN and the PTN should be a vehicle through which to drive future investment in this space. Investments in supporting technology need to be first flagged at the PTN level so that they can be properly considered and prioritised from a technical AND an industry level – thereby maximising the chances of proper engagement, success and the delivery of value. Opportunities to progress delivery include around methodology, data capture, statistical analysis, data presentation
• The website has undergone significant change and review, with the data uploaded, reviewed, corrected and uploaded again.