Pasture Updates – Southern Australia

Summary

Since July 2016 the Grassland Society of Southern Australia (GSSA) has performed 18 Pasture Updates across Victoria and South Australia.

These updates were designed to inform producers of relevant research and project outcomes, share PDS results and share other information relevant to pasture-based agriculture. Further to this communicate opportunities that are possible if new technology, pasture renewal & associated tools are adopted on farm. There was also the chance for proactive and profitable producers to share their enterprise stories and increase uptake and skill change.

Each Pasture Update program was formulated by the local GSSA branch across Victoria, South Australia and southern Riverina by identifying local needs and issues, then relevant MLA funded research and speakers’ sort for the update. Local producers, research or properties of interest were often included in the program. These elements combined to ensure greater benefit & value for local producers. Where possible and practical the GSSA partnered with local farming, Government or industry groups like PPS, BIGG, PIRSA, AgVic, MFMG, SFS etc. This process improved the focus of the agenda and added to the success of these Updates. Each Update agenda was also reviewed and approved by the MLA, with guidance on research or project work that could enhance the outcome.

• Over the 3-year period of the project 660 people attended the 18 Pasture Updates.
• From the evaluation form information 74% of the respondents were Producers or staff of Producer’s.
• Researcher’s, Agronomists, Private Consultants and Public Sector Extension staff made up a further 21% of the attendance.

One of the major objectives of the project was to achieve shifts in knowledge and skills.

The survey results from participants at the Updates shows a strong trend indicating both knowledge and skills were enhanced. As indicated in the below:

• 48% of participants will seek further information and training following the update
• 53% of respondents indicated they would implement changes as a result of the information or skills they learned at the Pasture Update they attended
• 99% of respondents rated the Pasture Update content as being “good” or better
• 52% of the audience were MLA Members
• 74% of respondents indicated they would like future Pasture Updates

This series of Pasture Updates appears to have been successful and reached the objectives set, although fell short to target for total participants.

The Pasture Update concept is appealing to GSSA given we are a primary producer society focused on grassland agriculture and have been heavily involved in pasture improvement for red meat production for 60 years. If the opportunity arises for GSSA to partner with the MLA in similar programs in the future the GSSA would be keen to participate.