L.PDS.2007 - Tough Systems

Summary

This Producer Demonstration Site aimed to demonstrate how the Tough Systems for Tough Seasons package can increase system resilience, increase productivity and profitability (measured by ewe condition score, lambing percentage, feed on offer and weaner weights) and address varying climate and feed gap issues.

Objectives

By 2023, have completed the following in the South of WA:
1. Demonstrate and assess the Tough Systems package’s ability to increase the following, through “paired paddock” treatments at seven sites per year:
a) Resilience - Expected 25% more FOO and 10% increase in stocking capacity. Measured by assessing & comparing pasture quality and quantity in deferred, seeded, lambing paddocks to those that have been grazed since break of season (traditional system).

b) Lamb & ewe survival - Modelled (and actual lambing % where possible) based on increased feed availability and condition scores.

c) Ewe condition post lambing- Measured in condition score of ewes, expected 0.5 CS increase.

2. Complete a cost benefit analysis to demonstrate the economic performance of the system, compared to traditional, standard grazing and management system.

3. Implement extension activities to increase the knowledge and skills of the 20 core producers, 300 observer producers and wider industry through:
• 3 field days
• 3 workshops
• 3 host case studies
• 1 guideline manual

4. Lead to an estimated 70% of core producers and 40% of observer producers making practice changes, while 60% of core producers and 40% of observers will increase knowledge and skills.

Key findings

The PDS has demonstrated:
• The value of the tough seasons package varies depending on the season
• Value predominately from the additional feed produced
• Deferred pastures had 170% higher Feed on Offer than the control pastures.
• Supplementary feeding costs, additional FOO resulting from deferment, and sheep production gave a $36.30/ha benefit compared to traditionally run mobs
• Cost of creating additional FOO ranged from $0 to $333 per hectare, reflecting the varied practices used
• Ewe and lamb survival increased by 1% (modelled to be 2%), ewe condition score post lambing increased by 0.2CS.
• Significant increases in producer knowledge, skills and confidence
• High adoption rates of condition scoring, deferred grazing, and sowing cereals into pastures

Benefits to industry

This PDS demonstrated clear benefits to industry with the project findings able to continue to be easily adopted beyond its lifespan. Benefits as a result of this project include:
• Increased knowledge, skills and confidence, as well as awareness
• Increased adoption rates
• Increased management flexibility
• Increased resilience, productivity and profitability within sheep systems
• Ability to run higher stocking rates (carrying capacity)
• Decreased hand feeding requirements
• Flexible package, that can be adapted to suit individual properties or businesses

MLA action

MLA continues to deliver the Producer Demonstration Site (PDS) program, supporting livestock producers working in peer-to-peer groups to pursue new skills, knowledge and management practices applicable to their own commercial livestock production systems.

Future research

Further adoption could be encouraged by continuing to share the project’s case studies and findings, while further investigation would be welcome into cereal pasture’s fertiliser and seed rates. There is a strong recommendation that a mix between producer demonstration site and research sites are needed- Producer led research run by people with experience running trials; on a producer scale, with flexibility to adapt to seasonal conditions (or farming mishaps), but with financing to ensure solid, scientifically sound results.