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L.PGS.2007 | Delivery PGS TRT Tasmania

Did you know, pasture management is the fundamental skill that determines the profitability of pasture based grazing systems and is the key driver of stocking rate?

Project start date: 21 November 2019
Project end date: 29 November 2021
Publication date: 16 May 2023
Project status: Completed
Livestock species: Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Lamb
Relevant regions: Tasmania

Summary

Profitable Grazing Systems (PGS) was designed to overcome these barriers through the use of 'supported learning' methodology where small groups of producers work with a dedicated 'coach' to learn, practice and implement new skills relevant to their business.

Pasture management is the fundamental skill that determines the profitability of pasture based grazing systems and is the key driver of stocking rate.

Objectives

Delivery to consist of two theory workshop days, plus six on-farm coaching sessions.

The objectives of the project are as follows:

  • Upskill livestock producers to be able to confidently measure leaf emergence rate and feed availability, and assess animal condition score.
  • Increase understanding of pasture plant morphology and physiology (growth, response to water and fertiliser and grazing).
  • Increase understanding and ability to calculate animal requirements.
  • Increase producer's understanding of allocating feed and planning rotations.
  • Assist producers to develop a feed budget (using the Macquarie Franklin feed budget tool).
  • Assist producers to do simple cost-benefit calculations to understand the financial implications of decisions about feeding livestock.

Benefits to industry

The purpose of the delivery program is to overcome production barrier in pasture management by using small groups of producer-coach training methods to learn, practice and implement new skills to their business.

Future research

For more information

Contact Project Manager: Elizabeth Thelander

E: ethelander@mla.com.au