Profitable Grazing Systems - State Coordinator Northern Territory and Northern Western Australia

Summary

MLA had identified that adoption of improved management practices and technology amongst red meat producers was often hampered by producers' lack of relevant skills and confidence.

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.

Despite these challenges, the broad concept of supported learning was considered to be an effective way to achieve adoption in northern regions and as such, this project supported a coordinator appointed for the Northern Territory/Northern Western Australia in September 2017. 

Objectives

The objective of this project was so appoint a PGS State Coordinator for the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia to effectively coordinate the implementation of Profitable Grazing Systems in NT/Northern WA, to ensure the program achieves its objectives.

Key findings

PGS in the Northern region has failed to meet any of its KPIs in the first phase of the project.

While the concept of supported learning is still regarded as most likely to achieve real, lasting change in management practices, adoption of technology and ultimately profitability, the implementation of the program needs continued improvements.

The primary reasons for the failure of Profitable Grazing Systems - Northern Territory and Norther Western Australia to date are the small number of producers and the even smaller number of deliverers.

Benefits to industry

The PGS State Coordinator for the Northern Territory and Northern Western Australia has been able to achieve a clear documentation of the market failures in the adoption sector for the north and identified potential solutions, which will be implemented at a later date.

MLA action

MLA will provide additional support to PGS deliverers for marketing, development of online resources and administration.

Future research

Future work should focus on restructuring funding of PGS packages so that deliverers are provided with upfront funding to (partially) cover development/adaptation costs with final payment based on actual delivery.

New northern adoption managers are required to liaise closely with NT DPIR and WA DPIRD to ensure collaboration and enhancement of extension and adoption activities.