P.PSH.1249 - Pardoo Beef Corporation Co innovation Program Phase 2

Summary

This project sought to identify and address key production issues inherent in a northern Australian Wagyu beef production system incorporating pasture and crops from irrigated land. Robust data collected over three years, involving soils, pastures and crops, and cattle performance, enabled identification over time of improved practice in each area of management.

Objectives

Major areas of focus included:
• Production system design (irrigated fodder optimisation, northern Australian feedlot operations).
• Environmental sustainability (soil, water and nutrient balance).
• Develop an innovation skills and resources plan to build capability to effectively implement the innovation strategies.
• Develop initiatives to support the cultural change required to deliver against innovation strategies.

Key findings

Key results included confidence in the sustainability of the irrigated agricultural production and the suitability of the Wagyu cattle genetics within the system. Benefits to the program and the wider northern beef industry included detailed information on pasture and crop inputs, monthly pasture growth rates, and cattle performance both grazing and in feedlot conditions. The costs of pasture, crop and beef production were identified, and practice modified in response.

Benefits to industry

The project identified and addressed key production issues inherent in a northern Australian Wagyu beef production system incorporating pasture and crops from irrigated land. Robust data collected over three years, involving soils, pastures and crops, and cattle performance, enabled identification over time of improved practice in each area of management.

The results of this research are a resource for key components of the Pardoo Wagyu production program and will apply to the wider northern Australian beef industry where related conditions exist.

Future research

MLA will continue supporting leading Australian red meat value chains to fast-track their innovation strategies with a deliberate focus on partners who share MLA’s strategic innovation focus areas.