In an era when farm costs are increasing, farm income is holding static and international markets are put to some risk, looking at all the options available becomes a priority for farmers.
Rotational grazing is one of those principles that deliver more feed and is the focus of a new online presentation from Agriculture Victoria.
The Autumn Grazing Management presentation demonstrates how stock can undermine the persistence of plants leading to slower growing, thin pastures and weeds or undesirable species filling the gaps.
“This is where grazing management is really important,” Agriculture Victoria grazing expert Fiona Baker said.
In the presentation, Ms Baker highlights the principles used to determine grazing rotations and the science behind using a rotation to grow more feed. She outlines the key changes that occur within the plant when rotationally grazing, which lead to healthy and vigorous plants, and in turn, to higher quantities of dry matter per hectare being available.
The Autumn Grazing Management presentation is one of three from a recent Agriculture Victoria webinar series, funded from the Victorian Government’s 2019–20 drought support package, which can be accessed below:
- Autumn feed budgeting, with Veterinary Officer Dr Cathy Bunter, recorded 6 May – https://youtu.be/ku83_M8syT8
- Autumn Grazing Management, with Livestock Extension Officer Fiona Baker, recorded 13 May – https://bit.ly/3eIss42
The third and most recent presentation in the series – Planning and designing a 5-star water supply – was presented by Agriculture Victoria farm water specialist Clem Sturmfels.
In the presentation Mr Sturmfels addresses water quality and quantity, climate impacts, water planning and design and encourages farmers to consider all available supply options before committing to a major investment such as a bore, larger dam or reticulated water supply.
The webinar also provides information about planning, designing, mapping and implementing a water supply system; the recording can be found here https://bit.ly/3dnmCF6
