NEW research indicates graziers can increase growth stocking rates per hectare by 20 per cent.
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The aim is to make use – and improve pasture production – to cope with the increase.
It is important to note whole-farm profitability of the 20-paddock system was lower than the other systems due to the higher infrastructure costs and a flexible approach to suit conditions was best.
- Warwick Badgery
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) research shows landholders can increase pasture growth, stocking rates and lamb production.
As part of the EverGraze program, DPI researchers developed key findings for graziers by investigating grazing management intensity and interactions with landscape variability to reflect real livestock production systems.
NSW DPI rangelands and tropical pastures leader Warwick Badgery said the trial compared continuous grazing on one paddock, rotational grazing on four paddocks and short-duration rotational grazing on 20 paddocks.
“Increasing grazing management intensity from one-paddock to a 20-paddock system lifted pasture growth by 21 per cent, which allowed stocking rates to be increased by 22 per cent,” Dr Badgery said.
“It is important to note whole-farm profitability of the 20-paddock system was lower than the other systems due to the higher infrastructure costs and a flexible approach to suit conditions was best.” Key findings from EverGraze showed while seasonal variability had a greater impact on profitability than grazing management strategies and systems, the right grazing management strategy could help cushion the impact of climate.
