Pasture Solutions Project

Dr Doug Friend
Team Leader

Andrew Hamlet

Project Officer

Project Objective(s)
To develop and implement an extension program that provides the tools and knowledge to assist Tasmanian Wool producers to increase productivity, sustainability and profitability through the increased adoption of best or new pasture management technologies. Increase the adoption of new pasture management technologies through monitor farms and demonstration sites.

This will be achieved through:
? The identification of pasture management issues.
? Setting up, analysing, designing improvements and monitoring three monitor farmsthroughout the wool growing regions of Tasmania.
? Supporting producers associated with the monitor farm activities by providing resource material, and organising field days and training activities.
? The integration of other 8x5 Wool Profit projects and whole farm management issues (eg livestock & financial management) in the development of extension activities and resources.
? Newsletters, case studies and demonstration sites.

The problem or challenge
Poor persistence and low productivity of sown pastures, and degradation of native pastures severely limit the profitability of wool production on many farms in the medium to low rainfall (700 – 500 mm) extensive grazing areas of Tasmania. Trials in Tasmania's midlands suggest that increases in productivity of 20%, or in some situations of up to 50% may be expected by using better adapted pasture species. Similarly, trials on native grass pastures suggest that increases in productivity of up to 50% could be achieved through grazing management, while increases in productivity of over 100% could be achieved through application of super phosphate.

There have been opportunities for farmers to learn about new pasture management technologies to increase productivity (eg PROGRAZE). However, despite this there has been a low level of adoption of these technologies. Low adoption may be associated with the integration of new technologies into whole-farm systems, and the lack of continuing support for farmers to help "make sense" of the new technologies and implement them on their properties.

What this project does for wool producers
? Increases access to pasture and wool production specialists through monitor farm activities, field days and a range of training activities.
? Provides an opportunity for discussion regarding the most profitable and sustainable pasture and wool production management practices (between producers, extension officers, service providers and researchers).
? Conducts on farm demonstrations of best pasture management practice.
? Increases access to extension material through newsletters, fact sheets etc.
? Through pasture monitoring on the monitor farms the project provides information on pasture species composition (and change in composition) and pasture growth and utilisation.
? Adds to and complements past and current extension activities such as PROGRAZE and links to the 8x5 Wool Profit Program Fertiliser Audit Project.

Work completed by this project (22/03/04)
? Set up three monitor farms across wool growing districts of Tasmania, each with a board of management and a range of projects and on farm demonstrations.
? Organisation of eleven monitor farm activities/field days.
? Five monitor farm newsletters.
? A range of best practice pasture extension material.

Wool producers can become involved by contacting

Andrew Hamlet 03 6336 5263
E-mail: - Andrew.Hamlet@dpiwe.tas.gov.au

back to projects