Pasture and fodder field walk in the West Kimberley
On 6 September, the Northern Beef Futures' Mosaic Agriculture team held a fieldwalk at the Water Corporation’s Broome North Wastewater Treatment Plant for pastoralists, agribusiness and consultants to view pasture and fodder trials.
Research conducted at the trial site aims to determine the production potential and feed quality for a range of irrigated pasture, fodder and crop options to broaden the feed base of northern beef grazing systems.
The trials also attempt to address through a simulated grazing trial, issues some pastoralist’s are having with stand and graze systems.
Department Beef Industry Development director Brad McCormick and Northern Beef Futures project Productivity and Profitability manager Trevor Price kicked-off the day by welcoming attendees to the field walk.
Senior research officer Clinton Revell commenced the field walk by going through the agronomy plots, providing information about research findings from the agronomy trials, including how each species has grown and the feed quality data received to date.
The findings initiated significant discussions between pastoralists and industry on different options stations may have on their own pivot operations.
The second part of the field walk was led by development officer Mariah Maughan, who introduced the current simulated grazing trial. Mariah highlighted some of the issues pastoralists are having with Rhodes grass pasture management for stand and graze systems.
Mariah also discussed the importance of moving away from hay management strategies for Rhodes grass in a stand and graze system, and the positive effects this can have on cattle weight gains.
Liveringa Station livestock manager Peter O'Brien had positive feedback about the field walk.
“Its great to see these trials going on by the NBF, I think we need them. Government departments have been distancing themselves from research and I found yesterday refreshing," Mr O'Brien said.
“Of particular interest to me was the issue they are having with stand and graze Rhodes. Good to see some exploration of alternative pastures, you have an enthusiastic team.”
The field walk was a great opportunity to share new research from the NBF project with industry and pastoralists, where is it of greatest use.
The Northern Beef Futures project is supported by Royalties for Regions.
For more information about mosaic agriculture trials in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions, contact senior research officer Clinton Revell on +61 (0)8 9368 3596, research officer Geoff Moore on +61(0)8 9368 3293 or email nbf@agric.wa.gov.au.