Using rotation to grow more feed

Understanding the principles behind grazing rotations that deliver more feed 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 filing 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 webinar recording also discusses setting up a rotation; grass characteristics; knowing how much feed is available on offer; when to remove stock; and the importance of rest periods.

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:

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.

Mr Sturmfels, whose background is in soil conservation, whole farm planning and on-farm water reticulation systems, provides advice on calculating the water needs of a grazing enterprise, while also considering strategies for a dry season or drought.

The webinar also provides information about planning, designing, mapping and implementing a water supply system.

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