The autumn grazing management presentation demonstrates how stock can undermine the persistence of plants — leading to slower growing, thin pastures and weeds filing the gaps.
Agriculture Victoria grazing expert Fiona Baker highlights the importance of grazing management in the presentation, focusing on the principles and science behind using grazing rotations to grow more feed.
Ms Baker outlines the key changes that occur within the plant when rotationally grazing, which leads to healthy plants and higher quantities of dry matter per hectare.
The recording 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 to 2020 drought support package.
Another presentation in the series focuses on designing a five-star water supply and is 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.
He encourages farmers to consider all available supply options before committing to a major investment such as a bore, larger dam or reticulated water supply.
With a background in soil conservation, whole farm planning and on-farm water reticulation systems, Mr Sturmfels provides advice on calculating the water needs of a grazing enterprise, while also considering strategies for a dry season.
The Agriculture Victoria webinars available include:
● Autumn feed budgeting, with veterinary officer Dr Cathy Bunter: https://bit.ly/3eIss42● Autumn grazing management, with livestock extension officer Fiona Baker: https://bit.ly/3eIss42● Planning and designing a five-star water supply, with farm water specialist Clem Sturmfels: https://bit.ly/3dnmCF6
For more information, contact Tess McDougall at tess.mcdougall@agriculture.vic.gov.au or phone 0409 841 492.