Latest discussion papers and case studies
Ten issues to consider when addressing the balance between feed supply and demand (pdf - 139KB) Production vs ground cover tradeoffs in the Murrumbidgee region; (pdf - 488KB) Sacrificial grazing of wheat in the Western Australian wheatbelt; (pdf - 144KB) Using sorghum as a dual purpose crop by grazing rationed stubble in the Border Rivers region; (pdf - 380KB) Lucerne, stocking rate and seasonal risk in the Avon (pdf - 109KB) Using simulation to improve feedbase management in the summer dominant rainfall zone; (pdf - 152KB) Improving systems: a simulation analysis for lablab-wheat in the Border Rivers; (pdf - 147KB) Effect of lucerne phases in cropping rotations in the Corangamite / Glenelg-Hopkins region; (pdf - 409KB) Grazing cereal grain crops - a discussion paper for Grain & Graze; (pdf - 37KB); Perennial pastures in cropping rotations - a discussion paper for Grain & Graze (pdf - 112KB)
Closing the feed gaps
Improving feedbase distribution over the year and utilisation is the key focus for this research project.
Together, a team of CSIRO scientists and software experts are exploring feedbase management by identifying where feed gaps exist in current systems and how best to address them.
A farm's 'feedbase' is all the sources of livestock feed grown within the property, such as permanent and ley pastures, dual-purpose crops and crop stubbles.
Where are the feed gaps?
Working closely with Grain & Graze researchers, advisers and farmers, the CSIRO team is auditing feed sources in Australia's mixed farming systems to determine the quantity and quality of different feeds.
Feed gaps occur when the amount or quality of feed is insufficient to meet livestock requirements. By comparing the feed supply with the livestock demand, the project team will quantify the size and timing of 'feed gaps' in mixed farming systems.
Knowing when and how large the feed gaps are is vital for better feedbase management. Making the most of the feedbase throughout the year can reduce business risk and improve natural resource management outcomes.
How can feed gaps be closed?
Regional Grain & Graze teams have identified a range of ways in which the feedbase might be better managed. The project team will analyse the most promising of these options by:
- Assessing the impact on the feedbase of growing new feed sources. When will a new pasture species or dual-purpose crop provide feed and how reliable will it be?
- Finding opportunities to improve livestock production andperformance from the
existing feedbase. - Identifying possible changes to mixed farming systems to capitalise on new feed
sources. - Considerable opportunities exist for improving returns from livestock by better managing what is already grown.
- hanges to what farmers grow - essentially diversifying the farming system - can reduce marketing and climate risks.
CSIRO's agricultural simulation models will be used to pull the pieces of the puzzle together. As new ways of managing the feedbase are introduced, these powerful tools allow analysis of the tradeoffs and risks for grain, meat and wool production and for natural resource management.
The National Feedbase Project will provide Australia's mixed farmers with comprehensive information on feedbase management strategies to improve production, reduce risk, and enhance the management of natural resources.
Together with other Grain & Graze projects, it will help answer how the 'triple bottom line' of economic, environmental and social outcomes can be evaluated in the mixed farming regions of Australia.
Project Coordinators
Dr Michael Robertson
CSIRO
Private Bag 5,
Wembley WA 6913
Phone: (08) 9333 6461
Email: michael.robertson@csiro.au Dr Andrew Moore
CSIRO
GPO Box 1600,
Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: (02) 6246 5298