Mallee Region, NSW, Vic and SA

Project contact: Roy Latta, phone (03) 5091 7246, email Roy.Latta@dpi.vic.gov.au

The first phase of this project evaluates the production impact of management decisions in relation to different feed scenarios. It aims to develop a feed-based animal production information package incorporating an economic analysis.

The project has already produced a photographic guide to annual pastures for low-rainfall sheep production, and a publication exploring the management of sheep production from a changing feedbase.

In the second phase, researchers aim to define the production responses of sheep and pastures at different stocking rates while utilising lucerne/forage crops as 10 % of the pasture area, and measuring the subsequent impact on crop profitability.

Field-based research on the sustainability of a mixed farming system limited by an increasing cropping emphasis will also be provided, along with an evaluation of higher stocking rates over the growing season through utilising perennial pastures, dual-purpose annual field crops and grazing management strategies.

The research undertaken in this project will support management of increased stocking rates on Mallee winter-grazed pastures compared to the current stocking rate level produced, comparable gross margins to cereal crops and will also provide an important enterprise diversity option.

The project is supported by Mallee Sustainable Farming and Victorian Department of Primary Industries.