Theme 3-2: Livestock Production Systems--Poster Sessions
Description
A pathway is described in developing and improving the pastures on family-owned sheep and beef properties at sites near Blayney in central NSW. Initially, the twin approach of sowing perennial grasses, predominantly phalaris (Phalaris aquatica) with subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) plus the recommended addition of superphosphate fertiliser, was closely followed but within a decade ill-thrift in pastures and livestock occurred. Once the core problem of soil acidity was recognised, steps were taken to overcome this constraint with applications of lime. However, an additional modification involving the application of gypsum with lime had to be sorted out and applied. This approach is explained. While recent drought conditions on the Central Tablelands/Slopes have been a factor in reducing the productivity of district pastures, an important part of the problem is a consequence of many landowners not understanding the basic principles of plant and livestock nutrition, an unwillingness of some research/advisory agronomists to recognise the expertise of successful producers, and the implementation of various farmer subsidy and support schemes that appear to reward dependent producers rather than encouraging independence.
Included in
Free-Enterprise Farming on Grasslands in Central NSW, Australia
A pathway is described in developing and improving the pastures on family-owned sheep and beef properties at sites near Blayney in central NSW. Initially, the twin approach of sowing perennial grasses, predominantly phalaris (Phalaris aquatica) with subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) plus the recommended addition of superphosphate fertiliser, was closely followed but within a decade ill-thrift in pastures and livestock occurred. Once the core problem of soil acidity was recognised, steps were taken to overcome this constraint with applications of lime. However, an additional modification involving the application of gypsum with lime had to be sorted out and applied. This approach is explained. While recent drought conditions on the Central Tablelands/Slopes have been a factor in reducing the productivity of district pastures, an important part of the problem is a consequence of many landowners not understanding the basic principles of plant and livestock nutrition, an unwillingness of some research/advisory agronomists to recognise the expertise of successful producers, and the implementation of various farmer subsidy and support schemes that appear to reward dependent producers rather than encouraging independence.
