The most recently measured pasture growth rates from the Struan-based Pastures from Space project are presented in the attached table. You can see from the figures that pasture growth rates have tailed off significantly in recent weeks – an observation you have probably already made in your own paddocks. It is possible that the recent rain will kick pasture growth along again, especially in the perennial pastures, but in many cases pastures may already be reaching senescence and therefore slowing their growth. In fact, at Karoonda pasture growth has already stopped.
For more information on this project, that is investigating the accuracy and effective use of satellite-derived pasture growth rate data in near real-time across 33 paddocks from Strathdownie to Karoonda, contact research officer Liz Abraham, SARDI, Struan Agricultural Centre on (08) 87629100. Alternatively you can look at regional scale growth rate images and data at www.pasturesfromspace.csiro.au.

AUTHOR: Nick Edwards, SARDI, Struan.

CONTACT: Nick Edwards or Liz Abraham, Struan Reseaarch Centre, Telephone 8762 9100