On December 11th thirty-five farmers and consultants converged on a property south of Mannanarie to hear about grazing management, as part of a Prograze course, which will commence officially in mid February 2008.

The session included information about different grazing management practices for various rainfall zones, assessing stubble and pasture feed levels and maintaining surface cover. Stubble and pasture feed levels can change considerably over summer depending on how dense the fodder is, grazing intensity, feed value and in the case of stubbles, how much they break down.

A paddock containing native grasses was visited and management options discussed. Many native grass species are perennial and summer-active at a time when annual species are not. This gives native grasses the advantage of providing valuable stock feed over summer. Native grasses are also more productive when rotationally grazed.

The afternoon included a ‘hands on’ opportunity to learn how to condition-score sheep confidently. Matching livestock condition with stock feed demand (even to just maintain condition) is a valuable tool for any livestock producer. Information is available to help determine stock condition and feed quality.  For example feed testing will assist in determining a paddocks carrying capacity to meet livestock nutrition requirements.

AUTHOR: Charlton Jeisman, Sustainable Ag Systems Consultant, Rural Solutions SA

CONTACT: Charlton Jeisman, Rural Solutions SA Jamestown Office, Telephone: (08) 8664 1408, Email: jeisman.charlton@saugov.sa.gov.au