Catchment:
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Murrumbidgee
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Collaborating Producer:
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Kay Bird
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Location:
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Ulandra Forrest, Bethuingra
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Producer Group:
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Site Co-ordinator:
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Janelle Jenkins
Murrumbidgee CMA
PO Box 189
Cootamundra NSW 2590
P: 02 6940 2944
M: 0427 639947
E: Janelle.jenkins@cma.nsw.gov.au
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Production and Environmental Challenges
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Purpose is to show that productivity gains can be made from perennial pastures and there are natural resource benefits can also be gained also (Recharge, groundcover, soil health), and that cost of establishment can be justified and give land managers the skills to successfully manage the “new” pasture base.
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Innovation being tested:
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Establishemnt of a number of Perennial Pasture Mixes in 2008 to get a better understanding of productivity and persistence in the Bethungra district from Phalaris, Fescue, cocksfoot, Lucerne, Chicory and sub clover varieties in various combinations. Lime at three rates has been demonstrated.
Grazing by sheep and cattle using BMP for the pasture mixes will be undertaken.
Lambing in late Winter/ early Spring merino ewes joined to both Merino and Terminal sires.
Pasture monitoring and livestock production (KG/HA, DSE/ Ha) will be monitored.
Super will be applied if required.
The main test is to see which perennial species persisit in this environment.
Soils are brown clay -loam with pH <5 & Al present. Rainfall avg 650mm. Paddocks have been winter crop in the past.
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Base pasture:
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Sown winter 2008 (NO COVER CROPS USED!).
Perennial species include: phalaris, tall fescue (Mediterranean cv’s), cocksfoot, lucerne, chicory and sub clover varieties in various combinations. Lime at 2 rates has been demonstrated.
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Animal systems:
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Merino Sheep joined to Merino and Terminal sires. Rotational grazing management so that the pastures are best utilised for lambing and weaning late spring.
The Luerne and chicory pastures can be used for finishing lambs or testing the “ovulation boosting” work also being trialled at EverGraze Wagga Proof Site to flush ewes prior to and during joining.
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