The sun was out for the July Grazing Matcher meeting at the Payne Farm in Metricup last week.
A healthy discussion on the influence of soil type and residual phosphorus in south-west soils was led by Joel Hall, from Department of Water & Environmental Regulation. The group had lots of interesting questions about how fertilising can affect water quality in the Geographe catchment.
Then it was out to the paddock and our farmers put some of the Grazing Matcher principles into practice. Firstly condition scoring sheep to determine the nutritional wellbeing of the flock, then reviewing weed control and pasture growth.
Dan Parnell gave farmers an insight into how to determine the cost of production and measuring farm operational costs. It was a real eye opener for all, considering the rising price of many farming expenditures.
The successful program helps to increase farmer knowledge and skills in best practice grazing management to improve productivity and profits while minimising impacts to the environment.
Thanks to Meat & Livestock Australia Profitable Grazing Systems, Western Beef Association Inc. and South West Catchments Council (SWCC).
