Grazing Management options for improving profitability and sustainability. 2. Modelling to predict biological and financial outcomes

Grazing Management options for improving profitability and sustainability. 2. Modelling to predict biological and financial outcomes Conference Paper

Northern Beef Research Update Conference

• Author(s): Scanlan, J., MacLeod, N., Pahl, L., Whish, G., Cowley, R., McIvor, J.
• Published: 2011
• Publisher: North Australia Beef Research Council

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Abstract: A bio-economic modelling framework was developed to examine biophysical and economic impacts of several grazing management practices at a property level. These practices were: stocking rates and their adjustment; pasture resting and burning to manage unwanted woody growth. In general, stocking at or slightly below the long-term safe carrying capacity gave good pasture condition and good economic performance, compared to high stocking rates. Systems which limited annual changes in stock numbers to a modest increase (~10%) and a larger decrease (~40%) appear to give better economic performance and still maintain good pasture condition. However, a protracted sequence of poor years can lead to a large drop in animal numbers and with a slow buildup, the economic performance can be unsatisfactory. Pasture resting simulations showed that frequent and long rests were the most beneficial to pasture condition. Resting paddocks for 6 months, once every 4 years, was profitable and allowed pasture to improve if cattle were agisted. If cattle were ‘loaded up’ into other paddocks on the property, then some paddocks can suffer longterm damage. At moderate levels of woody cover and moderate rates of tree growth in reasonably productive land types, burning improved economic performance. A burn every 4 years may be sufficient to maintain woody cover at an acceptable level and maintain animal production and economic performance. This work has supported the findings of the review of literature by McIvor et al. (2011). More thorough analyses of completed trials and improvements in the ability of the framework to analyse real-world management practices are needed to gain further insights.

• Urls: https://publications.csiro.au/rpr/pub?list=BRO&pid=csiro:EP112709&sb=RECENT&expert=false&n=12&rpp=25&page=1&tr=13&dc4.creator=pahl%2C%20lester&dr=all, https://publications.csiro.au/rpr/download?pid=csiro:EP112709&dsid=DS3
• Publisher Location: Darwin, NT.