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More than 200 Hunter Valley and South Coast farmers recently attended a spring series of field days and workshops promoting pasture management for weed control.
“The more competitive the pasture the lower the weed burden in the long run,” said Industry & Investment (I&I) NSW fireweed project officer, Craig Muir.

I&I beef livestock officer, Ian Blackwood, said improved pasture paid for itself.

 What Pastures Suit my Livestock?

Pastures used on small farms should match the environment (rainfall, elevation, temperature), soil type and livestock enterprise. If a farm has a number of livestock enterprises, pastures should match the predominant enterprise or a mix of pastures used that is suitable for all enterprises. Livestock feed requirements vary between species, age, class and fertility (pregnancy, milking, dry) status.

Grazing management can be defined as ‘where and when to move grazing animals’, but the reasons and strategies behind grazing systems are complex and require explanation. Grazing management needs to simultaneously consider the needs of the animal, the pasture, the land and farming business.

There is a lot of debate over whether or not slashing benefits pastures. Slashing is not a common practice on larger properties but it is often done on smaller properties, in many cases for reasons other than for improving the pasture.

Before slashing ask:
• Why are we doing it?

• Will it provide better grazing for stock?

• How much will it cost?

Consumer demand for chemical free and environmentally sound high quality produce is increasing. Organic food and farming is now being more widely recognised as an economically viable option to meet this demand.