HOLISTIC grazing management techniques have shown positive results for two farmers in the SA Murray-Darling Basin region.
Demonstration sites have been established at the two properties, in Finniss and Kyeema, to trial holistic grazing management techniques and monitor the response of perennial pastures, as part of the Natural Resources SA Murray-Darling Basin Marginal to Mainstream project.
Natural Resources SAMDB project officer Hannah Keynes said holistic grazing was a management technique, which helped farmers consider all parts of a grazing system like the ecosystem, animal production and economics in their decision making.
“The aim is to offer innovative and tested methods of grazing and grassy understorey management to improve pasture production and composition, biological activity and livestock production,” she said.
“The two demonstration sites were established with technical advice from renowned Grazing Naturally consultant Dick Richardson.
“Mr Richardson presented at a number of field walks throughout the project, introducing landholders to holistic grazing management principles and how to implement these on-farm to address specific soil, pasture and animal health issues.”
The progress on each property was monitored over the year and there were positive results.
“Observations made at the field walks at both properties indicated the sites were beginning to transform as a result of the changed grazing management, including better pasture utilisation, increased root depth and more porous and friable soils,” Ms Keynes said.
Mr Richardson will be visiting the region again for two field walks on June 6 and 7 in Keyneton and Mount Torrens.
The field walks will include an introduction to holistic grazing management along with discussions on practical ways of implementing the principles.
Landholders involved in the Marginal to Mainstream project will also share the changes they have made and the results they have seen through working with Mr Richardson.
The Marginal to Mainstream project is supported by the SAMDB Natural Resources Management Board, through funding from the National Landcare Programme.
