Page 11 - DAF 254 Peer 2 Peer Case Studies

IN THE NEWS
Peer-to-peer groups converge to share grazing experiences
The Enhanced Extension Coordination in GBR project is supporting peer-to-peer groups of graziers in the Burdekin region build awareness of grazing management practices and build confidence and skills to trial new grazing practices.
Graziers in the two peer-to-peer groups are at staggered stages of their journey towards fit- for-purpose planned grazing therefore providing different perspectives on seasonal planning and subsequent management of cattle and pasture.
Earlier this year the groups converged for a two-day intensive on closing out dry season plans and exploring options to properly use the productive growing season ahead.
The group focused on each property in turn, discussing successes and missteps during the dry season.
NQ Dry Tropics Grazing Project Officers Sam Skeat and Linda Anderson, alongside Grazing Naturally principal Dick Richardson have been guiding graziers from both groups through seasonal grazing planning using paper based charts or the MaiaGrazing software.
Mr Skeat said the workshop benefited his more advanced graziers as it provided “fresh ears” and a chance to discuss different perspectives of managing cattle and pasture according to dry season plans.
Kale and Karin Robinson recently purchased Pallamana Station south of Charters Towers, and are gradually implementing their new vision for the grazing business.
“Listening and learning from other graziers who are already changing how they graze their stock is absolutely the best way to learn. It’s been really good for us personally, really useful,” Kale said.
Mr Skeat said thanks to funding from the Enhanced Extension Coordination project, NQ Dry Tropics could continue to support the use
of MaiaGrazing to help keep track of rainfall, pasture growth, pasture utilisation and planned herd shifts. “So far, being able to use actual data recorded by Maia has allowed us to better manage utilisation of country, make sound decisions on buying and selling stock, and comparing and evaluating effectiveness of moving towards a fit-for-purpose grazing system.”