3D weed management

African Lovegrass Case Studies Four Case Studies of Farmers Managing African Lovegrass in Grazing Systems

HELPING PRODUCERS TO MANAGE WEEDS IN GRAZING SYSTEMS Introduction

Contents: Page

Case Study 1 - David and Judy Goggin, “Billilingra”, Bredbo, New South Wales 3 - 5

Case Study 2 - Shaun and Maria Beasley, “Emu Park” and “Albert Park”, Bairnsdale, Victoria 6 - 8

Case Study 3 - Robert and Joanne Duff, “Filmore” and “Gumbara”, Tenterfield, New South Wales 9 - 11

Case Study 4 - Kerry and Susie Pfeiffer, “Greenmount”, Candelo, New South Wales 12 - 14

African lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) is a highly African lovegrass seed can be spread short persistent summer growing, perennial tussock distances by wind and is also dispersed by grass that competes directly with spring, animals, machinery, vehicles and in hay. summer and autumn growing pastures and crops for moisture, sunlight and nutrients. When maintained in the leafy, early vegetative stage, African lovegrass can be a useful nutritious plant which is palatable to livestock. However, due to its capacity for very high growth rates during spring this palatability can quickly decline as the plant matures. Case Study 1 - Bredbo, New South Wales

Case Study 1 - Billilingra David and Judy Goggin, “Billilingra”, Bredbo, New South Wales

David Goggin, his brother Will and their wives Judy and Anne run a mixed grazing operation, which is best known for its Poll Hereford stud, Billilingra.

The production system and generate extra farm income to David and Will tried to control the weeds The Goggins run 250 Poll Hereford cows accommodate his and his brother’s during the 1970s by chipping individual and 1,800 Merino ewes. 400 of the return to the farm. His main weed focus African lovegrass plants and spot Merino ewes are joined to South African was serrated tussock. spraying serrated tussock over 4,046 ha, Merino Mutton (SAMM) rams on their but the African lovegrass was spreading 4,400 ha property. On Billilingra, African lovegrass is at rapid rate. The catalyst for its real believed to have spread by livestock explosion on Billilingra came “with a run Soils on the property are predominantly being moved from Michelago near of dry years” in the late 1970s. light sandy loams of low fertility and Canberra via Colinton to the Snowy low water holding capacity. Billilingra Mountains lease country. Billilingra has Today, the African lovegrass situation at has 50 ha of alluvial river flats along extensive double river frontage to the Billilingra can be described as a heavy the Murrumbidgee River with 28 ha of Murrumbidgee River and stock were infestation (more than 25% ground irrigated pastures. watered there along the way. There cover) over 60% of the property. were already dense stands of African Billilingra has been in family ownership lovegrass at Colinton. According to David, two factors have for 52 years and the brothers have been largely contributed to the explosion of involved in its management since the The Goggins first became aware of African Lovegrass over the past mid-1970s. As the farm is located in a African lovegrass in the mid-1970s but 20 years: drier part of the district, the Goggins are certain it had been present for some have come to appreciate the importance time. ➜➜Seasonal conditions that reduced of rainfall to a sustainable and pasture growth and vigour, favouring the At that time, most research was being productive farming operation. Frequent spread of African lovegrass. droughts have been interspersed directed into control of serrated tussock. ➜➜Reduced fertiliser applications in the with occasionally good but only short- It was only in the mid to late 1980s that lived growing seasons. Coupled with African lovegrass attracted the attention past 10 years in response to challenging very cold winters, this has placed of Dr Malcolm Campbell from the economic circumstances. considerable strain on both the land and NSW Department Primary Industries at Over 40% of the 4,400 ha property has its resources. Orange. Some of his original research been sown to introduced pastures over on herbicide control options and the past 30 years and many of these are methodology for African lovegrass was now dominated by African lovegrass. African lovegrass undertaken jointly with the Bredbo When David began running the farm Landcare Group, of which David and Will in 1973 he knew nothing about African were active members. lovegrass. His main priority at the time was trying to lift productivity

3 Case Study 1 - Bredbo, New South Wales

The incentive to act Failure to increase the grazing pressure Use of supplements during peak growth periods for African David and Will Goggin are highly To better utilise the poor quality lovegrass allows it to become more regarded throughout the district for their feed, David and Will offer a variety of dominant the following year. farm management. They are respected supplements to their animals during and admired for their personal integrity winter. Supplements are now regarded and community consciousness. These Pastures and cropping as “a big and vital part of today’s personal traits have been the basis for Major limitations of African lovegrass as operation”. their desire to control both serrated a forage plant are its poor winter growth tussock and African lovegrass - a sense and susceptibility to frost. For practical and logistical reasons, of “doing the right thing”. sheep are provided with urea-based In order to address their worsening mineral blocks. The direct impact of these weeds, in winter feed gap, David and Will plant terms of productivity losses and control forage cereals such as grazing oats or With the exception of the stud animals, costs, has also been a strong motivator. winter wheat for two to three years. cattle are fed a commercial dry mineral This helps to reduce the seed burden of lick known locally as “McCosker The Goggins have redirected their fight African lovegrass before sowing to an Brew” containing various minerals and against African lovegrass to a controlled introduced perennial pasture. nutrients. This has been very effective in management strategy based upon increasing the utilisation of low quality utilisation as they feel eradication is The first crop of each rotation is pasture and roughage through winter at no longer feasible. Their eradication established using conventional low cost. strategy continues unabated against cultivation due to the physical difficulty serrated tussock. of direct drilling through the thick mat of David said he ran one mob of heifers all African lovegrass. Subsequent crops and winter solely on African lovegrass with the pasture phase may be direct drilled. McCosker Brew and they came out Diversity in the “looking pretty good”. Determining which paddocks are approach used for cropping and sowing to Herbicides Over the past 30 years, David and pasture is based on the level of weed Herbicides, including both flupropanate Will have adopted various control and infestation and the overall level of forage and glyphosate, are used on individual management practices, most of which production. Most pastures are sown isolated plants in cleaner and more have regrettably had limited success to a ‘shotgun’ mix of phalaris, fescue, productive country, especially along the against this weed, which is well adapted cocksfoot and lucerne. river flats and irrigated land. However, to their farm’s environment. spot spraying is generally limited due to David is “forever trying to find the size of the problem. They have decided that the best something which is persistent and approach is to learn how to operate with competitive” and is prepared to forego Particularly dense stands of African the plant as a dominant pasture species some production for this. He has found lovegrass, where plants are large in most paddocks. that lucerne seems to “hang on longer” and occupy 100% groundcover, are and, being a perennial legume, appears sometimes sprayed with glyphosate Grazing management able to improve the overall quality of the using a boom. They are sprayed when pasture, including that of the African To better utilise the rapid spring and the weed is green to reduce the bulk lovegrass which is then utilised more and vigour and to allow desirable summer growth of the African lovegrass effectively. and keep the plant green and leafy for species to grow in the absence of as long as possible, David and Will apply competition. Damage to non-target While this approach is designed to species is minimal as the large bulk a strategy of high density grazing to suppress the African lovegrass, it is not specific paddocks. of African lovegrass absorbs all of the uncommon for the weed to re-invade herbicide. Annual species are especially after two to three years and dominate Grazed paddocks are maintained at a responsive, particularly in higher fertility the sown perennial pasture within five situations. high stocking rate (65-75 DSE ha) for to six years. 6-8 weeks from about mid-October to Burning December. They are usually stocked In earlier times, those areas of the with a combination of both cattle and paddock which could not be cropped, Dense infestations are burnt during sheep. such as rocky knolls, gullies and autumn or late winter to reduce the bulk fencelines, were sprayed to prevent of the standing dry feed and encourage This approach is constrained by the re-invasion. David said that this was an growth of other pasture species. cost of fencing and, most importantly, “absolute waste of time” due to the watering points. high level of seed reserves in the soil.

4 Case Study 1 - Bredbo, New South Wales

Burning is used in spring to allow stock Keys to success easier access to the actively growing Summary Success cannot be defined in terms green matter, which has much higher David and Will Goggin have been of eradication or the extent of weed feed quality. Stocking rates can be managing two weeds, African lovegrass control. For the Goggins, success lies increased with the higher growth rates and serrated tussock, on their Bredbo in accepting African lovegrass as part of of the African lovegrass. property, Billilingra, for over thirty years. their production system and learning to make best use of it. Benefits and costs Despite their efforts, eradication of African lovegrass has become The Goggins’ primary management A management system was developed impossible and they are now managing it costs for African lovegrass have been to take advantage of the physical to make the best use of it for grazing. identified as feed supplements for characteristics of African lovegrass sheep to allow them to graze the weed which enable it to thrive in this Managing African lovegrass requires: and the cost of planting the forage crops environment. for the cattle. ✔✔Maximising use of its active growth David Goggin concedes that if they had periods during spring and summer when Feeding supplements to the sheep their time over they would “certainly do “you only need a sniff of moisture and allows David and Will to derive grazing things differently” with regard to African value from the African lovegrass during lovegrass. you have instant green feed”. winter. These supplements cost an ✔✔Improving utilisation of the dry feed estimated $3,000 per year. In spite of David firmly believes that it is essential in winter through the use of appropriate this, his sheep numbers have fallen by to “go hard early”. He said that if African supplements. around 33%. This decline in carrying lovegrass is not eradicated when there capacity has led to a current annual loss are still only a few isolated plants, it will in wool income of around $56,000 and quickly get a foothold and be impossible Their situation with African lovegrass loss in sheep sales income of $35,000. to eliminate. It can quickly invade and highlights the invasive threat of this The total impact of African lovegrass on dominate pastures. weed, the importance of treating it early the sheep enterprise is a loss of around and the need for a different management $94,000 per year. David’s other regret relates to using a approach if it is already well established. hoe to chip individual plants in the early The cattle enterprise has been stages of invasion. This was driven by a maintained over time due to the use desire to “do the right thing” and a lack Top tips ✔ of the forage crop to increase feed of understanding of both the weed and David’s advice to someone else in this availability. The forage crop costs of suitable alternative control measures. situation would be: $20,000 per year protect the cattle enterprise from a decline in carrying He now thinks that this probably ✔✔“Go hard early” to eradicate plants. capacity estimated to be worth $56,000 achieved little and may have enhanced ✔✔“Use chemical eradication” at early per year. Therefore, their net benefit its spread due to the physical stage invasion, spot spraying before it from maintaining this enterprise is disturbance of the ground, which becomes well established. currently around $36,000 per year. possibly encouraged more seedlings to establish. If he had his time over, ✔✔Seek as much information as possible Annual costs and benefits of David would be more inclined to use a to make informed decisions. weed management herbicide such as flupropanate but little ✔✔When the situation is much past the was known about the weed at the time. isolated scattered plant stage it is too Costs late to eradicate; change your mind set Supplementary feed The future now requires fine tuning for sheep $3,000 of the production system which and learn how to live with it. focuses upon management of African Decreased sheep carrying lovegrass as a forage species. David capacity (lost wool and is especially interested in alternative sheep sales) $94,000 systems of grazing management and Forage crops for cattle $20,000 supplementary feeding. Benefits Avoided loss of cattle carrying capacity $56,000 Annual net loss -($61,000)

5 Case Study 2 - Bairnsdale, Victoria

Case Study 2 - Emu Park & Albert Park Shaun and Maria Beasley, “Emu Park” and “Albert Park”, Bairnsdale, Victoria

Shaun Beasley and his wife Maria own two properties near Bairnsdale in the Gippsland region of eastern Victoria. They have owned Albert Park since the 1980s and Emu Park since 1993.

The production system Shaun first experienced African at Emu Park is described by Shaun as lovegrass when he bought Albert Park “manageable”, it is still at “tipping point” The two properties have a total area in the mid-1980s. He knew nothing and could easily degenerate. of 2,350 ha - 1,700 ha at their home about the weed and was only moved to property, Emu Park, and 650 ha at Albert identify the plant when he noticed that Park, 27 km away. The East Gippsland environment is “stock weren’t eating it”. well suited to the spread of African lovegrass. Soils at both Emu Park and Shaun is a specialist Merino breeder and At the time of purchase, African Albert Park have a sandy loam texture currently runs a total of lovegrass was already well established with low water holding capacity. Rainfall 20,000 dry sheep equivalents (DSEs) throughout much of Albert Park, is naturally quite high (> 600mm) over the two properties. His goal is to as scattered, mature plants. It was but tends to be irregular and falls increase production substantially. particularly common in paddocks predominantly in summer. adjacent to roads and on the poorer, Emu Park and Albert Park are run jointly sandy soil types. A significant seed and integrated into the overall sheep The incentive to act bank would have built up in the lighter operation but they have two distinct Shaun and Maria have set a simple textured soils. management systems. Emu Park is management goal for both properties - primarily used for breeding and Albert to maximise productivity and profitability The African lovegrass infestation has Park is dedicated to running wethers of the sheep breeding enterprise, with a been exacerbated by a combination of and has a small area of cropping. focus on wool production per hectare. drought, and associated decrease in groundcover, together with summer Shaun is committed to addressing African lovegrass rainfall events, which favour the weed’s any factor which inhibits this goal or While African lovegrass is present on growth relative to most other pasture impacts upon the economic bottom line, both properties, the weed situation species. especially those factors over which he is quite distinct for each property has direct management control. and requires different management Armed with this experience, when approaches. Shaun acquired Emu Park in 1993 African lovegrass represents one such he undertook a ruthless eradication factor that Shaun believes is capable of At Emu Park, African lovegrass is campaign, which has been more both reducing pasture productivity and currently under control but is at risk of effective than his Albert Park efforts. This the profitability of his farm. taking over the pasture. The weed has is due in part to a smaller initial weed been present at Albert Park for a longer problem at Emu Park, together with period and is more widespread. a more concerted program from the outset. Nevertheless, while the situation

6 Case Study 2 - Bairnsdale, Victoria

Driven by a strong desire to maximise Diversity in the by African lovegrass. Kikuyu has been the productivity of his farm, Shaun found to provide adequate and effective said that the low palatability of approach competition to African lovegrass at Emu African lovegrass when compared to Park. other pasture species was the main Since the discovery of African lovegrass on the properties during the 1980s, catalyst for an ongoing commitment to Throughout the remainder of the Shaun has investigated a range of controlling the weed. property, where soil types are slightly possible control options. He trialled heavier, perennial pastures are sown to several strategies, many of which were Albert Park carries about 10 DSE/ha. a pasture mix, with control of African unproven due to the limited knowledge Shaun estimates that, despite a lovegrass top of mind. Shaun chooses of the weed in those earlier years. Since concerted control program, African a base of phalaris with other species, that time, more has been learnt about lovegrass has reduced productivity such as tall fescue, that can respond to the biology of the weed and suitable on Albert Park by 5%. Without his summer rain. control practices. commitment of 20 to 30 labour days per year for spot spraying, Shaun Shaun is convinced of the necessity Shaun’s control program has, to date, believes that the loss of production to enhance the vigour and productivity focused on a careful spot spraying would ‘easily have doubled’ to a 10% of sown pastures, through regular program, complemented by growing decline in stocking rate. The same labour fertiliser application. As a result, the competitive pastures species. commitment at Emu Park has further whole property receives 125 kg/ha of reduced the impact on carrying capacity superphosphate annually. but Shaun feels that it is nevertheless Herbicides equally as vulnerable. Shaun has implemented a regular spot In a bid to increase the impact of spraying program for African lovegrass his weed control efforts, Shaun is While economics and profitability are on Albert Park for over 20 years. The investigating a number of alternative major drivers, Shaun acknowledges weed has been conscientiously sprayed management options at Albert Park, that he is also motivated by a strong every year, often requiring around including cropping. He is considering sense of personal and professional 20-30 days labour and 150-200 litres of growing spring-sown cereal crops, pride. This affects all aspects of his farm herbicide. such as barley, and dual purpose management, especially weeds. winter wheat, before sowing improved The choice of herbicide has represented perennial pastures. the only change in the control of African Deliberation lovegrass on Albert Park during the past Like all farming decisions, the first 20 years. Shaun prefers glyphosate for consideration with these crops is to The control strategy adopted by spot spraying and has more recently increase farm productivity, with an Shaun for African lovegrass is one used the higher strength formulation. added weed control benefit. that he describes as the “fire brigade” approach. That is, “when disaster Based on past experience, Shaun Grazing management strikes, do something about it.” prefers not to use flupropanate because A further management change that of the residual effect that restricts Shaun is contemplating at Albert Park In saying this, Shaun is quick to point pasture growth for several years after is to implement a planned rotational out that the emphasis is to “find out treatment. He also found that two or grazing program for the wethers over what it is; how to get rid of it; and then three years later, the African lovegrass summer. do something about it.” In Shaun’s situation had not improved. situation, this has meant adopting a This strategy, which is supported by proactive approach to eliminating the Despite his meticulous approach to positive trial results from the Victorian weed. spot spraying for weed control, Shaun Department of Primary Industries (DPI), believes that the situation with African is designed to maintain higher levels of Shaun feels that in the 1980s, very little lovegrass today is “probably worse” groundcover over summer and autumn, was known about controlling the weed than it was when he started trying on lighter textured soils, as stocking in Victoria and it was more a matter to control it. The lack of meaningful rates are increased. of trial and error. The management progress, after 20 years of management, procedures that were known involved does not sit well with Shaun, who The down side to this management adopting a policy of selective removal, takes pride in his professional option is, in Shaun’s opinion, the need to by spot spraying using the herbicide accomplishments. flupropanate. maintain consistently high stocking rates during spring and summer, to prevent Pastures and cropping the plant from seeding. Kikuyu has been planted on lighter sandy ridges and in those areas of paddocks that are vulnerable to invasion

7 Case Study 2 - Bairnsdale, Victoria

Summary Even imposing a short rest from grazing Annual costs and benefits of as part of a rotational grazing plan will weed management Shaun has managed African lovegrass by allow the African lovegrass to produce regular and conscientious spot spraying viable seed, which may compound the Costs and encouraging competitive pastures. weed problem. Chemicals $1,400 For the past 13 years, this has kept African Labour (30 days @ $30/hr) $7,200 lovegrass under control at Emu Park. The Benefits situation at Albert Park highlights the Diligence Avoided 5% loss of carrying fact that early detection and treatment is An ongoing need to be vigilant is capacity $24,800 critical to success. On that farm, where paramount at Emu Park. Shaun is only the level of initial infestation was higher, too aware of the potential risk posed Annual net benefit $16,200 20 years of treatment has been less by African lovegrass, from his own successful. personal experiences at Albert Park. He Keys to success is determined to avoid a similar problem The weed situations at Emu Park and at Emu Park. Albert Park highlight the importance of early action to control African lovegrass. Top tips ✔ The greatest threat comes from the 16 km of public roads that surround and Shaun’s suggestions to other farmers As each property has been subjected to traverse Emu Park and the property’s include: a similar weed management approach extensive creek frontage. These support over a considerable period of time, the ✔✔Accept responsibility for the weeds on further incursions of African lovegrass major difference can be attributed to and represent a major threat of seed your own property – it’s all about self help. the initial level of infestation. If African spread. ✔✔Learn to identify all of the weeds on lovegrass is allowed to “get away” and create a seed bank in the soil (as your property, especially African lovegrass. Shaun is proactive in encouraging the was the case at Albert Park, before the ✔ local authorities to control the roadside ✔Implement control measures Beasleys bought it), it is very difficult infestations through a regular spraying immediately – don’t wait or procrastinate. to eradicate. This is especially the case program. ✔✔Recognise that high fertility and when the environment and soil type favour the weed’s growth, and where vigorous perennial pastures are your best Benefits and costs defence. it can actively compete with existing The control costs for African lovegrass pasture species. ✔✔Pay careful attention to those areas of are relatively high, particularly for labour. the property with poorer soils, low fertility Shaun estimated his annual control cost Shaun is in two minds about the and bare ground – these are a haven for at $8,600, including $1,400 for herbicide African lovegrass situation on his African lovegrass. costs and $7,200 for labour, based on two properties. At Emu Park he 30 days at $30 per hour. is confident that a combination of ✔ When spot spraying, glyphosate ✔ removal of individual plants, together is a useful and practical alternative to The benefits of Shaun’s strategy with a planned program of pasture flupropanate. are reflected in the farm carrying development and fertiliser application, ✔✔Seek expert knowledge and technical capacity. Shaun has indicated that, will enable him to keep the weed under assistance to develop your strategy to had management of African lovegrass control. Nevertheless, he still describes not been implemented, the carrying the situation as being “on a knife’s edge”. implement more effective control practices. capacity across the two properties This provides much needed confidence in would have declined by an additional Conversely, at Albert Park, “the decision making. 5%. Based on this, it is estimated that jury is still out”. Despite an ongoing the value derived from efforts to control commitment to controlling African African lovegrass on the two properties lovegrass, over 20 years the situation over the past 20 years are worth has not improved and may get worse. $24,800 each year. Shaun feels that a number of This value represents income that Shaun planned alternative management is earning on carrying capacity, that may strategies including cropping, pasture not have been available had the weed renovation and more intensive grazing not been managed. management, may well determine the future situation with this weed.

8 Case Study 3 - Tenterfield, New South Wales

Case Study 3 - Filmore and Gumbara Robert and Joanne Duff, “Filmore” and “Gumbara”, Tenterfield, New South Wales

Robert and Joanne Duff manage two properties just east of Tenterfield – Filmore, a home block of 140 ha, and Gumbara, with 210 ha. These properties were bought by Robert’s family 10 years ago.

The production system African lovegrass Robert is actively involved in Landcare. The Duffs have planted trees along The cattle enterprise that they run African lovegrass is common in parts of many fencelines to provide shelter belts across these two properties is managed the Tenterfield district. and shade on what had been a heavily with a flexible balance of breeding, cleared farm. Envirofund grants have trading and finishing, taking advantage The summer-growing African lovegrass assisted with erosion control works and of prices and seasonal pasture growth. is now so dense on 80% of Filmore that control of Coolatai grass (Hyparrhenia it has become the dominant pasture. It hirta) along the highway. Typically they run 100 breeders and was widely established when the Duff’s 200 dry cattle, turning off about 80 head bought the farm 10 years ago. Robert and his family have accepted that as weaners or vealers, depending on eradicating African lovegrass at Filmore price. Each year they grow out Low levels of African lovegrass are is not feasible and they are finding ways 100-150 head, buying in some of these. found on Gumbara and Robert is trying to better manage and use it. to prevent it from establishing there. Gumbara has primarily native pastures while Filmore is dominated by African Robert’s main concern with African lovegrass. Historically these pastures lovegrass is its low winter productivity. Deliberation were fertilised with 110kg/ha of single Its prolific summer growth produces Initially Robert set about eradicating superphosphate but now fertilisers are an abundance of feed but it is of very African lovegrass at Filmore by spraying applied as required after soil testing. The little value in winter. Its dense growth in then establishing new pastures, which soils are acid with high aluminium levels spring and autumn inhibits the growth was expensive and had little success. so Robert is trialling a natural fertiliser of other winter grasses, significantly product with the aim of adjusting the pH reducing carrying capacity. Robert tried to learn as much as he balance and replacing required nutrients. could about control and management Robert claimed that he “could run of African lovegrass. He was surprised A mix of rotational grazing in summer 500 cattle in summer and only 50 in to find that there was little information and set stocking in winter is used to winter.” available through the “normal channels”. manage African lovegrass and ease the winter feeding. The incentive to act As a result, Robert’s system has been Robert’s goals for the farm combine developed largely by trial and error and immediate and longer term views. He through discussions with other farmers. aims to get as much production as possible from the farms while improving Robert’s Landcare group has trialled a the farm for the next generation. He range of solutions, helped by having “a hopes to leave the farm productive, great Coordinator”. viable and in better condition than when they found it.

9 Case Study 3 - Tenterfield, New South Wales

NSW Department of Primary Industries Robert spot sprays to kill plants and stop Fertiliser options are being trialled to (NSW DPI) trials on acid soils were seed set. Initially a mix of flupropanate enhance winter clover and grass growth. conducted at Filmore to try to and glyphosate was used but Robert More nitrogen is needed to meet the understand whether acidity influenced now uses only glyphosate, as he was demand for the breakdown of mulch. African lovegrass. The trials concluded concerned about the potential risk of that liming appeared to have a little residues in cattle from flupropanate. Interestingly, Robert has observed effect. that cattle will intensively graze some Quarantine patches of African lovegrass while In the past many farmers in the district leaving other patches less grazed. Quarantines are established to reduce burnt African lovegrass to control it, but Cattle return to re-graze these preferred seed movement. when used alone, fire tended to create patches while avoiding areas where the a monoculture of African lovegrass as grass has grown tall. There’s no clear Cattle are not moved between the farms it responded best to the fire compared explanation for this selective grazing during summer when African lovegrass to other species. Filmore had been behaviour. is seeding. Cattle are usually bred at cultivated and left fallow for some time Gumbara and finished and sold from by the previous owner and this seems Filmore. Generally only breeders are to have helped the African lovegrass to moved back to Gumbara from Filmore. Diligence establish more densely. Robert aims to keep the African The Duffs have drawn on ideas from Grazing management lovegrass short. As soon as it flowers, cropping rotations in western areas. The At Filmore the goal is to manage African its feed value declines dramatically. local Landmark agronomist has helped lovegrass to get the most grazing value them to trial alternative approaches. from it. The timing of spot spraying is critical to reach it before seed is set. While there was information available During summer, cattle are moved in on how to kill African lovegrass, Robert mobs of 100 head to crash graze small In peak periods, Robert found it difficult was frustrated by the lack of information paddocks (divided by electric fencing) to balance the workloads of spot about longer term control programs. for 7-10 days. They rotate back into spraying, slashing and contracting work these paddocks after about a month. he does for other farmers. To be sure Eventually Robert accepted that While this is too long in a good season that everything happens on time, he has eradication of African lovegrass was to keep African lovegrass short, to employed casual labour to spot spray. not a feasible option at Filmore. He bring the cattle in any earlier would now aims to reduce its dominance and require increased stock numbers during While mulching is working well to manage it to maintain palatability and summer. maintain feed value, there is a high build feed value for as long as possible. up of mulch that is slow to breakdown, Calving is timed to best match the making it difficult to slash. Robert has At Gumbara, Robert still aims to prevent growth periods of African lovegrass – tried spraying it with a microbe mix to it from entering, and to contain and calve in spring and sell in autumn. accelerate the mulch breakdown but this eradicate existing plants. While he is wasn’t very successful, perhaps due to not completely confident that this is Pastures are slashed once per season, the dry seasons. possible in the longer term, Robert is during summer and autumn on 60% keen to prevent or at least delay African of Filmore, to supplement the crash Robert is considering spray topping in a lovegrass from taking over that farm. grazing and keep the grass short and paddock where the mulch is very thick, actively growing. The slashed grass is which has been done on other farms in left as mulch. the district. To avoid the risk of herbicide Diversity in the resistance, he won’t do this for more During winter, cattle are supplementary than two to three years. approach feed with a molasses/protein meal mix to improve nutrition and encourage During peak growth periods, African Robert’s African lovegrass strategies lovegrass is high in protein and a good are different for each farm to suit the cattle to feed on the hayed-off African lovegrass. grazing feed. Robert might try to bale different level of infestation and the the grass and store it as silage to gain feasible goals. Feed oats are grown on small areas multiple benefits of keeping the grass of 20-25 ha with African lovegrass growing, avoiding the build up of mulch Herbicides excluded by herbicides and cultivation. from slashing and providing a cheap At Gumbara the goal is to contain After the oat rotation of 4-5 years winter feed. There is a relatively small African lovegrass, prevent new the area is planted to a competitive, window when the grass could be baled incursions and eradicate, if feasible. summer growing, subtropical pasture. to optimise protein levels. Robert is currently trialling Rhodes and Premier Digit grasses.

10 Case Study 3 - Tenterfield, New South Wales

Robert is considering better adapting Annual costs and benefits of Summary his grazing enterprise to match the weed management growth patterns of African lovegrass, Robert Duff uses different strategies to moving out of breeding completely and Costs manage African lovegrass on his two operating a backgrounding enterprise Slashing 60% of Filmore Tenterfield properties, according to the or finishing cattle bought in from (fuel, time, machinery) $4,000 level of infestation on each farm. elsewhere. Supplementary feed (8 bags/wk for 4 mths @ At Gumbara, he uses a containment Benefits and costs $40/bag) $5,120 strategy to prevent African lovegrass from establishing, which involves regular The main costs of African lovegrass are Spot spraying at Gumbara monitoring and spot spraying before the low winter productivity and loss of ($3,000 labour, $2,400 seed set. winter clover growth. Robert offsets chemicals, $500 fuel) $5,900 this by slashing to maintain palatability At Filmore, African lovegrass is now the and feeding protein supplements during Benefits dominant pasture and Robert is learning winter. Avoided 30% loss of to manage it rather than eradicate it. carrying capacity $23,000 He uses a combination of crash grazing There are a range of benefits from Annual net benefit $7,980 and slashing to keep the grass short mulching and crash grazing at Filmore, and palatable. A small area is cropped including: Keys to success to fodder oats for 3‑4 years followed by ➜➜Feed value is retained for longer; planting summer-active grasses that Robert considers the key indicator of cattle are making better use of it and he hopes will be able to compete with success is the productivity they achieve African lovegrass. doing better. to the market. So far this has been ➜➜Reduced shading allows clover and difficult to determine as they’ve had a softer grasses to re-establish. run of dry years. He does feel that the ➜ carrying capacity has been better than ✔ ➜Better pasture utilisation - without without the management strategy and Top tips management, Robert imagines cattle that they are learning to use African To others facing an African lovegrass would graze on only a few areas of the lovegrass better. challenge, Robert suggests: paddocks that they keep short. ✔✔Sit down and work out a program of ➜➜Soil humus is building up. The critical parts of their approach are to constantly try new things, keep African management that best suits you. Match the program to your country (particularly Without a weed management strategy, lovegrass short to maintain productivity Robert estimates that his carrying and carefully time operations. land capability) and your equipment. capacity would be 70% of what it is ✔✔There are so many different things now. Using his current stock figures, for Flexibility in their cattle enterprise has also enabled the Duffs to take you can try, the key thing is: keep it cattle breeding, trading and fattening short and manageable – don’t let it get and using NSW DPI farm budgets advantage of the market while matching into tussocks. Once tussocky, African this equates to an annual value of the seasonality of their pasture. approximately $23,000. lovegrass is very hard to manage and Robert will continue to refine and stock won’t go into it at all. improve his strategy and try different At Gumbara, the benefits aren’t yet ✔✔Where not yet established, get in things. evident – rather by preventing African early and do what you can to prevent lovegrass, the benefit is in avoiding the the incursion from taking hold. Use spot potential impact if it established widely. He hopes that more information will become available about the grazing spraying and don’t move cattle from management of African lovegrass, as African lovegrass infested areas to clean well as a more competitive pasture country when it is in seed. species.

In the longer term he feels that African lovegrass will also take over Gumbara, despite his current efforts – he hopes that by then they’ll have a good system for managing it.

11 Case Study 4 - Candelo, New South Wales

Case Study 4 - Greenmount Kerry and Susie Pfeiffer, “Greenmount”, Candelo, New South Wales

Kerry and Susie Pfeiffer have been farming at Candelo since 1975, when they took over the management of the 450 ha family property, “Greenmount”.

The production system The predictions about its growth habit able to maintain it in the green leafy and high levels of persistence have been stage for much of the year and so Kerry operates an intensive feedlot proven to be sadly prophetic, as African produce feed of high quality throughout operation and a beef breeding operation. lovegrass is now regarded as one of the the summer. He turns off 1,500 steers over a six most widespread and invasive weeds in month period, sourcing these from all the Bega Valley. over south-eastern Australia. The steers The incentive to act are marketed locally. Kerry’s attitude and approach to The environment is well suited to the managing African lovegrass is spread of African lovegrass, with light Until 2000, Kerry and Susie had run a consistent with that of his overall sandy loam soils of low water holding “typical south coast vealer operation” management goals for Greenmount. capacity and a high, but extremely of 300 breeders. Despite substantial He is motivated by a commitment to variable, summer rainfall pattern that productivity improvements, they were increasing production, profitability and encourages the weed’s growth habit. struggling to make ends meet and the environmental sustainability of his realised that their existing farming grazing operation. system and scale were simply too African lovegrass has steadily invaded Greenmount since 1975. From the initial small to generate sufficient income While acknowledging the relative scattered plants, it is now a significant into the future. Like many people in the importance of African lovegrass as a pasture species throughout 95% of the picturesque Bega Valley, this realisation pasture weed, he ranks it below other property. As a guide, Kerry estimates was driven by a rapid escalation of land weeds on the property in terms of its that it occupies more than 25% of values, which focused their attention on impact on production. Kerry regards groundcover on 40% of the property, the importance of return on capital from weeds such as blackberry, bracken fern, while a further 55% of the property their farming operation. Faced with this eucalypt regrowth and sweet briar as has a level of infestation described as challenging situation, Kerry commenced “the big production weeds”, which, if not moderate and in the range of 1-25% a feedlot operation. controlled, would reduce farm output groundcover. substantially. African lovegrass Despite this, Kerry is quick to point out The other driving force of decision In the 1950s, a demonstration area that it is being actively managed in such making at Greenmount is the of African lovegrass was established a way that it contributes meaningfully environmental sustainability of farming. on a hillside “in viewing distance” of to the annual feed supply. Furthermore, the Greenmount homestead. It had under the management regime, he is been planted on a degraded slope to As a professional farmer who has been demonstrate its role in erosion control actively involved in Landcare and natural and persistence in the light, coarse resource management for many years, textured, granite soils that are typical of the Bega Valley.

12 Case Study 4 - Candelo, New South Wales

Kerry has a strong belief in the need Kerry used aerial photographs to plan Kerry highlights the need for alternate to produce a “clean” product. This is weed management, and took into periods of heavy grazing and resting reflected in his attitude to herbicides, account topography and erosion control paddocks, as a means of achieving which are used sparingly and only when sub-dividing paddocks. higher levels of pasture utilisation “when absolutely essential”. He believes coupled with long-term persistence. This African lovegrass can be managed involves stocking with the equivalent of effectively without herbicides. Diversity in the 30 dry sheep equivalents (DSEs) per ha until such time that pastures are Kerry is especially cautious about the approach reduced to 1,500 kg dry matter per ha. more residual, soil-active herbicides After an ongoing process of trial and Paddocks are re-grazed at a target of such as flupropanate. While recognising error, the solution that Kerry has 3,000 kg dry matter per ha, which is the importance of this herbicide for developed for the management of necessary to prevent African lovegrass the control of noxious perennial grass African lovegrass involves grazing from “getting away”. weeds such as serrated tussock, Chilean management, pasture management and needle grass and African lovegrass, he use of supplements. Pastures stressed the need to adopt alternative The invasion of African lovegrass management approaches where This approach to management has been throughout most of Greenmount can possible. developed in response to his experience be contrasted with the situation on a that animals “cannot live off African small area of the property that is still lovegrass when it is left ungrazed”, due very “clean”. This area was sown almost Deliberation to its low feed quality and palatability. 20 years ago to an introduced perennial When Kerry and Susie took over the pasture mix of phalaris, cocksfoot and management of Greenmount, 85% of Grazing management clovers, and was irrigated up until 1997. the property was covered in blackberries The fundamental key to managing and there was little infrastructure or African lovegrass on Greenmount is The clean state of this pasture, in the fencing. Although African lovegrass was grazing pressure “through sub division face of weed invasion elsewhere, present when they first started farming, and more strategic grazing”. is testament to the role of fertility, its presence was minimal and its priority competition and pasture vigour in was quite low, especially as it was Over many years, Kerry has been sub- controlling, or at least suppressing, initially promoted as a valuable grass. dividing the property, with a goal to have African lovegrass. all paddocks at approximately 24 ha, or From 1975 until the mid-1980s, African “enough to run 50 cows”. Clovers will be introduced throughout lovegrass gradually spread and colonised the property in order to increase the pastures until it became well established In spring, he needs to be able to apply nitrogen content of pastures and to throughout most of the property. During higher grazing pressure in order to keep improve feed quality. This will increase this time, Kerry concedes that he African lovegrass green and short for productivity and better manage African was aware of the problem but that he as long as possible into the summer. lovegrass. Increasing the nitrogen, didn’t have the financial capacity to do This not only increases feed quality and and hence protein, content of African anything. animal performance, but helps to reduce lovegrass has been demonstrated the bulk of poor quality dry matter at the to substantially increase its nutritive In the late 1980s, some paddocks end of the weed’s growing season. value, palatability and consumption by were sprayed but this was a “disaster” livestock. according to Kerry because the herbicide killed most pasture species and almost killed the phalaris.

This led Kerry to investigate and adopt an alternative approach that did not depend on herbicides. Kerry was keen to implement a strategy that would also improve farm productivity.

Over the years, he has explored various control options that have not worked or were environmentally unsustainable, including the use of herbicides, burning and slashing.

13 Case Study 4 - Candelo, New South Wales

Summary During winter, when the African Annual costs and benefits of lovegrass becomes frosted and all weed management Reluctant to use herbicides, Kerry but dormant, the growth of sub clover believes that “active management” is the helps to fill the winter feed gap. Kerry Costs key to addressing African lovegrass at has observed grazed, frosted clumps 5km fencing @ $13,000/km $65,000 Greenmount. This involves: of African lovegrass being invaded ✔✔Introducing a planned program of by clover plants growing through the Benefits higher density (30 DSE/ha), short duration middle of the hayed off tussock. This is Increased cattle weight gains $30,000 a win-win situation for production, weed grazing over late spring and summer, Increased weaning rates $17,000 control and weed utilisation. in order to maintain feed quality and Annual net loss -($18,000) palatability. This is achieved through sub- Use of supplements division into smaller paddocks of 20‑24 ha Keys to success According to Kerry, one of the greatest and a flexible rotational grazing policy that challenges associated with managing Kerry’s firm belief is that “if you want allows for adequate rest. African lovegrass at Greenmount is “to to have a future in agriculture, then you ✔✔Strategic use of feed supplements in knock down and keep knocked down must start finding solutions”. late summer and autumn, in order to better the dry sward of African lovegrass at the end of the growing season”. The key to ongoing success is to utilise the bulk of dry African lovegrass at lift profitability across the farm. The the end of the growing season. After trying several approaches, Kerry intensification of production using ✔✔Applying fertiliser and introducing has found supplementary feeding the feedlot has allowed for increased sub clover in autumn, in order to improve to be the most successful means of investment in managing pastures, so fertility and help fill the winter feed gap. encouraging livestock to utilise this they too can maximise production. Kerry roughage as a food source. Self feeders believes that the keys to success are a provide cattle with manufactured pellets firm decision, commitment and finding that contain 14% crude protein and ways to convert “what is effectively various essential minerals and nutrients. useless to something that is reasonably Top tips ✔ productive”. What do Kerry and Susie recommend or The dry African lovegrass has also been suggest for someone else in this situation? used as a source of roughage during Kerry will continue to use his present droughts and in feeding pellets for system of managing African lovegrass ✔✔Get on top of the weed before it gets backgrounding steers. at Greenmount into the future. There away. will be further changes, with a view ✔ Benefits and costs to increasing overall farm productivity, ✔Move away from an extensive system which should also benefit the of grazing management towards a more According to Kerry, one of the main management of African lovegrass. The intensive one. benefits of the extra revenue generated additional farm income being generated from his new beef feedlot enterprise ✔ Increase utilisation of African from the beef feedlot operation will ✔ will be his capacity to substantially lovegrass, through paddock subdivision sufficiently improve farm profitability, to increase his expenditure on fertiliser allow extra expenditure on fencing and and supplementary feeding. over the whole property. This will fertiliser. ✔✔Good management of African not only increase production but lovegrass is consistent with good pasture will also improve pasture vigour and Kerry’s key message is: “It is easy to competitiveness against weed invasion. management. say it is too hard – everyone has weed problems and people have to get over ✔ “You can’t be in the green if you’re in ✔ Fencing costs for paddock subdivision inertia. Doing nothing is not an option.” the red”, therefore you must first address have been significant. It is estimated fundamental issues of farm productivity that fences cost around $13,000/km and and profitability. each year, Kerry has been upgrading 5-8 km of the farm’s fences.

The extra benefits to the breeder herd of better pastures are significant. The additional weight gain per animal can mean that animals weighing 250 kg can increase to 350 kg, due to the better utilisation of pasture. Across the herd, revenue can increase by $30,000 if selling 125 cows. Lifting weaning rates can also add $17,000 per year.

14 Other publications from AWI and MLA:

3D Weed Management: African lovegrass

Tips & Tools: Weed removers, pasture improvers – Effective weed control

For more information contact: AWI www.wool.com.au Care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information or 1800 070 099 contained in this publication. However MLA and AWI cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained MLA in the publication. You should make your own enquiries www.mla.com.au before making decisions concerning your interests. or 1800 023 100

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