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Project code: B. PDS.1002 Prepared by: Garry Armstrong

DPI Victoria Nullawil Best Wool Best Lamb Group

Date published: February 2012 ISBN: 9781741919448

PUBLISHED BY Meat & Livestock Australia Limited Locked Bag 991 NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2059

Rotational Grazing Cereal Crops in a Mallee Farming System

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B. PDS.1002 - Rotational Grazing Cereal Crops in a Mallee Farming System

Abstract

The Nullawil Best Wool Best Lamb (BWBL) group identified the need to improve the productivity and profitability in the Mallee prime lamb industry. Key to this was the requirement to better understand the role that grazing cereal grain crops plays in the Mallee system and how this can be adapted to suit their current production methods.

The inability of Mallee producers to sow perennial pastures due to the low and variable rainfall is a key limiting factor to the reliable production of quality prime lambs to meet market specifications. The need to develop and better understand the potential and possibilities of grazing cereal crops and newer varieties of forage is vital to the growth and profitability of the prime lamb industry in the Mallee and indeed all grain growing regions of Australia.

In the Mallee, as with most grain producing systems in Australia, the removal of infrastructure such as fences severely impacts on the precision management of both breeding ewes and the timely finishing of prime lambs. The Nullawil BWBL group believes that under a rotational grazing regime using electric fences this may be rectified delivering a viable method of precision grazing to the Mallee farming systems.

The Nullawil BWBL group investigated the precision management of sheep under Rotational grazing utilising both existing and new and emerging varieties of cereal, grain legume and forage crops.

The Nullawil BWBL group also looked at precision management of prime lambs in the Mallee environment utilising Electronic Identification (EID) tags as part of this trial.

This PDS has identified systems and processes which will lead to more efficient production of prime lambs in the Mallee farming systems such as;

 The use of specific varieties of cereal for grazing to fill winter feed gaps  The use of electric fencing to better control sheep whilst grazing on cereal  The use of EID to better manage sheep in the farming system  A better understanding of lamb marketing using these technologies

The PDS has also identified the need to carry out further work on grazing management, more specifically it has identified that a feed gap still exists from early to mid spring until the availability of the first stubble for grazing in early summer.

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Executive summary

The Nullawil PDS was set up to investigate the potential to develop improved systems and practices to enhance prime lamb production in Mallee farming systems. The aims of the PDS were to;

 To develop Rotational grazing practices to better manage the nutritional requirements of prime lambs and their dams  To evaluate fodder varieties compatible with Mallee grain farming systems that are capable of filling the winter feed gap  To understand the financial implications of Rotational grazing cereal crops in a Mallee farming system

 To investigate grazing management practices which decrease the turn off times and increase kg/ha of lamb produced in Mallee farming systems.

The key works undertaken to achieve these objectives are outlined in the methodology and include;

The establishment of 40 ha of Moby barley (new awnless grazing variety) inter sown with Coral wheat and Hindmarsh barley, two commonly grown cereal grains, to evaluate the grazing capacity of the Moby barley as compared to the more prevalent cereals grown in the district. In conjunction, Rotational grazing was used to evaluate this technology in a commercial environment and determine the viability of this precision grazing practice for Mallee cereal growers.

Other key work carried out included the evaluation of paddock grazing on grain yield and the impact on financial returns this practice may have.

This project was run over two years, with stage one in the first year being a screening stage where the group evaluated several varieties of cereal grain and fodder to decide on the most suitable varieties for final evaluation. Stage one of the project also included an evaluation of all current practices used by group members in the production of prime lambs within their farming systems. This information provided a benchmark for comparison of the results obtained from the PDS. The design of the project commenced in early June 2010 and was carried out by the group facilitator with technical assistance provided by DPI agronomy staff.

In year 1 forty hectares of Moby barley was sown using conventional farming processes. Within the forty ha paddock two other varieties of cereal grain were sown, one strip of Hindmarsh barley and one strip of Coral wheat for comparison of dry matter yield and grain production in response to grazing. This was completed by June 30th 2010.

The paddock was subdivided into three blocks using solar powered electric fences and rotationally grazed throughout the trial.

In year one the sheep involved in the trial were educated in containment using water points and lick blocks as attractants for walkover weighing and also introduced to electric fences in containment prior to entering the trial block in early July 2010.

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In the second year of the PDS two sites were sown down and the paddocks were subdivided into four blocks as it was discovered that not enough grazing pressure could be applied or recovery time allowed with three blocks. In both years of the trial the lambs being run on the trial paddocks were tagged with Radio Frequency Identification Tags (RFID) and body weighed upon entry and walkover weighing was carried out during their stay in the paddock to monitor body weight changes. The inclusion of walkover weighing in the project demonstrated the value of this technology to the participants and provided an insight into the use of emerging technologies within the Mallee farming system’s. This increased knowledge and understanding of the potential use of innovation in the production of prime lambs to meet market specifications. The walkover weighing was accomplished using water points and lick blocks as attractants to entice the animals through the walkover scales. These animals were trained in containment prior to being placed in the trial paddocks.

Pasture cages were placed in several locations throughout the trial blocks to monitor the effect of any preferential grazing which might occur. An assessment of remaining FOO (Feed On Offer) was taken when sheep were moved from the paddock. At various stages of plant growth additional pasture cages were positioned in the paddock to monitor the grain yield in response to grazing.

This project also included a plot trial of various varieties of cereals, medics, grasses and forage crops for inclusion into future full scale planting trials should any of these prove to be worthy of further investigation.

This trial investigated the potential to employ the use of solar powered electric fencing to strategically manage prime lamb production in Mallee farming systems where infrastructure such as fencing has been removed to facilitate cropping. It also identified and evaluated species of cereal grain crops with the potential to graze to fill winter feed gaps in the Mallee and thus produce prime lambs to specification in a minimum time by utilising the available dry matter in a more efficient manner. The trial introduced the producers of the Mallee to the concept of precision sheep management using RFID to monitor and manage prime lamb production.

The Nullawil Rotational Grazing Cereal Crops in a Mallee Farming System PDS has provided Mallee lamb producers with a viable alternative to current grazing practices which enables the more efficient management of both sheep and fodder to finish lambs to market specifications. The PDS has also introduced producers to the concepts of value chain systems, sheep meat marketing and precision sheep management.

Recommendations

The recommendations from the Nullawil PDS are;

 Complete a feed budget to asses the feed requirements of sheep for the period in question.  Sow a smaller area of grazing cereal prior to the commencement of cereal crop sowing to meet these needs based upon the potential dry matter yield of the material being sown.  Utilise the conventional cereal crop following Grain & Graze methodology in rotation with grazing variety. (about 6 weeks for traditional cereal grain variety in the Mallee). Monitor cereal grain variety closely to avoid grazing past GS30)  Fence off the grazing block into four equal sized blocks using solar powered electric fencing and rotationally graze through the paddocks allowing for about 6-8 days per grazing.

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There is still a period between when the grazing crop senesces and the first stubble becomes available (mid September – December) which the group proposes to investigate further. There is potential to fill this gap with a later maturing annual pasture variety which may well extend the grazing season until the first stubble becomes available. The Nullawil BWBL group will also investigate the potential to improve the maternal base of their flocks using precision sheep management and RFID.

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B. PDS.1002 - Rotational Grazing Cereal Crops in a Mallee Farming System

Contents

Page 1 Background ...... 7

2 Project objectives ...... 7

3 Methodology ...... 8

4 Results and discussion ...... 9 4.1 Year one results ...... 9 4.2 Year two results ...... 14 Cost benefit overall trial ...... 19 5 Success in achieving objectives ...... 20

6 Impact on meat and livestock industry – Now and in five years time ...... 20

7 Conclusions and recommendations ...... 20

8 Appendices ...... 23 8.1 Appendix 1 ...... 23 8.2 Appendix 2 ...... 24

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B. PDS.1002 - Rotational Grazing Cereal Crops in a Mallee Farming System

1 Background Best Wool Best Lamb (BWBL) is a producer driven network that comprises of 40 producer groups totalling over 650 group members and over 600 associate members. BWBL is recognised as a forum which has had great success in achieving on-farm practice change among sheep producers. The Nullawil BWBL group had identified the need to improve the productivity and profitability in the Mallee prime lamb industry. Key to this is the requirement to better understand the role that grazing cereal grain crops could play in the Mallee system and how this could be adapted to suit their current production methods.

The Nullawil BWBL group proposed investigating the precision management of sheep under Rotational grazing utilising both existing and new and emerging varieties of cereal, grain legume and forage crops.

It should also be noted that input on trial design and monitoring was provided by DPI agronomy staff involved in Grain and Graze 2 and information from this project may be included in G&G 2 reports.

Animal Ethics approval was sought from the DPI animal ethics committee and approval gained prior to the handling and monitoring of all animals in the trial.

2 Project objectives The key objectives of this PDS were;

 To develop Rotational grazing practices to better manage the nutritional requirements of prime lambs and their dams  To evaluate fodder varieties compatibility with Mallee grain farming systems that are capable of filling the winter feed gap  To understand the financial implications of Rotational grazing cereal crops in a Mallee farming system  To investigate grazing management practices which decrease the turn off times and increase kg/ha of lamb produced in Mallee farming systems.

The key works undertaken to achieve these objectives are outlined in the methodology and include;

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B. PDS.1002 - Rotational Grazing Cereal Crops in a Mallee Farming System

The establishment of 40 ha of Moby barley (new awnless grazing variety) inter sown with Coral wheat and Hindmarsh barley, two commonly grown cereal grains to evaluate the grazing capacity of the Moby barley as compared to the more prevalent cereals grown in the district. In conjunction, Rotational grazing was used to evaluate this technology in a commercial environment and determine the viability of this precision grazing practice for Mallee cereal growers.

Other key work included the evaluation of paddock grazing on grain yield and the impact on financial returns this practice may have.

The Nullawil BWBL group also carried out work on 5 other member properties, evaluating new varieties of forage, cereal grain, grain legumes and new varieties of Italian rye. This work was carried out in conjunction with the central site and consisted of trials of monoculture plantings in small paddocks to simulate paddock grazing. The group also be conducted a plot trial of available new species of plants for grazing purposes.

3 Methodology This project ran over two years, (2010 – 2011) with stage one in the first year being a screening stage where the group evaluated several varieties of cereal grain and fodder to decide on the most suitable varieties for final evaluation. Stage one of the project also included an evaluation of current practices used by group members in the production of prime lambs within their farming systems. This provided a an opportunity to compare and contrast the results obtained from the PDS.

The design of the project commenced in early April 2010 and was carried out by the group facilitator with technical assistance provided by DPI agronomy staff.

In year 1 of the PDS forty hectares of Moby barley was sown using conventional farming processes. Within the forty ha paddock two other varieties of cereal grain were also sown, one strip of Hindmarsh barley and one strip of Coral wheat for comparison of dry matter yield and grain production in response to grazing. Sowing was completed by was completed by April 30th 2010.

The paddock was subdivided into three equally sized blocks using solar powered electric fences and rotationally grazed throughout the trial, fencing was completed be mid June 2010.

The sheep involved in the trial were educated in containment using water points and lick blocks as attractants for walkover weighing and also introduced to electric fences prior to entering the trial block in early July 2010.

The lambs being run on the trial paddocks were tagged with Radio Frequency Identification Tags (RFID) and body weighed upon entry to the trial site. Walkover weighing was carried out during their stay in the paddock to monitor body weight changes. The inclusion of walkover weighing in the project demonstrated the value of this technology to the participants and provided an insight into the use of emerging technologies within the Mallee farming system’s, this increased knowledge and understanding of the potential use of innovation in the production of prime lambs to meet market specifications. The walkover weighing was accomplished using water points and lick blocks as attractants to entice the animals through the walkover scales. These animals were trained in containment prior to being placed in the trial paddocks.

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At the commencement of the trial pasture cages were placed in several locations throughout the trial blocks to monitor the effect of any preferential grazing which might occur. An assessment of remaining Feed On Offer (FOO) was taken when sheep were moved from the paddock. At this time the pasture cages were extended to monitor the impact on plant growth and grain yield in response to grazing.

In conjunction with the central site, in year one 5 satellite sites were established to evaluate rotational grazing on monoculture plantings of Moby barley, Hindmarsh barley, Southern Cereal Rye, Bounce Brasica, Italian Ryegrass and several varieties of medic, this formed a part of the screening process to identify the most suitable variety or varieties for the second year of the trial.

In year two it was decided to concentrate on one or two of the most successful varieties to establish the potential to use these in Mallee farming systems to provide a solution to the winter feed gap problem which currently exists whilst still achieving an acceptable grain yield or high dry matter production. These varieties were Moby Grazing barley and Hindmarsh barley.

The same monitoring and recording process were employed in both years of the trial.

In Summary; This trial investigated the potential to employ the use of solar powered electric fencing to strategically manage prime lamb production in Mallee farming systems where infrastructure such as fencing has been removed to facilitate cropping. It also identified and evaluated species of cereal grain and forage crops with the potential to graze and fill winter feed gaps in the Mallee and thus produce prime lambs to specification in a minimum time by utilising the available dry matter in a more efficient manner. The trial also introduced the producers of the Mallee to the concept of precision sheep management using RFID to monitor and manage prime lamb production.

4 Results and discussion 4.1 Year one results The Nullawil Best Wool Best Lamb group commenced the Rotational Grazing Cereal Crops in a Mallee Farming System trial on April 21st 2010 when a 40 ha paddock was sown down to predominately Moby barley @ 40 kg/ha with 30 kg/of DAP. There were two strips; one each of Hindmarsh barley and Coral wheat sown at the same time @ 40 kg/ha with 30kg/ha of DAP. On May 1st the paddock was decimated by the invasion of Australian Plague Locust which required the whole site to be re-sown at the same rates as were used initially, no fertiliser was included in the second sowing.

The paddock was subdivided into three paddocks of 10ha, 20 ha, and 10 ha using solar powered electric fencing consisting of three wires, (two hot and middle earth). The grazing blocks were deliberately constructed using low cost methods to test the need for more expensive materials, (Figure 1) this proved to be inadequate as the steel posts used in the end assembly’s moved considerably during the year. This movement had little impact on the effectiveness of the electric fence as once educated the sheep would not venture near the fence even if it was not operating as can be seen in figure 2 were there is an evident incline up to the fence where the sheep would not graze even though the fence was shorting out and not working. In year two the fence line was sprayed with Roundup® to ensure that no plant growth compromised the fence’s effectiveness

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Figure 1: Walkover weighing and fence design year 1 Nullawil trial site 1

Figure 2: Sheep were reluctant to graze close to the electric fence even though it is clearly not working

Grazing commenced on the 20th of July 2010 when 332 weaned 2nd X lambs were depastured onto the trial site. The lambs were weaned and educated in containment on the walkover weighing system by utilising water points and a lick feeder to entice them into the weight system. They were also introduced to the electric fence at this time. This process was completed in five days.

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B. PDS.1002 - Rotational Grazing Cereal Crops in a Mallee Farming System

Once educated on the walkover weighing system regular data collection occurred on a weekly basis until the lambs were drafted off for sale utilising a Pratley auto draft system. During the grazing trials it was soon evident that the 332 lambs were insufficient to maintain effective grazing pressure so a further 995 ewes and 102% of 2 week old lambs (average age on introduction) were introduced onto the trial site This gave an effective stocking rate of 40 dse/ha. When adjusted for time on feed the site gave an overall stocking rate of 37 dse/ha. Grazing ceased for 2010 on the 30th of October.

There would appear to a distinct advantage in the Mallee system to sowing a smaller paddock of high producing fodder to take pressure off the grain producing paddocks. In the system under evaluation the use of early grazing of the cereal grain paddocks then moving on to the higher producing fodder varieties which deliver a higher quality and quantity of dry matter per hectare (DM/ha) and strategically grazing these varieties utilising electric fencing to control sheep would appear to deliver an extended grazing period which allows lambs to be finished without the need to supplement their diet with grain.

In the PDS, the traditional varieties of Coral wheat and Hindmarsh barley did not produce sufficient DM/ha to finish lambs without supplementation and no pasture cuts could be taken to assess them in late August.

Moby Barley appears to offer more early growth than Corell wheat, but little difference over Hindmarsh Barley in terms of early growth. However neither Hindmarsh barley or Correl wheat could support large numbers of sheep during the trail as can be observed in table 1 below. The Moby barley when treated as a grain crop and grazed to GS30 then saved for grain production was also less productive than when treated as a fodder with no grain harvested.

Grazing had little impact on the grain yields of Hindmarsh barley and limited impact on the Coral wheat in this year of the PDS. Hindmarsh yields were down and protein, retention and test weight were up with grazing. Correll wheat yields were down slightly, protein and test weight were also down slightly with grazing as can be seen in table 2.

Early dry matter production was boosted by earlier sowing and would have been further boosted by higher plant numbers, ie higher seeding rates and/or narrower row spacing.

Moby (or grazing cereals in general) appear to offer more flexibility for grazing in the Mallee than the traditional cereals as the recovery from grazing with the Moby forage barley appears to be shorter and offers producers an option to traditional perennial pastures in Mallee farming systems.

Table 1: Grain yields grazing days and dry matter production 2010 Variety Dry matter Grain Yield Grazing Stocking rate Grazed/Ungrazed production/ t/ha Time Lambs/ha DM/ha Days

Correll Wheat 187 3.25 0 0 Ungrazed Correll Wheat 191 3.01 18 6 dse/ha Grazed Hindmarsh Barley 410 3.54 0 0 Ungrazed

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Hindmarsh Barley 312 3.50 18 8 dse/ha Grazed Moby Barley 7680 1.19 0 0 Ungrazed Moby Barley 6484 1.20 18 8 dse/ha Grazed Once Moby Grazed 1415 0 93 37 dse/ha constantly in rotation

Table 2: Grain tests of traditional cereal varieties 2010 Treatment Retention/ Protein Moist Test Wt Screenings % % % Kg/hL Hindmarsh Ungrazed 92.5 11.3 11.0 72 Hindmarsh Grazed 93.1 12.2 11.2 75 Correll Ungrazed 1.0 12.1 11.2 79.5 Correll Grazed 2.3 11.8 11.1 75

Feed Test results for the Moby Barley showed that the quality of the FOO was high (Table 3) and in line with the requirements for good growth of prime lambs.

Table 3: Feed test result Moby Grazing Barley 2010 Dry Matter (%) 90.1 Moisture (%) 9.9 Crude Protein (% of dry matter) 29.0 Acid Detergent Fibre (% of dry matter) 19.4 Neutral Detergent Fibre (% of dry matter) 37.0 Digestibility (DMD) (% of dry matter) 87.4 Digestibility (DOMD) (Calculated) (% of dry 80.9 matter) Est. Metabolisable Energy (Calculated) (MJ/kg 13.4 DM) Water Soluble Carbohydrates (% of dry matter) 11.8

Whilst the lambs were on the trial site the average daily growth rate of 230 g/h/d was recorded in 2010 (figure 3) with the first draft of lambs of 169 from the 344 lambs departing the site for slaughter on 29 of September 2010. The balance of the lambs remained on the site until mid October when feed availability forced the removal of lambs from the site. The volume of DM (Table 1) produced by the Moby (figure 5) was able to support much higher numbers of lambs for longer periods of time than was previously available to sheep producers in the Mallee with traditional varieties.

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B. PDS.1002 - Rotational Grazing Cereal Crops in a Mallee Farming System

Average Weight of Lambs 2010

25 Weight kgs 20

0 12345678910 Weeks

Figure 3: Average weight of lambs whilst on the trial site - 2010

The first draft of lambs were consigned for processing at Tatura, individual carcase feed back was provided from the processor. Of interest to the group was the high variation in dressing percentage (figure 4) within the group of lambs dispatched from the trial site. This was the topic of much discussion between group members and has influenced the thinking around the need to better understand the genetics of both sires and dams and the potential to influence the dressing percentage and lamb production in general.

Dressing % of lambs 1st draft 2010

25 Number in each group 20 (n=162) 15

% % 0 1 5. 2. 37.8% 39.6% 41.4% 43.2% 4 46.8% 48.6% 50.4% 5 53.9% 55.7% 57.5% 59.3% Dressing Percentage

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Figure 4: Lamb dressing percentage - 2010

Figure 5: Trial site year one (2010), trail participants inspecting pasture cage.

4.2 Year two results The Nullawil Best Wool Best Lamb group commenced year two of the Rotational Grazing Cereal Crops in a Mallee Farming System trial on April 8th 2011 when a 40 ha paddock (Location 1) was sown down to Moby barley @ 40 kg/ha with 50kg/ha of single shute blend fertiliser. A second site (Location 2) of 45.7 ha was sown at a different location in the Nullawil area at the same time with 50kg/ha of Moby barley and 45kg/ha of DAP fertiliser. The difference in fertiliser applications between sites was due to the personal preference of the participating farmer and his knowledge of the requirements of the paddock used in the trial. The paddock at location 1 was subdivided into four paddocks of 10ha, using electric fencing consisting of three wires (figure 6). This allowed more efficient management of the grazing pressure and allowed for more adequate recovery time.

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Figure 6: Fence and walkover weighing setup site Nullawil site 1 - 2011.

The season was very difficult at the Nullawil trial sites in 2011with minimal rain (134ml BOM) falling from February 2011 through to September and only 50 ml falling from April to July 2011 making the establishment of the cereal crops for the grazing trials challenging. Site 1 suffered sever establishment problems with only the lower areas of the paddock establishing well as can be seen in figure 7 below. This impacted upon the stocking rate with only the 14.2 dse/ha on average being grazed throughout the trial from July to September.

Figure 7: Trial site 1 slow to establish in year two with lower than average autumn and winter rainfall Photo 10th August 2011

At site 2, as shown in Figure 8, the establishment was more even and grazing was more consistent and at a higher stocking rate (29.5dse) throughout the reporting period.

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Figure 8: Lambs grazing Moby Barley site 2, much better establishment of the crop 2011

In 2011 site 1 sowed no traditional cereal varieties in the trial as the season was considered to tough to sow for grain on this block. On site 2 the paddock managed to receive showers at crucial times which provided enough moisture to allow the crop to produce much more dry matter for grazing. The difficult season in 2011 resulted in reduced grain and dry matter production at both sites along with drastically reduced stocking rate at site 1 and a moderate reduction at site 2.

Grain yields for both sites are displayed in table 4 and dry matter production and grazing pressure in table 5 below.

Table 4; Grain yield and gross $/ha for grain 2011 Site Times Grain Yield Growth Variety Value $/t $/ha Number Grazed t/ha Stage 1 Moby 0 1.19 $151.50 $180.29 2 Hindmarsh 0 2.71 $151.50 $410.57 2 Hindmarsh 1 2.38 $151.50 $360.57 GS30 2a Hindmarsh 0 4.27 $151.50 $646.91 2 Hindmarsh 1 4.16 $151.50 $630.24

Table 5; Dry matter production t/ha 2011 Site Variety Times Yield Growth Number grazed t/DM//ha Stage 1 Moby 0 4.49 2 Moby 0 7.31 2 Moby 2 5.39 GS30

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The impact of grazing on the grain yields of the cereal grain varieties in the trial was evident in both years of the PDS, with any grazing past GS30 having a devastating impact on grain production. The rotationally grazed forage varieties recovered quicker from grazing and carried larger numbers of sheep for longer periods, even during the difficult second year where there were severe impacts upon stocking rates.

By utilising the Walk over weighing system and RFID the group was able to monitor the progress of individuals in the mob and identify the poorer performing animals within the group. As can be observed in figures 9&10 below there was a large variation in the performance of the individual lambs during the trial with some of the lambs doing exceptionally well and others growing at a much slower rate. Some of the variation can be explained by the lower FOO availability and start weight of the lambs from site 1, but the Nullawil BWBL group is keen to investigate the genetic variation in these lambs. The lambs from site 1 were Merino X Poll Dorset lambs, whilst the lambs from site 2 were Dohne X Poll Dorset. It should be stated that rams for the trial were obtained from the same source. The variation in growth rate of the lambs in the trial has been sighted as needing further investigation by the Nullawil BWBL and is proposed as part of another body of work to be commenced in 2012.

Individual weight gain/kg site 1, 2011

20 Gain kg Mean 15

0 1 19 37 55 73 91 109 127 145 163 181 199 217 235 253 271 289 307 325 343 Individual Lambs

Figure 9: Distribution of weight gain of lambs at site 1 in 2011

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Individual weight gain/kg site 2, 2011

15 Gain kg

Mean 10

0 1 17 33 49 65 81 97 113 129 145 161 177 193 209 225 241 257 273 289 Individual Lambs

Figure 10; Distribution of weight gain of lambs at site 2 in 2011

The design of the walk over weighing was altered from that of year one to accommodate the change in paddock numbers to better manage sheep through the grazing system

It was also decided to increase the power supply for the walkover weighing system as there were several times throughout the trial in 2010 where their was insufficient sunlight to generate power with the two 10 watt solar panels to maintain charge in the batteries providing power to the weighing system, so an 80 watt panel was used in 2011.

Location 2 was also divided into 4 equal sized paddocks and rotationally grazed throughout the trial.

The first draft of lambs (165) were sent for slaughter from site 2 on September 19th with a consignment of lambs from other district producers to the abattoir at Tatura in Victoria. Unfortunately the carcass tracking system malfunctioned and no individual data was available to provide feedback to the project on carcass traits ie; HCSW or GR score. There were not enough lambs finished to specifications to consign for slaughter from site1. It should be noted that the lambs on site 1 were a much lower starting age and weight and so it was expected that these lambs would finish later.

The second draft of lambs to be consigned to the processor was ready to depart on October 12th and included 160 lambs from site 1 and a further 85 from site2. These lambs were consigned to Frew’s at Stawell, with more detailed individual carcass information provided from the carcass tracking system. This data was analysed and presented with the paddock production data at the field day held on November 9th at the Nullawil site.

The Nullawil Best Wool Best Lamb group have evaluated the benefits of rotational grazing to date and have decided that the use of conventional cereal crops in rotational grazing strategies is

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to be limited to the grain and graze methodologies which provide limited grazing value (about 6 weeks) to grow out lambs. This has to be confirmed in year two

In the past, the practice was to sow a sacrifice paddock of cereal grain to use as sheep feed but invariably these paddocks could not sustain continuous grazing until stubbles were available to graze. This was adequately demonstrated in year 1 of the PDS when given an average season of 350mm rainfall there was insufficient dry matter to measure in mid August under sustained grazing pressure.

There would appear to be a distinct advantage in the Mallee system to sowing a smaller paddock of high producing fodder to take pressure off the grain producing paddocks. In the system under evaluation the use of early grazing of the cereal grain paddocks then moving on to the higher producing fodder varieties which deliver a higher quality and quantity of dry matter per hectare (DM/ha) and strategically grazing these varieties utilising electric fencing to control sheep would appear to deliver an extended grazing period which allows the bulk of the lambs to be finished without the need to supplement their diet with grain

Cost benefit overall trial The cost benefit analysis reflects the excellent prices ($4.65, + skin value 2011 & $5.30 + skin value) received for lamb in the past two years as compared to lower that average grain prices. Factors to be considered in this analysis are that the seasons were particularly difficult for grain production and were reflected in both grain yield and price received in both years. The lamb figures were calculated on the growth rate and carcase yield and are exclusive of cost of production, that is no transport, selling or animal health costs were considered.

Table 6: Cost benefit analysis 2010 – 2011 (Gross Figures) Discount Cost Number of Sowing Gross Year Site Variety Benefit 1 Benefit Grazing’s Cost/ha income/ha /ha Ratio Correl 2010 1 0 $89.00 $505.14 $498.89 5.67 Wheat Correl 2010 1 1 $89.00 $465.69 $433.20 5.23 Wheat Hindmarsh 2010 1 1 $89.00 $651.11 $605.68 7.31 Barley Hindmarsh 2010 1 0 $89.00 $559.32 $520.29 6.28 Barley Moby 2010 1 Forage 1 $89.00 $347.11 $322.89 3.9 Barley Moby Continually 2010 1 Forage $89.00 $1,767.00 $1,643.72 19.85 in Rotation Barley Moby Continually 2011 1 Forage $89.00 $1,268.28 $1,179.79 14.25 in Rotation Barley Moby Continually 2011 2 Forage $89.00 $1,298.73 $1,208.12 14.59 in Rotation Barley Hindmarsh 2011 2 1 $89.00 $470.33 $437.51 5.28 Barley Hindmarsh 2011 2 0 $89.00 $646.91 $601.77 7.26 Barley

1 Cost benefit rate 7.5%

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5 Success in achieving objectives The Nullawil PDS has achieved the objectives of the group in that they now have a system for finishing lambs which fits into the cropping and management practices of the group. The use of solar electric fencing has provided a degree of flexibility previously not available to Mallee farmers in the management of prime lamb production and controlled cereal grazing in the Mallee. The group members have embraced the processes developed in the PDS and the vast majority of group members have invested in solar electric fencing equipment to assist them in the management of sheep on their properties.

The establishment of small areas of highly productive forage crops in the grain production systems to finish lambs without compromising grain production has provided a degree of enterprise flexibility which was previously unavailable to these producers. The group now have the necessary systems and tools to finish the majority of their lambs without the need to supplement with grain with adequate seasonal conditions.

Of interest is the adoption of precision sheep management by this group. The group have collectively purchased an auto drafter for use by members and have embraced direct marketing and the concept of value chain development. The Nullawil BWBL group have developed strong relationships with several processors and are looking at ways to deliver lamb into a value chain system within the required market specifications.

Success in achieving the objectives is also demonstrated by the engagement of the Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) in the PDS. BCG through it’s involvement in Grain & Graze 2 has taken a keen interest in the results of the PDS and has requested that they be involved in any future work carried out by the Nullawil BWBL group in grazing management of cereal grains.

6 Impact on meat and livestock industry – Now and in five years time The impact on the meat and livestock industries, in particular the more marginal productions regions such as the Mallee, Riverina areas of Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales will be to provide a system that will enable red meat producers to breed and finish product on time and to the specification required with little of no supplementary feeding. The demonstration of successful strategies to utilise new and emerging fodder varieties into these Mallee type grazing systems will provide a reliable source of red meat production from some of the more marginal production areas.

The development of grazing strategies which complement cereal production and add a strong and reliable income stream to producers will help keep the traditional grain growers who have drifted into livestock production during the drought to stay in the livestock production industry for the longer term which will intern boost livestock numbers. The use of solar electric fencing has demonstrated that there is no need to replace expensive fencing pulled out in cropping systems to effectively manage livestock on farm.

7 Conclusions and recommendations The Nullawil PDS has demonstrated that there is no need to replace expensive fencing and infrastructure to effectively manage intensive grazing in the more extensive regions such as the Mallee. With a small investment in equipment such solar electric fencing and the use of technology and planning it is possible to successfully manage intensive rotational grazing in the Mallee farming system.

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The PDS has also demonstrated that lamb producers who embrace these systems can lift productivity by improving their grazing management skills to more effectively utilise the dry matter production of their traditional cereal crops and finish lambs the more productive fodder varieties sown down on smaller areas of the farm.

This PDS has also introduced the participants to the concept of precision sheep management utilising RFID. This technology has been embraced by the group with the collective purchase of a Pratley auto draft for use by the group members. The other interesting outcome of the trial is the adoption of direct marketing of lambs and the interest in setting up a value chain system to market lambs which meet market specifications rather than the traditional system of selling all lambs through saleyards.

The recommendations from the Nullawil PDS are;

 Complete a feed budget to asses the feed requirements of sheep for the period in question.

 Sow an area of grazing cereal (or other fodder variety) prior to the commencement of cereal crop sowing to meet these needs based upon the potential dry matter yield of the material being sown.

 Utilise the conventional cereal crop using sloar electric fencing to effectively graze the crop following Grain & Graze methodology in rotation with grazing variety. (about 6 weeks for traditional cereal grain variety) Monitor cereal grain variety closely to avoid grazing past GS30)

 Fence off the grazing block into four equal sized blocks using solar powered electric fencing and rotationally graze through the paddocks allowing for about 6-8 days per grazing depending upon dry matter availability and recovery time.

7.1 Further work

There is still a period of time between when the grazing crop senesces and the first stubble becomes available (mid September – December) which the group proposes to investigate further. There is potential to fill this gap with a later maturing annual fodder variety which may well extend the grazing season until the first stubble becomes available. The grazing and management of the later maturing fodder varieties may require different techniques to attain the full benefits in the Mallee farming system. The Nullawil BWBL group will also investigate the potential to improve the maternal base of their flocks using precision sheep management and RFID.

7.2 Comments from some of the Nullawil BWBL group members

Darren Barker Nullawil

“The BWBL Nullawil MLA PDS has changed the way I manage my sheep enterprise. In the past I was an opportunity purchaser of lambs to finish on grain. The system we have developed in the PDS will enable me to by and retain lines of ewes to breed lambs with. This system allows me to increase my stocking rate whilst utilising less of my farming country.

The use of the electric fencing has allowed me to have greater flexibility in my sheep management, particularly with the way I can now effectively graze my cereal and fodder crops to get the best value out of the dry matter production.

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The other bonus is the use of the weighing system to record the weights of my lambs; this has enabled me to market my lambs in a more effective way. I can now consign lines of lambs direct to the processor which meet their specifications and mean that I get paid for what I produce. I am very happy that the group has collectively purchased an auto draft system as this will be of great benefit to all of the group members in the efficient marketing of their lambs.”

Geoff Poyner Nullawil

“One of the benefits of the MLA PDS for me is the introduction of precision sheep management and in particular the use of pregnancy scanning and being able to follow up the performance of the lambs through the trial using the walk over weighing system. This has meant we are now able to market larger lines of lambs to meet the specifications of the processors. I think that the use of the walk over weighing system will also help to identify those lambs that are not performing well and either get rid of them early of just put them out somewhere and concentrate on the lambs that are performing well.

This trial has also demonstrated that we don’t need to tie up large areas of the farm with sheep, as our main enterprise is grain production and this doesn’t need to be compromised to run a good number of sheep. The use of the electric fencing to manage the sheep on both the fodder crop and our cereal grain crop has opened up the way we manage our farm sand provided more flexibility for us.

I am very pleased with the group purchase of the auto draft as it has been very useful to the group members in the collective marketing of our lambs. The auto draft ahs meant that we can over a couple of days visit member farms to put together a good line of very simular lambs which the processors seem to be happy with. The other thing I am happy with is by weighing the lambs before they leave t6he farm and direct marketing to the processor I know that I get paid for what I produce.”

Denis Ryan Group President

“The PDS trial has demonstrated the value of electric fencing systems in our environment. With the removal of some of the infrastructure like fences to facilitate cropping it has been difficult to manage sheep on some of our paddocks, particularly when trying to graze cereal crops. The use of the solar powered fence has changed the way we manage our sheep, we can now strip graze our crops to obtain better feed utilisation and grazing management together with a great system to manage our fodder varieties to the best effect.

This trail has also demonstrated the value of the walk over weighing system in our environment. I must admit, I was sceptical at first. But once trained the lambs had no difficulty in walking over the scales to be weighed. This gave a great picture of how the lambs were performing. The use of the RFID tags was also of great benefit as we were able to get individual carcase feedback from the processor which meant that for the first time we could see how our lambs were performing and we were getting paid for what we had produced.

The other benefit to come out of the trial was the identification of varieties of fodder which perform well in our environment. In the past we have sown down sacrifice paddocks for grazing which were usually just the varieties of cereal grain we would normally sow, the big difference is that we can now run more stock on less country and better utilise what we have sown. The other advantage is the system we have developed fits in with our crop rotations.”

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8 Appendices 8.1 Appendix 1 Article published in the Weekly Times November 2011 on the Nullawil BWBL PDS field day

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8.2 Appendix 2

Field day participants at Nullawil BWBL MLA PDS site

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