Grazing crops to increase farm profitability

Summary

The aim of this project is to demonstrate if grazing crops will increase liveweight gain and condition scores of ewes relative to current forage options, without negatively impacting on grain yields later on.

Objectives

By September 2021, in the central wheatbelt region of WA:

1. 7 (core) producers will demonstrate and assess at 6 sites the potential of grazed crops (Oats, Barley & Canola) to increase:

a) liveweight gains of merino ewes through crop grazing (g/day)

b) the condition score of ewes to CS 3 (from CS 2 - 2.5)

1. Conduct a cost benefit analysis to determine the relative economic performance of grazing crop compared to existing pastures (this includes stocking rates DSE/ha, production efficiency kg/ha, pasture productivity DM kg/ha, cost of production $/kg, Gross Margin $/ha and any crop yield penalties kg/ha).

2. Run a series of paddock workshop and annual field days to showcase (4) demonstration site results, to 60 observer growers. 50% of observer growers will have improved their knowledge and skills of crop grazing as a result.

3. By 2021, have an additional 10 members (observer producers) utilising grazing crops in their farming system.

Progress

The Corrigin Farm Improvement Group in WA have run 6 producer demonstration sites since 2018 with growers in the region looking at the viability of grazing crops. The results from 2018 and 2020 seasons indicate that grazing crops can have a positive impact on meat production values and lead to sufficient weight gains for merino ewes. Depending on the seasonal conditions, and the duration of grazing will determine the impact on grain yields. If the grazing period is sufficiently managed, this reduces risk of yield loss whilst still allowing for gains in meat production values.