Increasing Adoption of Phosphorus Supplementation in Northern Australia (WA)
| Project start date: | 01 April 2021 |
| Project end date: | 30 July 2026 |
| Project status: | In progress |
| Livestock species: | Grass-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | Northern Australia, Western Australia |
| Site location: | Northern WA |
Summary
The purpose of this integrated R&D PDS project is to increase adoption of phosphorus (P) supplementation in northern Australia, in particular supporting producers with challenges faced by the wet season. The project aims to increase the productivity, profitability and sustainability of many cattle properties in northern Australia. The project will do this through a collaborative research in conjunction with several demonstration sites located across northern Australia involving the NT, QLD and WA.
Objectives
By 15th August 2024 the project will:
1. Have contributed to the evaluation of the effectiveness of a new method of Phosphorus supplementation (the “Easy P strategy ”) designed to be easier to implement on properties in northern Australia where it is difficult to distribute supplement during the wet season. This will be done by collaborating with the NT DPIR lead researcher (Tim Schatz) who will be conducting a trial on a NT DPIR research station (Kidman Springs) that compares the performance of cows supplemented with the Easy P method to that of that of cows that receive traditional wet season supplementation.
2. In collaboration with the NT DITT and QDAF, conduct three Producer Demonstration Sites in the Kimberley (Wet/Dry Tropics) and Pilbara region affected by cyclones to compliment the one site in the NT and two sites in Qld.
3. Conducted wider adoption activities promoting the benefits of Phosphorus supplementation and the “Easy P strategy”, by building a broader program to facilitate wider practice change through the Northern Beef Development Extension Plans, to support activities including the MLA P Challenge and the P PGS platform when available.
Progress
The purpose of this integrated R&D PDS project is to increase adoption of phosphorus (P) supplementation in northern Australia, in particular supporting producers with challenges faced by the wet season. The project aims to increase the productivity, profitability and sustainability of many cattle properties in northern Australia. The project will do this through a collaborative research in conjunction with several demonstration sites located across northern Australia involving the NT, QLD and WA.
The WA project has been updated and now incorporates a 1-1 property phosphorus (P) testing, analysis and planning component for pastoral businesses. Producers across the Kimberley and Pilbara are invited to submit an expression of interest to get involved.
The process will involve PiP blood testing of 30 heifers and soil P sampling. Where a P deficiency is identified, DPIRD will work with each property and a nutrition consultant to develop a customised P supplementation strategy.
Properties will have the opportunity to further engage in the project as a demonstration site to put their supplementation strategy into place and evaluate the impact.
