B.PAS.0512 - Pasture Dieback: Evaluation and delivery of diagnostic tools and information products for graziers

Summary

The role of this AgForce project was producer communication by sharing emerging research through a series of paddock walks and events, collating a photo library of dieback symptoms, documenting three case studies and demonstration sites, developing a web map for recording dieback affected areas, and surveying for changes in producer skills. During 2021 to 2023, 695 producers and agribusinesses attended 19 producer events coordinated by AgForce. Ten producer interviews were uploaded onto Facebook social media and one video was used by regional television. Producers mapped 65,048 ha of dieback across 41 affected areas on the crowdsource web map. This communication project has confirmed the best method for information delivery is through paddock walks, video interviews shared on social media and robust, localised discussion amongst producers and researchers.

Objectives

1. Utilise survey techniques to demonstrate improved producer skills in identification of pasture dieback signs and use of diagnostic tools and information products generated by the Pasture Dieback Research Program.
2. Develop and implement an ArcGIS crowdsource web map to enable producers to map dieback incidence and affected area.
3. Facilitate improved awareness of management strategies through a series of field walks, producer information events and social media interviews.
4. Establish and collate three producer trials and case studies.

Key findings

The two-way interaction with producers affected by pasture dieback has confirmed general awareness for identifying signs of pasture stress and associated dieback. Management options vary and often depend on other factors such as cash flow, paddock terrain, access to pasture renovation machinery, willingness to use fire as a pasture management tool, current stocking rates and enterprise urgency for optimising livestock carrying capacity. Producers are reluctant to invest in pasture rehabilitation and oversowing with legume and pasture seed, unless there is certainty with future carrying capacity and dieback impacts will be minimised. Throughout central Queensland buffel pastures, many producers agree dieback is triggered by the pasture mealybug. There are varying views about dieback causes amongst other producers from other regions.
• Pasture mealybug is part of the cause. There may be other causative issues such as nutritional deficiencies in previously cleared Brigalow soils and plant diseases.
• Stunted roots of dieback-affected pasture plants can also be a sign of heavy grazing pressure and compacted soils.
• Short, cropped pastures are less susceptible to dieback. Key message is “Use it, or lose it” with short-term grazing pressure, when pasture dieback risk in the region is high.
• Pasture renovation is needed to combat pasture dieback, in many situations.
• Areas receiving several days of continuous rain showers have less pasture dieback.
the best method for information delivery is through paddock walks, video interviews shared on social media and robust, localised discussion amongst producers and researchers.
The Pasture Dieback Industry Network developed by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Future Beef team in conjunction with Meat & Livestock Australia is recommended as the main channel for future extension about pasture mealybug-induced dieback.

Benefits to industry

The project has fostered awareness and better understanding amongst producers and advisors of the causes of dieback, how to identify it and the management options available to deal with it and mitigate its impacts.
The two-way interaction with producers affected by pasture dieback has confirmed general awareness for identifying signs of pasture stress and associated dieback. Management options vary and often depend on other factors such as cash flow, paddock terrain, access to pasture renovation machinery, willingness to use fire as a pasture management tool, current stocking rates and enterprise urgency for optimising livestock carrying capacity. Producers are reluctant to invest in pasture rehabilitation and oversowing with legume and pasture seed, unless there is certainty with future carrying capacity and dieback impacts will be minimised. Future extension delivery methods should include several pathways. Seventy per cent of producers utilise other producers for shared learnings. Other popular producer information sources include DAF Future Beef staff and website, local producer information sessions, rural newspapers, grazing consultants, produce agencies, online industry newsletters, Meat & Livestock Australia website, online factsheets and ABC Radio Rural Report and Country Hour.

MLA action

The Pasture Dieback Program will continue to engage directly with AgForce which will continue to be active contributor to the Pasture Dieback Program and represent producer feedback and interests.

Future research

Promote ongoing active participatory research. Research learnings are shared throughout the pasture dieback research program and not just at the project end in final reports. Foster two-way communication between researchers and producers to solve pasture dieback management and the complex of causes. Producers are excellent observers of changes occurring in their paddocks and can contribute to solutions.

Continue to foster the Pasture Dieback Industry Network developed by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Future Beef team in conjunction with Meat & Livestock Australia as the main channel for future extension of pasture mealybug-induced dieback. AgForce to remain informed and supportive of the network but not involved in pasture dieback extension delivery.

Consult with dryland crop pathology experts to isolate and identify any pathogenic leaf rusts and plant diseases associated with improved pasture species, especially during times of high relative humidity and temperature.

Ensure pasture dieback research outcomes are shared amongst the network of pasture agronomy consultants across eastern Australia to help producers and land managers choose the best options for dieback management.