In 2022, Southern Farming Systems (SFS) established the Rokewood pasture trial site to fulfil mixed farming member needs and fill the gap in pasture research and extension in the region.  Stocking rates on farms in southwest Victoria have remained relatively constant over the past 20 years. Yet there is evidence that higher stocking rates are possible and sustainable, which can result in greater farm profit.

Recently SFS has been successful in gaining a Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) project that will run for the next 5 years to benefit mixed producers through proof-of-concept trials, research and extension activities with workshops and 1:1 advice/consultations to bridge the theoretical gap in stocking rate by addressing a  combination of productivity constraints, insufficient knowledge, producer’s tolerance to risk and the confidence to implement new practices.

The Rokewood site will become a Producer Demonstration Site funded by MLA to test whether and how new research fits within farming systems, through the addition of 14 new trials focussing on showing how pastures can be more productive in the region.  And supporting producers and agronomists to learn new skills through more detailed workshops to gain confidence in implementing and adopting some of the practices on their own farms, with free consultation advice.

To kick off the project SFS is having an open site inspection on Wednesday 13^th March from 4.30pm, to show case existing trials that featured at Feedbase Focus in November last year (see their seasonal progress), discuss the future trials that will start this autumn and what is available to local producers to increase their skills and knowledge.

Come join in the conversation and follow along as the SFS team wanders through the existing trials discussing the current progress, limitations and considerations for the different pasture types, the current moth and cricket pest burdens seen in the state, and hear about the new trials starting in April and what we hope to see from them later in the year. Starting at 4:30 pm, refreshments will be provided at the walk and it will be a relaxed event, giving participants a chance to network and ask questions. For catering purposes please register by visit the SFS website at www.sfs.org.au/communications/events