Grassland Farmers – Opportunities, Threats & Realities26th Annual Conference of The Grassland Society of NSW Inc.

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www.grasslandnsw.com.au

Grassland Farmers – Opportunities, Threats & Realities26th Annual Conference of The Grassland Society of NSW Inc.

B A T H U R S T 2 6 – 2 8 j U ly 2 0 1 1

www.grasslandnsw.com.au

Proceedings of the 26th Annual Conference of The Grassland Society of NSW2

The Grassland Society of NSW was formed in March 1985. The Society now has about 500 members and associates, 75% of whom are farmers and graziers. The balance are agricultural scientists, farm advisers, consultants and executives or representatives of organisations concerned with fertilisers, seeds, chemicals and machinery.

The aims of the Society are to advance the investigation of problems affecting grasslands husbandry and to encourage the adoption into practice of results of research and practical experience. The Society holds an annual conference, publishes a quarterly newsletter, holds field days, and has established regional branches throughout the State.

Membership is open to any person or company interested in grassland management and the aims of the Society.

STATE EXECUTIVE 2010/11

Mick Duncan (President)

Lester McCormick (Vice President)

Janelle Witschi (Secretary)

Frank McRae (Treasurer)

Keith Garlick (Sponsorship)

Committee:

Linda Ayres, John Ive, David Harbison, John Coughlan, Hugh Dove, Philip Stacy, Carol Harris, Cathy Waters, Hayley Rutherford

Life Members: Malcolm Campbell, Peter Wrigley,

Haydn Lloyd Davies, Warren McDonald, Jim Dellow

BRANCH REPRESENTATIVES 2010/11North Western Slopes Loretta Serafin

Central John Coughlan

Southern Tablelands Mike Keys

South Western Slopes and Riverina Hayley Rutherford and Nathan Ferguson

Western Slopes and Plains Cathy Waters

Northern Tablelands Mick Duncan

2011 Conference Committee:Convenor: David Harbison (D R Agriculture Pty Ltd,

Molong)

Treasurer: Stuart Green (Mandurama)

Secretary: Janelle Witschi (The Grassland Society of

NSW, Orange)

Editorial: Greg Lodge (Tamworth Agricultural

Institute, Calala) Jim Scott, (University of New England, Arrmidale) Warwick Wheatley (Charles Sturt University, Orange)

Proceedings Design and Layout: Barry Jensen (Orange)

The Grassland Society of NSWA unique blend of people with a common interest in developing

our most important resource – our Grasslands

Proceedings of the 26th Annual Conference of The Grassland Society of NSW 3

Sponsorship: Keith Garlick (The Rural Centre, Orange)

Speakers: David Harbison (D R Agriculture Pty Ltd,

Molong) Linda Ayres (Orange Agricultural Institute, Orange) Karl Behrendt (Charles Sturt University, Bathurst) Frank McRae (AusWest Seeds) Ross Yelland (Elders, Orange)

Hay and Silage Competition: Neil Griffiths (DPI NSW, Paterson)

Trade Display: Jonathon Tink (Wrightson Seeds, Orange)

Adrian Keith, (AusWest Seeds, Forbes)

Advertising: Keith Garlick (The Rural Centre, Orange) Janelle Witschi (The Grassland Society of

NSW, Orange) Bernadette York (Orange Agricultural Institute, Orange)

Field Tours: Ross Yelland (Elders, Orange)

Jonathon Tink (Wrightson Seeds) Stuart Moncrieff (Elders, Orange) Frank McRae (AusWest Seeds)

Audio and Presentations: Adrian Keith (AusWest Seeds, Forbes)

Tony Cox (Orange Agricultural Institute, Orange)

Committee Members: Karl Anderson, Warwick Badgery, John

Coughlan, Roy Elton, Jenene Kidston, Hayley Rutherford

ISBN 978 1 74256 213 1

Citation: Proceedings of the 26th Annual

Conference of The Grassland Society of NSW Inc.

© The Grassland Society of NSW Inc. 2011 Eds G Lodge, W Wheatley, J Scott (The Grassland Society of NSW, Orange)

Enquiries and additional copies:The Grassland Society of NSW PO Box 471, Orange NSW 2800 Email: secretary@grasslandnsw.com.au Website: www.grasslandnsw.com.au

Disclaimers

The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (July 2011). However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely is up to date and to check the currency of the information with the appropriate adviser. The product trade names in this publication are supplied on the understanding that no preference between equivalent products is intended and that inclusion of a product name does not imply endorsement by The Grassland Society of NSW Inc. over any equivalent product from another manufacturer.

Proceedings of the 26th Annual Conference of The Grassland Society of NSW4

Conference SponsorsThe Executive of The Grassland Society of NSW acknowledge sponsors for their generous support of the Conference. Without this sponsorship in cash and kind, it would not be possible to keep the cost of the Conference within acceptable limits.

Premier sponsors

Major sponsors

Corporate sponsors

Local sponsors

11 KIRKCALDY STREET

BATHURST

Proceedings of the 26th Annual Conference of The Grassland Society of NSW 5

ContentsThe Grassland Society of NSW .......................................................................................................2Conference Sponsors .......................................................................................................................4Preface .............................................................................................................................................7Invited papers ................................................................................................................................11

Threats, realities and opportunities of grassland farming in the central Tablelands – K. Behrendt and J. Eppleston ............................................................ 12

Farming the grass curve in the context of changing opportunities in the Australian lamb market − a central Tablelands perspective – G.M. and G.J. Salmon ............................................ 23

Developing livestock preventive medicine programs with grassland farmers – B.R. Watt ............... 30Performance for profit – M. Ryan.......................................................................................................... 34Pseudo-science: a threat to agriculture? – D.C. Edmeades ................................................................. 38Soil chemistry – facts and fiction and their influence on the fertiliser decision making

process – N. Menzies, D. Harbison and P. Dart ............................................................................. 49The Pegala Pastoral Company − Vertically integrating cropping and beef production systems – B. Hackney, P. Orchard, D. Kemp, B. Orchard ................................................................................... 67Landscape and grazing management affects on pasture production and persistence on

“Dunns Plains” – B. Townson .......................................................................................................... 74Collaborate to survive and thrive – J. Gladigau ................................................................................... 78Cereal based forage crops for hay and silage production – J. Piltz, C. Rodham, J. Walker, P.

Matthews, B. Hackney and J.F. Wilkins ......................................................................................... 81Optimising the intake of feed by pasture-fed sheep and cattle – C.T. Westwood ............................. 88Varying sheep production from different pasture types – J. Brien ...................................................... 99

Contributed papers .....................................................................................................................104Bioscapes − an introduction to biodiversity in grazing landscapes – C. Edwards .......................... 105Surveys of grazing industry end-users in northern New South Wales – G.M. Lodge .................... 107On-farm monitoring of sheep and pasture production in the EverGraze northern New South

Wales project – G.M. Lodge, M.A. Brennan, P.T. Sanson, B.R. Roworth and I.J. Stace ......... 111Developing pasture and livestock benchmarks for sheep production in northern New South

Wales – G.M. Lodge ....................................................................................................................... 115Comparison of methods for estimating herbage mass in small plots – G. M. Lodge and

S. Harden ......................................................................................................................................... 119Using height and density to estimate the herbage mass of different pastures in northern New

South Wales – G.M. Lodge, M.A. Brennan, P.T. Sanson, B.R. Roworth and I.J. Stace ........... 123“Trevenna” sheep production demonstration site of methane emissions on the northern

Tablelands of NSW – C. Edwards, M.J. McPhee, J. Meckiff, N. Ballie, D. Schneider and R. HegartyC ............................................................................................................................. 127

Using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to determine nutritive value of tropical perennial grasses – S.P. Boschma, S.A. Sissons and M.J. Sissons............................................... 129

Herbicides evaluated for tropical perennial grasses – L.H. McCormick, S.P. Boschma, A.S. Cook and B.M. McCorkell .................................................................................................... 133

Proceedings of the 26th Annual Conference of The Grassland Society of NSW6

The value of ‘alternative’ nitrogen fertiliser products on pasture. 1. Pasture production at three sites – C.E. Muir, N. Griffiths and P. Beale ............................... 136

The value of ‘alternative’ nitrogen fertiliser products on pasture. 2. Pasture quality and carryover effects at Tocal – C.E. Muir, N. Griffiths and P. Beale ......... 140

The use of pig manure – a study at Wollun, NSW – C. Edwards and M. Duncan ........................ 143Poster papers ...............................................................................................................................146

Investigating the impact of cover cropping on a native pasture system in southern Queensland – L. Bailey, S. Murphy and C. Guppy ................................................ 147

Managing tropical perennial grasses for livestock production – a case study – B.R. McGufficke ........................................................................................................................... 149

Benefits and uses of plantain (Plantago lanceolata) cv. Ceres Tonic in livestock production systems in New South Wales – H.G Judson and A.J.E. Moorhead ............................................ 151

Australian breeding of persistent perennial ryegrass without endophyte – A. Leddin ................... 153Effect of ensiling on weed seed viability – J. Piltz, R. Stanton, C. Rodham and H.Wu .................. 156

Travel grant report ......................................................................................................................157Report of travel to New Zealand to attend the 15th Australian Society

of Agronomy Conference and visit two NZ Agresearch Institutes – M.R. Norton .................... 158

A great grazingalternative to canola• Ideal alternative in a cereal cropping rotation

• High quality fodder crop, ideal for stock finishing systems

• Multiple grazing option with excellent regrowth potential

• Tolerant of hot, dry conditions once established

• Early maturing, 10-12 weeks

For further information check out the latest BRASSICA brochure.

For further information and advice contact one of our territory managers or visit our website www.agricom.com.au

Dick Evans Sven Koljo Jacob O’BrienSth VIC, TAS, SA, WA Nth Vic, Sth NSW Nth and Nth Coast NSWm 0418 579 220 m 0427 772 488 m 0428 469 363

Another quality cultivar from . . .

www.agricom.com.au

AGRICOMproud sponsors of

the Grasslands Society

Winfred_176x100_Layout 1 30/05/11 9:56 AM Page 1

Proceedings of the 26th Annual Conference of The Grassland Society of NSW 7

Preface

I extend a very warm welcome to all members attending this 26th annual conference of the Grassland Society of NSW.

An equally warm welcome to those who are not members of the Society. I encourage you to join us and enjoy the many benefits of membership, well worth the annual subscription of $50.00.

This is the first conference to be held at Bathurst. We all look forward to a stimulating two days including the farm tours of the district. The tours are an important feature of our conferences and invariably provide visitors to the district with an insight into agricultural production at the local level.

Plant and animal production depend on new technologies to complement established agricultural science. The Grassland Society brings together producers, agronomists, agri-business firms, animal scientists and teachers of agriculture to receive, discuss and exchange high quality information relevant to grassland farming. One important objective of the Society is to promote agricultural systems that combine improved efficiencies and environmental responsibility. Pastures, both native and introduced, are the powerhouse of all forms of agriculture across Australia. Above ground, pastures sustain grazing animals, suppress weed invasion and protect otherwise bare ground from erosion. Of equal importance, they provide for microbial activity under the ground. Pastures both depend on and improve soil health.

This conference examines aspects of soil fertility, pasture management and animal performance. In addition, threats to and realities of agricultural systems, from natural and human sources are discussed by prominent scientists and producers.

The organising Committee has put much time and effort into selecting expert speakers to bring delegates up to date with current and new aspects of pasture and animal science. The conference team is to be congratulated and

thanked for putting together such a stimulating program of formal sessions and farm tours.

I would like to acknowledge our many sponsors representing corporate and government sectors that regularly support the Grassland Society. Conferences of this nature do not happen without the substantial assistance of our sponsors. Furthermore, I encourage all conference delegates to visit the well-prepared commercial displays, exhibits and posters. They are full of current information on new pasture varieties, fertiliser products, herbicides and management strategies, all aimed at assisting producers and their advisers. Please take time to talk with representatives of the trade exhibits and poster authors. They are a valuable source of information and are always happy to discuss developments with conference delegates.

Finally, I thank all of you who are here to enjoy and learn from this conference. The Grassland Society is keen to maintain the high standards of previous years, and we invite suggestions to improve future activities. Please feel free to let any member of the Organising Committee know your thoughts in this regard. After all, the Grassland Society is only as effective as its members and depends on them for continued existence. I again encourage non-members to join and enjoy the many benefits of membership. Application forms can be printed from our internet site: www.grasslandnsw.com.au and are available from the registration desk at this conference.

Best wishes for a most enjoyable conference.

Mick Duncan President

A great grazingalternative to canola• Ideal alternative in a cereal cropping rotation

• High quality fodder crop, ideal for stock finishing systems

• Multiple grazing option with excellent regrowth potential

• Tolerant of hot, dry conditions once established

• Early maturing, 10-12 weeks

For further information check out the latest BRASSICA brochure.

For further information and advice contact one of our territory managers or visit our website www.agricom.com.au

Dick Evans Sven Koljo Jacob O’BrienSth VIC, TAS, SA, WA Nth Vic, Sth NSW Nth and Nth Coast NSWm 0418 579 220 m 0427 772 488 m 0428 469 363

Another quality cultivar from . . .

www.agricom.com.au

AGRICOMproud sponsors of

the Grasslands Society

Winfred_176x100_Layout 1 30/05/11 9:56 AM Page 1

Proceedings of the 26th Annual Conference of The Grassland Society of NSW8

Conference Program Tuesday 26 July 20111:00–5:00 pm Pre-conference tourist attractions (at your own leisure)

4:00–6:00 pm PRE-CONFERENCE REGISTRATIONS – Citigate, 1 Conrod Straight, Mt Panorama.

6:00 pm THE GRASSLAND SOCIETY OF NSW ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – Citigate, Mt Panorama, 1 Conrod Straight, Bathurst.

Day One – Wednesday 27 July

7:30–8:30 am REGISTRATIONS

8:30 am WELCOME – President of the Grassland Society of NSW, Michael Duncan.

Session 1

9:15 am ‘The threats, realities and opportunities of grassland farming in the Central Tablelands’. Dr Karl Behrendt – Lecturer in Agribusiness and Director of the Asian Agribusiness Research Centre at Charles Sturt University, Orange. Jeff Eppleston – research officer with the Tablelands LHPA where he is responsible for animal health and production research relevant to local sheep and cattle producers. He is also a commercial White Suffolk ram breeder.

10:00 am ‘Farming the grass curve with lamb on the Central Tablelands of NSW – opportunities, threats and realities’. Gillian and Geoff Salmon, “Ambleside”, Oberon. Prime lamb and beef producers who share a passion for sustainable grazing systems. The aim of their enterprise is to maximise feed use efficiency by matching their target markets to their pasture curve.

10:30 am POSTER PAPERS, MORNING TEA & TRADE DISPLAYS

Session 2

11:15 am ‘An overview of animal health as a constraint in grazing systems on the Tablelands’. Bruce Watt Senior District Veterinarian, Tablelands Livestock Health and Pest Authority, Bathurst.

12:00 noon ‘Performance for profit’. Matt Ryan, producer, “Kilcooly”, Rydal.

Session 3

12:30 pm LUNCH AND BUS TOURS DEPART

5:30 pm BUS TOURS RETURN

6:30–7:00 pm PRE-DINNER DRINKS and CANAPES

7:00 pm CONFERENCE DINNER AND GUEST SPEAKER

HAY AND SILAGE COMPETITION

Proceedings of the 26th Annual Conference of The Grassland Society of NSW 9

Day Two – Thursday 28 July

8:30 am ‘Pseudo Science – a threat to agriculture’. Dr Doug Edmeades, Managing Director, agKnowledge Ltd, NZ.

9:15 am ‘Soil chemistry – Facts and fiction, and their impact on the fertiliser decision making process’. Neil Menzies, Professor of soil and environmental science and Dean of Agriculture, University of QLD. Respected soil scientist who believes that land management should be based on understanding not faith.

9:55 am ‘Pegela Pastoral Company – vertically integrating cropping and beef production systems’. Mark Mason, B.Ec, Director, Pegela Pastoral Co.

10:25–11:00 am MORNING TEA AND TRADE DISPLAYS

Session 4 Pastures and landscapes

11:00 am ‘Factors affecting pasture production in variable landscapes – how does it influence fertiliser use and other management issues?’ Dr Belinda Hackney, Research Agronomist, DPI, Bathurst.

11:45 am ‘Landscape and grazing management affects on pasture production and persistence on Dunn’s Plains.’ Bruce Townson, producer, “Dunns Plains”, Rockley.

12:15 pm ‘Collaborate to survive and thrive.’ John Gladigau, Nuffield Scholar, Bulla Burra Collaborative Farming Australia, “Bunyarra”, Alawoona, South Australia.

1:00–1:45 pm LUNCH AND TRADE DISPLAYS

Session 5

1:45 pm ‘Cereal based forage crops for hay and silage production.’ John Piltz, Livestock Research Officer, DPI, Wagga Wagga.

2:30 pm ‘Optimising the intake of feed by pasture fed sheep and cattle’. Dr Charlotte Westwood, Wrightson Seeds.

3:00 pm ‘Varying sheep production from different pasture types.’ Julie Brien, Nuffield Scholar and producer, “Ardnai”, Greenethorpe.

3:30–3:45 pm CLOSE AND AFTERNOON TEA

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Proceedings of the 26th Annual Conference of The Grassland Society of NSW 11

Invited papers