Grazing Matcher starts in the Peel-Harvey region

18 farmers from 9 farm enterprises investigating pasture productivity in Uduc

The Grazing Matcher program has now begun in the PHCC region, with meat-protein producers getting together with experts to really focus-in on matching their properties’ land capability with measures like rotational grazing, parasite management, measuring feed quality and timing to market. The program runs for 12 months and sees the group undertake tailored group training sessions (one at each of the properties involved) to showcase differences in each enterprise and highlight opportunities to match grazing capacity with farm yield.

PHCC’s Grazing Matcher program was launched in Uduc on Friday 29^th April at Raelene and Robert Poustie’s property “Poustie’s Paddock”. 18 meat-protein producers came together with experts to focus-in on matching their properties’ land capability with production measures like rotational grazing, parasite management, measuring feed quality and timing to market. The program has been running in four other catchments across the southwest of WA, but this is the first year of the program in the Peel-Harvey region.

When asked about the program Raelene said “It was fantastic to host the first event, and what an awesome opportunity it is to be learning from other farmers and specialists on maximising our beef farms productivity.”

“We have heavy clay soils here, so for us learning about best practices to overcome waterlogging and increasing our knowledge on managing rotational pressure is something we are looking forward to”.

“Robert & I want to produce the best animals from the best soils and pastures we can develop, which will help us create a more resilient and profitable farm enterprise into the future”.

Grazing Matcher runs for 12 months and sees groups of around 20 meat-protein farmers from 9 farm enterprises undertake tailored group training sessions (one at each of the properties involved) to showcase differences in each enterprise and highlight opportunities to match grazing capacity with farm yield.

Focusing on supporting farmer-to-farmer learning, the group has access to experts in pasture management, rotational grazing, scoring animal condition and understanding feed quality. During each monthly session the group also has the chance to learn directly about each enterprise, what constrains or opportunities they are faced with and brainstorm potential solutions.

This year there are five separate Grazing Matcher programs being run across the southwest of state, with around 100 farmers involved.

Places are full for the 2022 Grazing Matcher program, but if you are interested in finding out more or going on a short-list for future programs, contact PHCC’s Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator on 6369 8800 or email mick.davis@peel-harvey.org.au

The program is a joint initiative of Western Beef Association Inc. and South West Catchments Council and is supported Meat & Livestock Australia’s Profitable Grazing Systems program (PGS), Healthy Estuaries WA – a State Government Royalties for Regions Program, GeoCatch, Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee, Oyster Harbour Catchment Group and Peel-Harvey Catchment Council.

The Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator is supported by the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.