With two early storms causing significant erosion in parts of Western Australia earlier this year, some producers may be looking at unproductive and uncovered sandy areas with increasing trepidation. It’s the type of situation that Woodanilling farmer John Pickford experienced in the 1990’s on an area with deep pale...
With decreasing rainfall, there has been an expectation that the area affected by dryland salinity has peaked. However, recent observations by farmers that salinity is expanding in many areas have been verified through groundwater monitoring by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), particularly where clearing of...
While confinement feeding is considered most relevant to sheep production, a recent trial by beef producer Brodie Allen south of Vasse suggests the cattle industry could also benefit by improving early season pasture establishment, animal condition and feed usage. The practice involves confining stock in relatively small pens for...
Agronomist Ben Creek has seen the value of confinement feeding sheep at the break of season after running a small trial at his Boyup Brook farm. “It’s something I’ve thought about for the last couple of years purely to defer pastures, because in Boyup, the last three years have...
Key points: Saltbush can help fill the autumn feedgap, treat mineral deficiencies and provide shade and shelter. Saltbush can grow in a variety of climates and soil types but is typically not suited to waterlogged areas. Both sheep and cattle can benefit from saltbush. Saltbush shouldn’t be constantly grazed....
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has established a ten-year trial at its Merredin facility to explore regenerative farming systems. DPIRD research scientist Dr David Ferris unveiled the 5.4-hectare site prior to Minister Alannah McTiernan’s Regenerative Agriculture Round Table meeting on 24th July. The launch follows...
The dismay felt by seeing foxes around livestock and predating native wildlife is enough to make most farmers consider a control program. However, feral pest management can be expensive and time-consuming, so it’s vital that farmers choose the most effective strategy. One farmer with considerable experience managing pests in...
Music festivals took on a whole new meaning in Dumbleyung recently when 150 volunteers came from the city to plant 40,000 seedlings across five properties while listening to and playing music. The much-appreciated help came from Activate the Wheatbelt, a not-for-profit organisation that brings volunteers from Perth to the...
Nothing frustrates beef and sheep producers like a late break-of-season. After months of supplementary feeding, the rain comes when temperatures are cold, slowing the break-down of organic soil nitrogen and pasture growth, and creating less than ideal conditions for grazing. In this situation nitrogen fertilisers are often used to...
Supplementary feeding of livestock is a costly but necessary part of farming in Western Australia. To get the best return on supplement, farmers need to understand nutritional requirements for livestock and what components can be filled by pasture at different times of the year so they can fill seasonal...
Tagasaste lifting production on erosion-prone deep sands 1 October, 2020
With two early storms causing significant erosion ...
Salinity expansion still a risk despite reduced rainfall 30 September, 2020
With decreasing rainfall, there has been an expect...
Confinement feeding trial provides multiple benefits for beef producer 1 October, 2020
While confinement feeding is considered most relev...
Emily
Emma Keillor
Jodi Elston
Nerilee Boshammer
Peter Clifton
Pip Marshall
Sarah Molloy