February 2010 edition
Have I got it right? Field days – highlighting key findings from the 3030 Project
Climate variability has resulted in farmers seeking more flexible and adaptive forage systems to better manage their farms ‘growing seasons’ and farm businesses risk exposure.
In early February a series of field days were held across the state, highlighting key findings from the 3030 project, which help to answer some of the questions posed around sowing time.
The key messages to come from the days were:
- a well managed perennial ryegrass pasture is the most effective and profitable forage for most farmers;
- most farmers can improve their management of ryegrass pastures (annual, biannual and perennial) to improve the profitability of their business with very little cost;
- by completing a Feeding Pastures For Profit (FPFP) course you will gain the skills and knowledge to manage all forage types to their potential while also gaining an understanding of profitable feeding principles;
- there are forages which complement the ryegrass growing pattern by extending the growing season without adding significant risk to the system. These include cereal crops such as oats sown in February into prepared soil; brassica included with ryegrass at autumn sowing, turnips and brassica sown in spring to provide grazing into the summer;
- crops such as cereals and brassicas can be used effectively as a part of a perennial pasture renovation cycle and
- changing from a ryegrass based system to a double cropping type system can improve on farm yields by over 30 per cent however does not generate enough ‘extra profit’ to warrant the extra risk the farm system takes on.
For more information about the 3030 Project, to enroll in the next FPFP course, or to discuss your sowing options this autumn contact Nathan Shannon at DPI Wodonga on (02) 60 437 961.
