All in Livestock (Sheep)

Our Search for a Sustainable Future

superuser — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 03:56:07 +0000

South of Benalla at Warrenbayne, Bill and Debbie Hill run a mixed property - Angus cattle, fine merino sheep in a rotational grazing system ranging from native grasses to high input pastures with an eclectic approach that successfully combines nature conservation and productivity.

IDs and People

Program:

Innovation

Program Theme:

Community Fellows

Research Type:

Community Fellow

Researchers:

Bill Hill

Debbie Hill

Subjects

Subjects:

Conservation

Livestock (Cattle)

Livestock (Sheep)

Keywords:

2002 2003 Community Fellow

Project Information

Summary:

‘We have always looked for innovative ways to combine conservation with productivity. We continue to search for and adapt tools for more socially responsible, ecologically sustainable farming’.

The Hills want to assist other farmers who are looking for advice, motivation and most importantly proof that the approach works.

Land & Water Australia’s Community Fellowship will support the Hills’ production of an integrated document detailing their nearly 30 years of experience farming sustainably.

More information

billhill.com.au details their views and the work done through their Community Fellowship award.

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Improved Seasonal Forecasts for Wool Producers in Australia’s Pastoral Zone

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 06:34:58 +0000

IDs and People

Program:

Land, Water and Wool

Program Theme:

Climate Variability

Research Type:

Demonstration Project

Research Scale:

State

Legacy (KMS) Project ID:

QNR30

Subjects

Subjects:

Climate (General)

Livestock (Sheep)

Livestock (Pastoral)

Landscape Management

Keywords:

Woolgrowers

Land Management

Stocking Rate

Climate Variability

Pastures

Seasonal Forecasting

Project Information

Summary:

Much of Australia’s rangelands are characterised by extreme climate variability which represents a major challenge for woolgrowers. In order to maintain or increase productivity while minimising negative environmental impacts on the land, producers need access to reliable seasonal climate forecast (SCF) information at critical times for key management decisions.

Current Activities

Status:

Pending

Background

Aims:

The objective of Improved Seasonal Forecasts for Wool Producers in Australia’s Pastoral Zone was to support and provide tools for the regional Managing Climate Variability Sup-program projects. It aimed to make SCF products more relevant to producers and their advisors through pasture growth simulation and prediction using Aussie GRASS, a national spatial pasture growth program.

Location

State & NRM Region:

New South Wales

Queensland

South Australia

Western Australia

Victoria

Geographic Zone:

Broadacre: Wheat-Sheep

Broadacre: Pastoral

Optimising wool production and profitability in the Mid-North riparian areas

superuser — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 04:23:50 +0000

This project measured the effectiveness of alternative stock management and other rehabilitation methods that aim to improve pasture and wool quality from riparian areas. It quantified as far as possible the costs and benefits of these methods, and provided practical guidance to woolgrowers on how to implement them to improve both production and environmental management.

IDs and People

Program:

Land, Water and Wool

Program Theme:

Rivers and Water Quality

Research Type:

Research Project

Research Scale:

Region

Subjects

Subjects:

Conservation

Landscape Management

Salinity

Livestock (Sheep)

Rivers and Wetlands

Keywords:

Woolgrowers

Land Management

Riparian

Environmental Management

Native Vegetation

Sustainable Grazing

Pastures

Increase production

Project Information

Summary:

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Background

Project Background:

Rivers and their adjacent riparian areas in much of the Mid-North of South Australia were once prime grazing country, typified by native grasslands and fresh water. These areas are now showing increasing signs of stress and degradation, including rising river salinity and reduced pasture productivity.

Aims:

The aim of this project was to assist wool producers in the Mid-North region of SA to determine the most cost-effective way to manage riparian frontages, optimising profit and production, while also improving the condition of pastures and native vegetation, channel banks and the creek environment.

Location

State & NRM Region:

South Australia

Geographic Zone:

Broadacre: Wheat-Sheep