Corangamite/Glenelg-Hopkins Region, Victoria

Project contact: Cam Nicholson, phone 0417 311 098, email nicon@pipeline.com.au

The use of raised beds offers an opportunity to maximise production of highly winter-active pastures. This could help lift winter production, allow an increase in the overall stocking rate and enable capitalising on the spring flush. Two sites have been established, one as a paired paddock and one as an intensively monitored site. Detailed pasture, animal, soil and runoff measurements will be taken by the Department of Primary Industries.

The second site, at Warncoort, is being measured for grazing days and pasture growth rates.

This project is expected to determine the benefits and costs of improved drainage and produce decision-making support for farmers planning for increased winter production with minimal off site impacts due to improved drainage. This may allow for an increase in winter, and therefore overall, stocking rates in the region.