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[Kim House Speaking on Rotational Grazing - Video]

Introduction
Mick's Block has been held and managed by our family since the 1930's. Past management has been set stocking under a continuous grazing system. Stock numbers remained constant and droughts often meant importing hay and other feed. Considerable grazing pressure has resulted in large areas of scalded land and gully erosion.

Mick's Block is a mix of country and soil types: Duplex country supporting Broad Leaf Ironbark and Brigalow Melon Hole country. The total area is 760 ha most of which has been cleared in the past. 560 ha of stony undulating country, with some scattered trees throughout and 200 ha of creek flats.  

Timeline to date:

July 2006 - Started management of Mick's Block under a rotational grazing system. A fencing and water development plan developed.

January 2007 - Water system installed - 80000 litres of water can be stored in tanks at a central spot and is reticulated through 6 km of 63mm poly pipe to 8 troughs. Dams are used to supply stock water.

May 2007 - 16 km of electric fencing was installed to allow a grazing rotation of 22 paddocks. Rotational grazing stock movements began, although the property has been stocked the entire time.  

Stocking Rate

Currently the stocking rate is 124 LSU (Large Stock Unit); the property had an historical stocking rate of approximately 200 breeders, selling all progeny, which equates to an average of 400 LSU. The current rate is due to the extended dry period that we are experiencing and numbers will be monitored to ensure that our Stocking Rate is matched to the Carrying Capacity (SR:CC).  

Goals

  • To increase average stocking rate to 400 LSU by 2010 and to 700 LSU by 2012. This would be a rate at peak times of year and will fluctuate over the year to match the SR:CC at any given time

  • Increasing trend on gross margins per hectare and per LSU over the years to come, as well as increases in all key performance indicators.

  • Reduce erosion and bare areas of land by improving water infiltration

  • Increase pasture quality and quantity by increasing ground cover

  • Stop the death of mature trees through improved ground cover and water infiltration

  • Improve soil biology, nutrients and carbon sequestration by improving humus in the soil.

Monitoring

  • Pasture Monitoring - looking at ground cover, biological health and changes in species mix - twice yearly

  • Photo sites - pasture and erosion areas - using still photos and video recording – twice yearly

  • Soil Testing - biological, nutrient and carbon - yearly

  • Stocking Rate to Carrying Capacity - using a Grazing Chart - monthly

Financial Indicators - monitor key financial indicators for increasing trends - yearly