A UNE-led project that’s equipping graziers with the skills needed to increase adoption of deep-rooted legumes has been extended another 12 months, which will give farmers across the country more opportunities to learn how to become more resilient during increasing climate variability.
Several training days, field days and workshops aimed at highlighting regionally specific legume establishment and management techniques will continue to be held as part of the Overcoming the Knowledge Gaps project, following the positive outcomes of previous events run over the past two years.
“Over the course of the project we’ve been collaborating with over 18 agribusinesses over 22 sites ranging from the Northern Territory to Central NSW,” says Overcoming the Knowledge Gaps project lead, Associate Professor David McNeill.
“We’ve planted over 7,000 hectares incorporating legumes into grass pastures and hosted over 28 field days and training events for producers to attend. Feedback from participants has emphasised how valuable this type of engagement is, so we are excited to be able to do more in this space.”
The Overcoming the Knowledge Gaps project has been educating producers on how to best implement deep-rooted legumes into their grazing systems, due to their environmental and operational benefits, which include increased soil health, boosted animal productivity, reduced reliance on nitrogenous fertiliser and ecosystem resilience during times of drought and flood.
The 12-month extension will build on this work, and will lead to more exhaustive findings that can be used by Australian producers well into the future.
“Measuring the success of legume establishment takes time, particularly when navigating the variable Australian climate,” says A/Prof McNeill.
“Over the past two years we have seen dry winters in the south and record-breaking floods in the north. Extending this project will allow the team to better capture the performance of legumes through these challenges, as we continue monitoring and collecting data off our planted sites over the next 12 months.”
Since the beginning of the year, the team have held several workshops and field days across Queensland, the Northern Territory, and New South Wales to give attendees a first-hand look at adoption techniques, as well as interact with fellow producers about the challenges they’ve faced and how they’ve overcoming them.
“Some of the key takeaways that producers left with included the importance of getting soil tests, setting goals for success, understanding the importance of planning, and effective establishment techniques,” says A/Prof McNeill.
“Beyond knowledge sharing, these events enabled invaluable networking opportunities among attendees. By promoting conversation and collaboration, sharing best practice and showcasing practical outcomes we hope to contribute to the ongoing development of best practices to build greater climatic resilience within our farming systems.”
For those wanting to explore the adoption of deep-rooted legumes as a climate resilience strategy, A/Professor McNeill has one key piece of advice.
“One of the main messages we are trying to get across through the Overcoming the Knowledge Gaps project is that establishing legumes in your pasture system is a great way to boost animal performance and enhance climate resilience, but proper grazing management will be essential for the long term persistence of legumes in these pastures.”
“Have a plan and be ready for the right seasonal conditions. To start your plan, begin with a soil test and speak to your local agronomist.”
Find out more about the project here.
This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
