Resources

LINK: https://etools.mla.com.au/ptn/#/

PTN data and trial reports are freely available via the MLA PTN eTool.

Visit now to search and compare varieties, filter by region, species and location.

• Compare yield performance data for varieties and species in the region.
• Select the best performing variety for your farming needs.
• Data is ranked showing performance across seasons.
• Perennial species also include individual variety sward persistence percentages.
• Performance yield data is available for key species including: phalaris, chicory, cocksfoot, tall fescue, perennial and annual ryegrass, sub-clover and lucerne.
• Trial reports available providing insight into geographic data, rainfall, weed and pest control, site specific conditions, progress photos.

LINK: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/feeding-and-farm-systems/pastures/forage-value-index

The Forage Value Index (FVI) helps Australian dairy farmers make more informed decisions when selecting productive and profitable ryegrass cultivars.

• Developed in collaboration with the Pasture Trials Network and DataGene.
• The FVI provides an independent and reliable assessment on the potential economic value of Perennial, Italian and Annual ryegrass cultivars. 
• Each year, the FVI is updated with newtrial data to ensure the cultivar rankings from key dairy regions remain as accurate as possible.

Pasture establishment (renovation) with improved species is a key tool in the pasture management toolbox. The right pasture sown in the right place for the right purpose, under the right management will help optimise enterprise productivity and profitability.

Key to be aware of in pasture establishment:

1. Assess potential gains from renovation versus other PII toolbox options such as nutrient management, weed control, grazing management.
2. Knowing which species suit your soils, topography, management and enterprise needs is critical when selecting a suitable pasture for renovation purposes.
3. Pasture renovation is expensive and requires considerable planning and preparation to gain the maximum benefit. Preparation needs to start at least one full year before the seed is actually sown.
4. When you have invested in a new pasture, it is essential to manage it appropriately to maximise productivity and persistence for the life of the pasture to ensure the optimal return on investment.

Fertile soils drive productive pastures through optimal water and nutrient use. When soil nutrients are lacking, pastures are unable to reach their potential regardless of how much water and sunlight is available and how effective grazing management is.

Healthy fertile soils are a combination of:

• physical fertility – soil texture, structure and resilience
• chemical fertility – nutrient supply and cycling
• biological fertility – organic matter, soil animals and micro-organisms.

Grazing management is the key to pasture and livestock productivity, profitability and persistence.

Take a look through the following resources to learn more:

• Llifetime ewe management app
• Feed on offer library
• MLA grazing land management
• Evergraze | more livestock from perennials
• MLA Farm 300

Optimal pasture production occurs when pastures contain the maximum density of desirable species. This is achieved through careful pasture species selection in the short term and effective long-term integrated weed control achieved by incorporating a range of management tools.

When used appropriately these tools will:

• prevent weeds being introduced.
• remove weeds or reduce weed seed set.
• restrict weed germination.
• encourage competition from desirable species.

Pasture pests can impact significantly on both pasture production and pasture persistence.  The key to effective pest control is to understand the lifecycle cycle of each pest population and develop a strategic control program rather than just aiming to control active adults at any one time.

Analysis of life cycles helps identify the critical timing for pesticide applications and avoid dormant populations re-emerging.

We have compiled a number of useful resources which can provide beneficial information and guidance. Take a look at the links below:

• Agriculture Victoria | Information for farmers to improve the productivity, quality and health of their land and pastures.
• NSW DPI | Learn about pasture species and varieties used in NSW.
• WA DPIRD | Learn about pasture species and varieties and their importance.
• GRDC Weed Management Manual | The manual provides information on the latest tools and techniques to help manage current weeds and weeds of emerging economic importance.
• Future Beef | Resource for north Australian beef industry, sharing the latest practical tools, scientific insights, and relevant, timely advice.