Increasing stocking rate by improving pasture - Nick Moyle
Increasing stocking rate by improving pasture - Nick Moyle - Beef CRC - Beef Genetic Technologies
 “If you have a thirst for knowledge, a Beef Profit Partnership is a great place to be.”That’s according to Nick Moyle, from Pathfinder Angus in Victoria who has been a member of the Hamilton BPP for the past two years. “We have been on this property for four years. We managed places in South Australia before that, but we came from a very low capital base,” he said. “Every decision we make has to be a profitable one. And the group process involved in the BPP ensures that happens.” Nick Moyle maintains the networks built between the individual farmers of the group have been invaluable. “You pick up both the good and bad things that they’re doing on the farm. While the DPI facilitator guides us, the real benefit is being able to discuss various options with other farmers.” Mr Moyle said their main focus is to increase on-farm profitability. “We are on always on the lookout to make improvements. The constant analysis and support provided by the BPP seemed like a great opportunity to discover where changes can be made,” he said. He said by using tools such as the Cost of Production calculator they realized there were some potential gains to be made by improving pastures. “By visiting the EverGraze site at Hamilton and through talking to other farmers in the group, it convinced us that we needed to change our direction,” said Mr Moyle. “We were running at around 12 DSE to the hectare and we believed we could get to at least 20 DSE to the hectare by improving our rye grass pastures.” Since embarking on their pasture improvement program, the Moyles have begun spraying out onion weed, perennial rye grass and some of the old clovers. He said they have re-sowed with ‘Banquet II’ rye grass and new sub-clover species. They are also putting on applications of phosphorus and lime. “These are all long term changes, but within 10 years we would envisage having the entire property stocked at 20 DSE,” he said. “So far we would probably have achieved that higher stocking rate on about 10 per cent of the farm.” Increasing the stocking rate should increase their profitability by 20 to 30 percent. Mr Moyle said they have already begun to see an improvement in profit on those paddocks which have improved pastures. But he added that they are re-investing any extra cash that is generated into new development work. “We are putting between five and 10 per cent of the property under native tress as shelterbelts and fencing off waterways so that the cattle aren’t drinking out of the creek,” he said. “The driving rain and strong winds can make the Winters down here quite cold. Since planting the shelter belts we’ve noticed we’re feeding the cattle less hay and their calf weights have gone up.” Mr Moyle said it is all part of creating a sustainable farm. “We haven’t exactly been able to sit back and watch the money roll in, but there is definitely an incentive to proceed with the current program,” he said. “And it is even keeping my bank manager happy, which is a good thing.” |
| For more information contact Maria Crawford, Vic DPI, Facilitator, Hamilton BPP Tel: (03) 5573 0900 or email Maria.Crawford@dpi.vic.gov.au |
