Field walk during The Perennial Question Boyup Brook event.
Is it possible and profitable to establish and maintain perennial pastures in the South West of WA?
That is the question South West NRM is hoping to answer! And with 66 farmers attending three recent events designed to provide answers to the perennial question, we obviously aren’t the only ones!
South West NRM is supporting 10 South West farmers over the next three years with establishing perennial pastures to see if they can help facilitate a sustainable agricultural system on their properties.
Three of the participating farmers hosted field days earlier this month to discuss the what, the why and the how with these types of pastures.
The events were supported by project partners Southern Forest Community Landcare, Geocatch and Western Beef Association.
And we have a final event coming up in Warner Glen on April 29 with support from Lower Blackwood LCDC. Registration is available on our website.
Key takeways so far
- Preparation is key! Make sure you have a plan for suppressing weeds when introducing perennials into your pasture.
- Rotational grazing is essential.
- Species selection is also very important and may take some trial and error. Learning from others around you can help fast-track this process.
Perennials in Manjimup
At the first event in our Perennial Question Series in Manjimup, we had host farmer Jake Ryan talk about his experience rotating perennials in with a vegetable system.
Jake’s main reasons for establishing perennials are to:
- Extend the growing season
- Increase soil health by feeding soil microbes longer in the year and deeper into the soil profile
- Increase animal gains and health through more diversity in pasture species.
Jake’s go-to perennial species at the moment are ryegrass, phalaris and cocksfoot. We were joined on the day by advisors Tim O’Dea and Adam Chapman who answered a series of questions and provided a wealth of insight for attendees on managing perennials.
Perennials in Busselton
For event two we gathered in Busselton at Garry Haddon’s farm to discuss how perennials fit into a dairy operation.
We were joined by advisors Sam Taylor, Nathan Tognela, Tim O’Dea and researcher Daniel Real who answered questions for more than an hour.
Perennials in Boyup Brook
Next stop was the Paraway Farm in Boyup Brook with experienced perennial pasture farmer Warren Pensini.
Warren was a wealth of knowledge for visitors on the day and advisor Col Bowey backed him up with some detailed agronomic advice.
Warren’s go-to species are phalaris, cocksfoot, plantain, chicory and tall fescue. Rotational grazing and weed management has been essential to Warren’s success along with addressing soil health issues.
Warner Glen coming up!
The last cab off the rank will be the Warner Glen field day on April 29 with the support of Lower Blackwood Catchment LCDC.
Host farmer Neville Haddon will be joined by advisors Mark Tupman and Brooke Anderson to answer questions.
Come along if you’re considering perennials in your operation!
Registration is available on our website or at Lower Blackwood LCDC.
Upcoming learning opportunities
If perennial pastures are in your plans, learning about managing livestock will be crucial for your success.
South West NRM is partnering with Western Beef to run more Grazing Matcher programs around the state starting in May, 2025.
Find more information about the program on our website and email Jeisane Accioly to register your interest on [email protected]
Manjimup Event.
Busselton event.
Busselton Event.
This project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program and delivered by South West NRM, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
