This year’s Spring Field Day at the Gippsland Research Farm (Thursday, October 24) promises to be a relevant and engaging event for local farmers and land managers.
On the agenda is the highly anticipated showcase of the Toms Creek Landcare Group’s ongoing project focused on controlling African lovegrass, an invasive and challenging weed species that has posed problems for many farmers and our public land managers in the region.
For several years, Toms Creek Landcare Group members have been diligently researching and trialling methods to control African lovegrass.
The hard work and dedication have led them to identify a few promising strategies.
At this year’s field day, they aim to share their findings with the community, encouraging local producers to adopt new and effective management practices that can transform their weeds into valuable feed.
OUTCOMPETING THE WEEDS WITH STRATEGIC PLANTING
The key message of the day will be clear: to combat undesirable plant species like African lovegrass, you need to outcompete them with carefully selected plant species that suit your farm’s unique requirements.
By introducing and managing the right pasture species, producers can not only eliminate problem weeds but also optimise their feed production, ensuring healthier, more productive farm systems.
A special session during the day will focus on comparing the costs and benefits of establishing perennial pastures versus annual crops in a climate that has proven to be highly variable over the last two years.
With changing weather patterns and unpredictable rainfall, understanding the performance and resilience of different pasture systems is crucial for making informed decisions.
PERENNIAL v ANNUAL PASTURES: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Over the past two years, the Gippsland Research Farm has seen significant variations in weather conditions, providing an ideal environment to compare how both annual and perennial pastures perform under similar soil and climatic circumstances.
Attendees will have the opportunity to see these results firsthand from a project delivered in Partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia.
Learning which options might best suit their own farm systems based on performance, resilience, and long-term sustainability.
The session will delve into the practical and economic aspects of planting perennial pastures like Phalaris, cocksfoot, and tall fescue compared to annual options such as sorghum, brassicas, and ryegrass.
Also on offer to view are some plots of cocksfoot, tall fescue and Phalaris.
Each of these crops has been planted side by side at the research farm, allowing producers to observe the growth patterns, weed suppression capabilities, and overall performance of each variety.
By attending the field day, producers will gain valuable insights into the cost-benefit analysis of choosing the right type of pasture, depending on seasonal conditions, farm size, and specific feed needs.
The knowledge shared during this session is aimed at equipping farmers with the information they need to make well-informed decisions that will benefit their land and livestock.
INDUSTRY EXPERTS AND
PARTNERS ON HAND
In addition to the African lovegrass control showcase and pasture comparison sessions, the day will feature opportunities to connect with various industry experts and organisations.
Representatives from the Gippsland Drought Node, Food & Fibre Gippsland, Landcare, Southern Farming Systems, and Agriculture Victoria will be present to offer their expertise and discuss available support for producers in the region.
These industry partners play a critical role in providing resources and guidance to farmers.
Their presence at the field day highlights the collaborative effort within the community to support sustainable and profitable farming in Gippsland.
A DAY OF LEARNING, NETWORKING, AND GOOD FOOD
No field day is complete without a hearty meal, and Gippsland Ag is pleased to provide a delicious lunch for all attendees.
The event offers a fantastic opportunity to learn and network with fellow farmers, researchers, and industry professionals
while enjoying the best of Gippsland’s hospitality.
This Spring Field Day is an unmissable event for anyone interested in improving pasture management, learning about new strategies for weed control, or simply connecting with the broader farming community.
Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting your agricultural journey, there will be something valuable for everyone.
