This tool allows you to determine your average pasture supply, and likely variability, based on long-term weather records.
The mid-monthly estimates of pasture growth rates (kg DM/ha/day) below are for average seasonal conditions for a range of localities and regions across the high rainfall and wheat–sheep zones of Australia. They are from State PROGRAZE® manuals, available from your State Department of Agriculture/Primary Industries, and based on a combination of research results, growth
predictions and practical experience. Although there is a large variation in rainfall pattern and feed supply within any year, when put together these monthly values reflect pasture growth in a ‘typical’ year for the locality or region without reference to growth in the previous month.
These estimates provide a basis to assist with the calculations for short to medium term decision making in the sheep enterprise. They are intended as a guide and will assist with the calculations in feed budgets. It is recommended that the MLA Pasture Ruler or equivalent (see tool 7.6 in Grow More Pasture) is used to generate similar estimates of pasture growth rates for selected paddocks or the whole farm.
Assumptions
The following assumptions are made for the range of pastures/pasture mixes unless otherwise stated in the estimates:
- Pastures are of moderate to high density
- Soil has good moisture holding capacity, such as a clay loam
- Pasture is maintained in an active growth phase at all times during the growing season
- Pastures are well managed and fertilised to avoid nutrient deficiencies
- Estimates are for the middle of each month.
The following important variables need to be considered and adjusted against
the expected local, district or regional patterns, and practical experience:
- Climate (rainfall and temperature)
- Soil type and variability
- Pasture species
- Fertiliser (nutrient) requirements
- Grazing management.
Estimates of pasture growth rate
Unless stated, the estimates are for expected availability of feed of adequate quality and are based on:
- Pastures or pasture mixes with a good balance of legumes, grown on suitable soils
- Pastures that are well managed to be maintained in the active growth phase so that quality is at a high level
- Using some form of rotational grazing to enable pastures to rest and grow between grazing events and
- The growth rate of the pasture, stocking rate, degree of wastage through trampling and fouling and the previous management of the pasture.
In any period, the pasture type is capable of growing pasture mass of adequate quantity and quality to suit the requirements of seasonal conditions.
Source: Information was originally compiled for MLA’s More Beef from Pastures manual and the PROGRAZE®
Manuals, developed cooperatively with State Agriculture/Primary Industries Departments in NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.
