Elements and Performance Criteria
- Develop a pasture management program
- Production targets for each pasture type are established, consistent with livestock production and enterprise objectives.
- Irrigation schedules, where required, are determined for each soil and pasture type based on assessed water requirements, rainfall and evapo-transpiration data.
- Nutrient requirements for pastures are assessed to determine appropriate fertiliser and soil ameliorant program.
- Grazing and fodder conservation strategies are identified and planned for.
- Infrastructure required to support grazing management is identified.
- Budgetary constraints are identified and accounted for according to enterprise requirements.
- A pasture management program is developed to meet production targets and enterprise objectives.
- Implement pasture management program
- Pasture program is implemented and pasture capacity is monitored according to enterprise requirements.
- Strategic grazing may be carried out to reduce or eradicate areas of weed infestation where planned.
- Fertiliser and soil ameliorant applications and rates are determined appropriate to pasture type and soil analysis, and applied accordingly.
- Soil moisture is monitored and watering scheduled adjusted for irrigated pasture.
- Processes to minimise waste and soil degradation are introduced and implemented according to enterprise environmental requirements.
- Monitor pasture growth and fodder production
- Longer term trends in weed, pest and disease incidence are determined and any necessary changes to control measures are implemented.
- Soil structure and risks of erosion are monitored and necessary changes to cultural practices, grazing management and drainage are determined to improve soil quality.
- Irrigation and drainage systems are checked regularly and maintained if appropriate.
- Grazing management is monitored to ensure sustainable pasture and optimal livestock production levels.
- Feed surpluses and deficiencies are identified and appropriate action taken according to enterprise requirements.
- Pasture maturity is monitored and seed harvesting is undertaken to meet marketing and production targets if required.
- Review production level
- Pasture yields are monitored and evaluated against forecast production levels.
- Grazing programs are evaluated for sustainability of the land and pasture resource, and livestock profitability.
- Physical and financial records of production are maintained for analysis and evaluation of production performance.