Demonstrating the Difference Stage 2 – A Project Field Walk
In Stage 1 of the Demonstrating the Difference Project, some commonly used fertility program approaches were applied to strips of a multi-species cover crop mix, under different grazing regimes to assess the pros and cons of alternative forage production practices. Three different programs and a control were implemented on replicated, randomised strips. Benchmark soil tests were taken, and dry matter and forage quality data was collected.
The project is now being continued over into a second season. One of the observed outcomes from Stage 1 was that grazing, and not grazing across a section of the strips in the growing season significantly altered the plant species composition in those sections. Where the mix was grazed, more graze tolerant species persisted, where it was not grazed, taller annual species dominated.
In this 1/2 day field walk, project consultants Mark Tupman & Graham Mussell will give an overview of the project, a walk and talk on how the project has been implemented, plus present the data that’s been collected and share the project findings.
In addition to the the Demonstrating the Difference Field Walk, Graham Mussell will give participants a show and tell of a second study being undertaken on the property. The Pasture 365 study is investigating whether certain combinations of pasture species exhibit greater resilience to more frequent and prolonged dry periods in regions that typically receive high rainfall.
In many areas, livestock producers often use a limited variety of pasture species for grazing, with a focus typically placed on two or three species. As it is becoming more popular to sow a wide range of species the study will measure pasture production of annual and perennial species growing in mixtures with different complexities and number of pasture species. The project is looking at whether farmers can successfully include a large range of species including grasses, legumes and herbs in a pasture and does that diversity help during those dry times.
Lastly, as part of the afternoons activities, we will undertake some basic assessments of plant species growth and composition in the areas under different treatments to see if there are any notable differences AND get a lesson on how to take pasture tissue samples.
Event Logistics
When? Tuesday September 9th, 1.30pm to 5.00pm
Where? Blackwood Springs Farm, 1220 Warner Glen Rd, Warner Glen 6288
What else? BYO refillable drink bottle plus please wear appropriate & clean farm footwear and dress for the weather. We’ll wrap the day up with a BBQ, beers and chats.
This Lower Blackwood LCDC project is hosted by Dairy Farmers Neville, Gary & Elaine Haddon and is led by consultant & agroecologist Mark Tupman of Productive Ecology with assistance from agronomist Anthony Quinlan of Soil Dynamics, and agronomist Graham Mussell of TopSoil Agriculture.
The project is supported through funding from Healthy Estuaries WA – a State Government program
Date
- 09-09-2025
- Expired!
Time
- 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
- 1220 Warner Glen Road, Warner Glen 6288
Category
Organizer
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Lower Blackwood LCDC
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Phone
0410 743 151 -
Email
karen.tearney@lowerblackwood.com.au -
Website
https://lowerblackwood.com.au
Speakers
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Mark TupmanAgroecologist, Productive EcologyMark Tupman is a consultant and educator in the fields of biological production, permaculture, regenerative agriculture and holistic land management, with an abundant backyard!
Over the last three decades, he has been actively involved in a mix of training, research and community projects, and commercial horticulture, livestock and cropping operations.
Aside from time spent on the ground, he is a regular speaker, advisor and content creator for various organisations around Australia. Through his business, Productive Ecology, he assists gardeners, farmers and companies to implement more economically and environmentally viable production systems, that are examples of what can be achieved by working with life.
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Graham MussellAgronomist, Graham Mussell ConsultingGraham is an Agricultural Scientist with a broad range of experience in agricultural production and business management in high, medium and low rainfall environments. Graham has over 20 years of experience as an agronomist, advisor, farm manager, researcher and extension specialist, and through his business Graham Mussell Consulting, works closely with farmers and industry to improve productivity and efficiency.
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