Beyond Pastures: Perennial Shrubs in Grazing Systems

In this episode of Talking After Hours, we chat with agricultural scientist Dr Dean Revell. Our conversation explores the why, what, where & how of integrating perennial shrubs into grazing systems, the nutritional benefits for livestock, and the management practices necessary for successful establishment and utilization.

Our conversation also touches on the economic implications of shrub integration, the training of livestock to utilize new forage types, and the potential for carbon farming and biodiversity credits in enhancing farm profitability.

Key Takeaways include:

• Understanding the link between nutrition, metabolism, and behavior is crucial for livestock
• Perennial shrubs can fill nutritional gaps in grazing systems, especially during low feed availability periods.
• Integrating shrubs into grazing systems can enhance overall farm productivity and sustainability.
• Livestock may need training to effectively utilize new forage types like shrubs.
• Finding the right balance of shrub integration is key to maximizing benefits without compromising other forage options.
• The economic viability of shrubs often comes from their ability to reduce supplementary feed costs and enhance pasture productivity.
• Collaboration with local nurseries can help farmers identify suitable shrub species for their systems.
• profitability.
• A holistic approach to farm management considers both traditional and innovative practices for sustainable outcomes.

This podcast forms part of a collaborative project with RegenWA called ‘Make Your Hectare Count’. The project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program.

This podcast also forms part of the Regenerative Agriculture in Project Program 2025. This project is supported through funding from the Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s Environmental Management.