Mix it Up! Dairy Resilience Field Day
Can the right mix of pasture species improve feed quality and extend feed availability for a dairy or grazing herd?
Do diverse pastures help farmers manage climate risk?
Would a multispecies mix flourish on your farm?
These are some of the questions South West farmers will explore at an upcoming Dairy Resilience Field Day hosted by Lower Blackwood LCDC as part of its Dairy Resilience Project, a national initiative led by Soils for Life.
The field day will take participants into the project’s demonstration site in Warner Glen, where you’ll walk through paddocks showcasing different pasture species and hear from local agroecologist Mark Tupman and agronomist Graham Mussell about the role multispecies pastures can play in productive dairy systems.
Rather than presenting a one-size-fits-all solution, we’ll explore how increasing pasture diversity can contribute to healthier soils, more resilient pastures and improved livestock performance, while encouraging discussion about how these ideas could be applied under local farming conditions.
We’ll also cover:
- Multispecies pastures and productivity levels
- Multispecies pastures and long-term farm resilience factors
- Discussions: which species to select and why
- Analysis: success (so far) of multispecies paddocks on the demo site
- Soil quality and structure comparisons
Why should I go?
This is a hands-on, information -packed day for farmers and grazing managers who are interested in building soil, farm and landscape health. The session will deliver genuine insights into the benefits of multispecies pastures with first-hand, in-depth examination of pastures and species on site. Open discussions and knowledge sharing between presenters and participants will encourage deeper understanding of the benefits and challenges of multispecies planting.
This is a unique opportunity to work closely with other producers, learn from our demo site pastures (without having to test on your own farm), and track success in real time.
The day isn’t just for dairy farmers – everyone interested in boosting paddock productivity for grazing stock is very welcome to attend and will glean valuable knowledge from the session.
Event Logistics
When? Friday 21 August, 10am-1pm
Where? Blackwood Springs Farm, 1220 Warner Glen Road
Cost? FREE. Light lunch provided
What Else? BYO refillable water bottle, hat, wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather as it may be cold and wet!
This project is jointly funded through Soils for Life and the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.
- 21-08-2026
- 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
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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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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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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