Hard Work Taking Roots – A GRASS Project
Posted on August 27th, 2024
From learning to implementing and finally seeing results, station manager Michael Fisher, also known as Blue, has had quite the journey. FBA Land Management Officer, Sophie Wilkins first met Blue at a workshop where they discussed Cerberus, the 8000ha grazing property managed by Blue and his wife Aleah.
The property is owned by Rural Funds Group, an ASX-listed real estate investment trust which owns approximately $1.9 billion in agricultural assets on behalf of retail and institutional investors. Farm management is provided by Rural Funds Management Limited (RFM).
At the same workshop where Sophie met Blue, she also met Alistair, the Area Manager at RFM. Sophie followed up by emailing him some FBA resources including a flyer for the Grazing Resilience and Sustainable Solutions (GRASS) program. Alistair then contacted Sophie and arranged a property visit at Cerberus. During the visit, Sophie identified Cerberus as a strong candidate for the GRASS program.
The GRASS program supports graziers to develop and implement tailor-made action plans for land
management. The plan assists graziers to implement actions that improve and then maintain their land
condition with a specific focus on improving ground cover.
The GRASS program supports good land management practices which limits soil loss and sediment run-off to waterways that flow to the Great Barrier Reef.
“On the property visit, Blue and I identified areas that the cattle were over utilising even though there was lots of under-utilised feed available. The cattle were favouring the box flat land type close to the dam and creek resulting in a C and B land condition,” Sophie said.
In his two years at Cerberus, Blue had identified the problem and been actively seeking solutions. A number of projects, including spreading watering points to reduce the walk to water distance to no more than 1km, had been completed.
“We wanted to take action to further improve the condition and working with Sophie and the GRASS program seemed like the best next step for us,” said Blue.
After the initial property visit, Sophie, Blue and Aleah got to work planning.
“Considering the existing water points and terrain, we came up with a plan to split a 1,300ha paddock into five paddocks. This allows for implementation of a rotational graze through these paddocks with the goal of providing areas with lower land condition time to rest while also utilising feed in other areas of the paddock,” Sophie said.
With the plan laid out Blue and Aleah got to work installing 8.2km of fencing, with the project completed ahead of schedule.
“It was great working with Sophie and FBA, we’d recommend it to anyone considering getting involved. We’re already seeing improved ground coverage” Blue said.
Sophie agreed saying she is excited to stay in touch with Blue and Aleah and see how things are going down the track.
To get involved in the GRASS program, contact Sophie!
