Grazing land management is critical to maintaining and improving the carrying capacity of available pastureland.  In order to maximise pastureland grazing potential and carrying capacity, a coordinated holistic management plan should be implemented.

Grazing management plans typically include the following:

1. Pasture weed control – weeds in pastureland reduces available grazing and some species are toxic to livestock (e.g Ragwort).
2. Browsing wildlife management – where possible, wildlife proof fencing should be used as a first response to lowering wildlife browsing pressures.
3. Identified degraded areas with associated soil rehabilitation and re-vegetation procedures – Removing surface soil compaction and re-vegetating with suitable pasture grasses will increase available grazing
4. Grazing rotation plan – This is important to allow for pastureland rest and recovery periods. Leaving livestock to graze a paddock for extend periods can lead to soil exposure and a shift in dominance towards more unpalatable plants.
5. Identified exclusion zones and procedures (e.g. exclusion from sensitive natural ecosystems)
6. Condition monitoring and assessments (e.g. monitoring of vegetation basal cover, species composition and associated palatability, and soil health to determine if efforts are having the desired outcomes)

For further information and assistance with grazing management, contact FarmPoint on 1300 368 550 or visit https://farmpoint.tas.gov.au.