ASHEEP
New Project: Feed365
At the year's start, ASHEEP was chosen via an expression of interest to participate in a Department of Primary Industries & Regional Develop
FEED365
Project Partners:
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Meat & Livestock Australia
ASHEEP Demonstration Site
Updated 14/06/22
At the start of 2022, ASHEEP was chosen via an expression of interest to participate in the Feed365 Project, a collaboration between the Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (DPIRD) and Meat & Livestock Australia. The purpose of this project is to research and redesign livestock forage systems to fill feed gaps, develop new feed base options and integrate them into grazing systems.
The project commenced in 2021 at the Katanning Research Facility, and this component of the trial was designed to evaluate traditional and novel forage species.
The Esperance-based component of the Feed365 trial will be over a three year period from 2022, and three demonstration sites have been selected in the region, two at Josh & Tegan Sullivan’s leased property the Esperance Downs Research Station in Gibson, and at one at The Oaks in Dalyup.
DPIRD and ASHEEP meet at the Esperance Downs Research Station to plan the Feed365 demonstration sites in February 2022.
DEMONSTRATION SITE OVERVIEW
SITE 1: Pasture option in a cropping rotation
Gibson, Esperance
Site Host: Josh & Tegan Sullivan, Esperance Downs Research Station.
Sown: 19/5/22 into marginal moisture
Mix: Leafmore Brassica / RM4 Vetch / Triticale with FE/C Alosca.
Rate: 67kg/ha vs 104kg/ha comparison.
Comments: No pre sow knockdown spray to allow sub clovers to persist, but as season progresses capeweed is a challenge with limited control options. Grazing measurements & sheep weights to be captured.
Image: Soil Profile
03/02/22
Image: 3.5 weeks post sow
14/6/22
SITE 2: Permanent pasture system
Gibson, Esperance
Site Host: Josh & Tegan Sullivan, Esperance Downs Research Station.
Sown: 19/5/22 into good moisture
Mix: Vortex Tetraploid Ryegrass / Balansa Clover / Express Forage Oat / RM4 Vetch with FE Alosca.
Rate: 57kg/ha
Comments: Paddock subject to water logging. Half paddock to be cut for hay. Deep rip strip included for comparison purposes. Grazing measurements and sheep weights to be captured.
Image: Soil Profile
03/02/22
Image: 3.5 weeks post sow
14/6/22
SITE 3: Tedera
Dalyup, Esperance
Site Host: Mitchell Greaves & Demi Vandenberghe, The Oaks
Sown: To be sown
Mix: Tedera
Rate: 10kg/ha
Comments: 5 hectare creek-side paddock, unsuitable for a crop rotation with a sloping topography, higher rainfall and little by way of drainage issues. Site to be treated with Reflex + Diuron + Propysamide for weed control - DPIRD has recommended this mix to avoid future troubles such as germination of new sub clover or grasses, the paddock being too wet to spray, etc.
Image: Site Pre-Sowing
14/06/22
Image: Site Pre-Sowing
14/06/22
Contact ASHEEP if you would like more information on the Esperance-based demonstration sites in this project. ASHEEP members will be provided with regular updates - visit our membership page if you would like to consider joining. The sites will also be showcased at field days. If you would like information about the broader Feed365 Project visit the DPIRD website.
PROJECT UPDATES:
PROJECT PARTNERS:
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