As producers, we have never been good at adopting successful pasture research, mainly because it's relatively new, and done without integrated producer input.
I feel it isn't about new, or even the development of new options; it's more about the loss of established pastures, including buffel and bisset creeping bluegrass, being affected by the dieback in pastures.
Speaking as a representative for industry, I am overwhelmed by the lack of interest from research corporations in carrying out research into pasture dieback, which over a period of time is affecting a variety of pastures from coastal to inland areas.
As an industry, we have sunk piles of resources into research and into developing new pasture grasses and legumes.
It seems to be more common for conversation to morph into a discussion of how widespread it is and how much of an effect it can have on ground cover and carrying capacity.
This issue seems to be falling on deaf ears, being passed off as a trend in pasture lifecycles and seasonal influences.
If this is the case, maybe we need to conduct research into the invasive weed species – Indian couch, GRT (Giant Rats Tail) and African Love Grass – that appear to be excelling under the current climatic environment.
PhDs have been conducted on the subject of dieback, but without the funding through the research levy dollar, none have gone any further than a working hypothesis on a range of pathogens that could be the cause.
The solution is complex and difficult to implement, but let’s not let that be a reason not to find a solution.
The predominant problem seems to be a total lack of respect for the industry systems that are looking to find solutions.
Let’s use the current tick debate, which has been high on the list as a priority issue for decades, but has only been addressed by companies that profit from the very fact that we have them.
Surely it is our issue, as well as theirs – as an industry we should be investigating solutions with an outcome focus.
We have NABRC (Northern Australia Beef Research Council), WABRC (Western Australia Beef Research Council) and SAMRC (Southern Australia Beef Research Council).
These groups have been set up to influence the R&D agenda, placing each issue on a priority list for funding.
As a whole, I feel that somewhere in this tangled web of industry, someone is missing our major concerns regarding this relatively simple issue.
- Will Wilson, Calliope beef producer