Better Burnett

Over fifty graziers packed the Monto Town Hall on Friday to update their skills in sown pasture establishment in time for the coming wet season. 

The full day workshop, hosted by the Burnett Catchment Care Association (BCCA) was part of Better Catchments; an Australian Government “Caring for Our Country” program.  The workshop was presented by Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPI&F) Extension Officer, Damien O’Sullivan who is one of the few remaining specialists in pastures in the Burnett.

Mr O’Sullivan opened the floor to the keen attendees to share their successful and not so successful experiences with establishing improved pastures in the North Burnett.  Mr O’Sullivan also discussed the tools available to graziers in assist in reducing the risk of pasture establishment such as “HowOften”, a simple rainfall pattern predictor based on historical rainfall records. 

As added enticement for the participants, each were offered the choice of two soil management incentives; either soil test vouchers or the computer mapping program “Phoenix” to enhance their grazing enterprises.  Both were eagerly received by the participants.

After a great BBQ lunch put on by local agricultural business, Farmstuff, the crowd ventured into the heat to visit some local properties and discuss appropriate sown pasture species with the potential to be established when the season breaks. 

BCCA Chairman, Paul Lobegeier said he was extremely impressed to see so many graziers in one room, all keen to be prepared once the rains do come.

Photo:  Monto grazier John Sinclair, sharing his sown pasture experience with the workshop group on his property, “Hollow Hills”.