Time-controlled grazing ‘a no-brainer’ for leading beef farmer
Queensland cattle producer Adam Coffey has transformed a former plantation property into thriving pastures using time-controlled grazing methods.
For Queensland grazier Adam Coffey, time-controlled grazing is a “no-brainer”.
The Cattle Australia deputy chair manages a 2500ha grazing enterprise at Miriam Vale, Queensland, with a herd of 1000 cattle, predominantly Brahman with a terminal cross operation with Angus and Simmentals for the feeder market.
Adam uses time-controlled grazing for his herd with intensity grazing and longer periods of pasture rest to ensure the pastures remain in “phase two” growth, before reaching full maturity.
Adam and his wife Jacynta moved to the property, which was formerly a plantation property needing “substantial” development, a decade ago. Their on-farm soil carbon project spans 585ha through AgriProve.
He said they started with four paddocks and have grown that to more than 30 with investments in water and infrastructure. They also used multi-species renovation on low-yielding pastures to lessen soil erosion.
Adam said in the past four years, they had recorded a 43 per cent increase in annual yield in stock days, and benchmark carrying capacity went from 22 to 30 stock days (one adult equivalent daily intake) a hectare per 100mm of rain.
“The real opportunity here for carbon project participants and society as a whole is to have change management methodologies, turn the soil and improve landscapes,” he said.
“You see the results, you grow more feed, your country is in better health and it’s a no-brainer.”
Adam said they used a grazing chart to measure stock days per hectare, and per 100mm of rain to find the individual paddock yields. He said it allowed them to effectively manage carrying capacity and stock rates on pastures.
“It becomes pretty addictive, I daresay this is where we would’ve landed regardless but it’s interesting where there was a time when we said we didn’t want to cell-graze, but once you see the results of subdivision,” he said.
“For us (the benefits are) probably getting rest in your pastures because rest obviously will increase your plant health, the intensity of grazing in that hoof action and the aggressive manner in which grass can be eaten.”
Adam said there were many carbon sequestration projects across Australia with varying climates.
“All the principles of good land management don’t change,” he said.
