Utilising legumes in the mixed farming zone

Overview

In the right environment and production system, incorporating legumes can significantly boost productivity and provide drought resilience and environmental benefits.

MLA-funded research has found hard-seeded legumes present an opportunity for mixed farming enterprises to grow a more resilient, flexible, highly productive feedbase and are a suitable replacement for sub‑clover.

More information is available in the Materials tab.

Learning objectives

At completion of this module, you will:

understand the benefits of hard-seeded legume-based pastures
understand how to choose the right pasture legume
understand where pasture legumes fit within different production systems
be aware of the key management considerations.

More information

These resources contain advice on sowing techniques, weed management, fertiliser, variety selection and paddock management.

ASHEEP: asheep.org.au
Fitzgerald Biosphere Group Inc: fbg.org.au
Stirlings to Coast Farmers Inc: scfarmers.org.au
DPI&RD WA’s: Twin sowing and summer sowing: alternative techniques to introduce annual legumes into pastures

YouTube videos:

Murdoch University’s: Successfully sowing legume pastures in summer, WA
GRDC’s: Summer sown hard seeded Serradella

How to conduct a soil test and How do I make sense of soil test results?

MLA's Persistent Pastures resource hub

MLA southern feedbase hub – for information on soils, pastures, legumes and weed control

Murdoch University’s: Centre for Rhizobium Studies

Training package Content

Introduction 1 quiz

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Introductory survey – utilising legumes

Why grow pasture legumes?

Choosing the right pasture legume 1 quiz

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Test your knowledge – 1

Growing pasture legumes

Sowing considerations

Management considerations 1 quiz

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Test your knowledge – 2

Other considerations 1 quiz

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Wrap up survey – utilising legumes

About Instructor

Meat & Livestock Australia

MLA’s purpose is to foster the long-term prosperity of the Australian red meat and livestock industry by investing in research and marketing activities. Through it's subsidiary companies, MLA also accelerates innovation across the value chain and delivers the industry’s integrity and on-farm quality assurance programs. Care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in all eLearning modules. However, MLA cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained in the training packages. You should make your own enquiries before making decisions concerning your interests. MLA accepts no liability for any losses incurred if you rely solely on this material and excludes all liability as a result of reliance by any person on such information or advice. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all rights are expressly reserved. Requests for further authorisation should be directed to the Content Manager, PO Box 1961, North Sydney, NSW 2059 or info@mla.com.au. © Meat & Livestock Australia 2020 ABN 39 081 678 364. MLA acknowledges the matching funds provided by the Australian Government to support the research and development detailed in this eLearning module.

40 Training packages

Overview

Learning objectives

Training package Content

About Instructor

Meat & Livestock Australia

Training package Includes