Establishing objectives for your grazing management approach
MLA & AWI July 31, 2024
It is important to create a business plan before any paddock or land system can be managed and the management objective is set. While paddocks are the basic management unit, they sit on top of different land systems (land classes) that may or may not neatly fit the dimensions of the paddock. This may require consideration when establishing objectives for the paddocks. In some cases, it may be necessary to consider realignment of paddock boundaries to better fit the land systems.
A land unit is an ecologically consistent tract of land within another boundary (e.g. a paddock). For example, there may be two different land units (sections within one paddock) fenced in two land classes.
When appraising paddocks and determining management objectives, there are essentially three options to consider:
CONDITION OF PADDOCK
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE
Good condition with acceptable levels of productivity and general systems health
Maintain the current condition of the paddock
Generally in good condition but there is potential to increase productivity by manipulating species composition or allowing key species to set seed, or will benefit from rest at strategic times
Improve the current condition of the paddock
Paddock has developed one or a number of issues of concern, for example:
- significant areas of bare ground
- emergence of invasive native scrub or weeds
- reduction in productivity of important grazing species
- very little recruitment of new grazing species
- erosion is occurring
Immediate improvement in the condition of the paddock is required
When establishing the management objective, consider larger-scale influences (i.e. property, catchment and region factors) to ensure all land units are viewed as part of the overall system.
Setting management objectives is a key part of all formalised grazing management approaches and involves constant revision and updating of the objectives as conditions change and plans develop.