A new variety of the plant leucaena has been identified as a feed source with the potential to improve profits of beef producers. It will be showcased at a field day in North Queensland, Australia, on May 24, the state's Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) announced.

The new variety known, as Redlands, is said to be resistant to psyllid, an insect that feeds on plant juices and are sometimes pests of fruits and vegetables. It was recently released by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the University of Queensland.

"Leucaena is a valuable, highly productive feed source that can add enormous value to grass pastures," DAF research officer Craig Lemin explained.

He said leucaena could provide significant benefits to beef producers by doubling annual live weight gains and reducing age of turnoff.

"Part of its value is that the tree-sized legume can take nitrogen out of the air and add nitrogen to soil to improve its growth and that of surrounding pastures", Lemin said.

Beef producers have been invited to attend a field day showcasing the promising new Redlands variety of leucaena at Whitewater and Pinnarendi Stations, Mount Surprise, on May 24 from 8 a.m.

Meanwhile, the DAF has established leucaena trial sites to identify potential productivity gains and demonstrate establishment techniques in north Queensland.