July 31, 2023

US$16.3 million partnership aims to boost beef productivity in Northern Australia

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), in collaboration with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, has initiated a AUD 24.4 million (~US$16.3 million; AUD 1 = US$0.67) partnership to address three critical threats to beef productivity in northern Australia, Beef Central reported.

Known as the Queensland Pasture Resilience Programme (QPRP), this ambitious endeavour will span the next five years, encompassing research, development, and extension activities across Queensland. The program, supported by the Australian Government through the MLA Donor Company (MDC), will specifically tackle pasture dieback, land condition decline, and pasture rundown.

A key focus of the QPRP is to improve land condition through sustainable grazing land management while encouraging the widespread adoption of pasture legumes. This approach aims to reduce methane emissions intensity, thereby supporting the red meat industry's ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Additionally, it aligns with the Queensland Government's Low Emissions Agriculture Roadmap 2022-2032.

Pasture legumes play a vital role in boosting the productivity of native and sown grasses when they are in good condition, ultimately enhancing profitability. Furthermore, they can serve as a valuable tool in managing pasture dieback, pasture rundown, and declining land condition.

The programme's overarching objectives include improving land condition and carrying capacity, enhancing animal growth and reproduction rates, bolstering drought management capabilities, and exploring carbon market opportunities and methane reduction strategies.

The QPRP will focus on promoting best-practice grazing land management and driving the widespread adoption of tropical and subtropical pasture legumes. The development of new pasture legume varieties and optimizing fertilisation of sown pastures are also key areas of emphasis. Additionally, the programme will address the critical challenge of pasture dieback management.

Mark Furner, Queensland's Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, said that this partnership aims to empower producers to build on their already world-leading success. Through the programme's emphasis on adoption, graziers will gain the necessary skills to enhance the sustainability and profitability of their businesses, thereby contributing to more job opportunities for Queenslanders.

Jason Strong, managing director of MLA, highlighted the significance of pasture in ensuring profitable and sustainable beef production. He expressed confidence that the QPRP would strengthen pasture systems from the ground up by addressing critical issues such as pasture rundown, declining land condition, and pasture dieback through practical research and adoption activities. The programme's efforts are also aligned with the industry's target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, recognizing the pivotal role resilient and productive pastures play in reaching this goal.

-      Beef Central