Communications Officer Simon Kruger and Mixed Farming Systems Officer Melanie Dixon recently sat down with local farmer and WMG member Don Bradshaw.
Don is the Manager at ‘Jutomara Park’, a grazing operation running cattle only, predominantly brought down from Yanrey Station near Exmouth for backgrounding.
Recalling a series of events over the previous seasons including the effects of cutworm, unseasonal rainfall and increased grasshopper numbers, Don noticed a perfect ‘low groundcover’ storm was developing in the early stages of the 2021 season.
Don's timely and decisive management has turned bare patches and paddocks with low groundcover into highly productive pastures, and not only has he placed 'Jutomara Park' in a great position for the coming seasons, but he is also one of the farmers highlighted in a DPIRD grower focus case study on stabilising sandy pasture paddocks with low groundcover in the West Midlands region.
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/pastures/stabilising-sandy-pasture-paddocks-low-groundcover
Not only is this story an excellent example of proactive and practical responses to groundcover issues, but it is also a perfect example of the value of local knowledge and strength of community ties in the region.
This episode is the second in a series of episodes that focus on positive responses to low groundcover within the West Midlands region, so be sure to look out for the next episode featuring Geoff Moore of DPIRD.