Long term performance of different cattle stocking strategies in a variable climate

Abstract

In the extensive beef industry of northern Australia, failure to manage for rainfall variability such as by applying heavy stocking rates and/or not matching animal numbers to feed availability, frequently results in land degradation and economic loss. While sustainable management strategies such as stocking at long-term carrying capacity (LTCC) exist, adoption rates are often low due to perceived unprofitability. One important factor limiting adoption is the lack of empirical evidence showing the relative economic, production and environmental benefits of recommended strategies. To address this issue, a large (1040 ha) grazing trial was established in 1997 near Charters Towers, Queensland, to test the relative performance of different stocking strategies.