Tropical pastures - the future

Abstract

This paper is about issues for the future. The welfare of land, landscapes and livestock, and the socio-political climate are discussed. Ley farming systems (particularly the role of legumes), the wisdom of pasture renovation and accompanying nutrient depletion, the importance of diversity, the value of natural rangeland, weeds, tree clearing, mine rehabilitation; coexistence with the environmental movement, the decline of pasture plant introduction, changing attitudes to beef consumption, animal welfare, methane emissions, and the future of rural communities are discussed in detail.