A benchmark for stocking rate management in a highly variable climate

Abstract

Resting pastures and adjusting stocking rate to match carrying capacity are recommended for managing year-to-year variability in forage supply. Within the Queensland Government Drought and Climate Adaptation Program, grazing benchmark properties are being established to help validate the FORAGE modelling framework. Data from well-managed properties that are in good condition provide a reference for comparison with modelled long- term carrying capacity estimates. We report on the stocking rate strategies used by an experienced grazier for one of these benchmark properties.