RCS Grazing Clinic
Landholders from across the region attended a two and a half day grazing clinic held in Condobolin.
Capacity to Deliver - LP051-003
The issue
Through member surveys and discussions with local landholders - a keen interest in grazing management and its principles was identified. Condobolin is a mixed enterprise region, with many landholders involved in both cropping and livestock activities on their properties. Landholders are always looking for opportunities to learn and further their knowledge to better their land and its productivity.
Access to such opportunities can often be difficult in terms of time required away from the property, cost and logistics. A key requirement identified was the need for such opportunities to be brought closer to home.
The solution
Condobolin and Districts Landcare were fortunate to receive funding through the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund grant to organise and host a two and a half day grazing clinic. The clinic itself was run by the reputable Resource Consulting Services (RCS), and facilitated by Matt Barton.
A total of 29 people attended the two-and-a-half-day course in Condobolin. In addition to locals, attendees also travelled from Caragabal, Cowra, Warren, Narromine, Parkes, Obley, Dubbo, and Yoeval to attend the course. This diversity led to fantastic and varied discussion throughout the couple of days. The Grazing Clinic covered topics such as economics, ecology, grazing systems, the principles of regenerative grazing, and cell, fencing and water design.
The field trip saw attendees visiting two different properties to the west of Condobolin. We looked at pastures in different phases of growth, spoke about the factors contributing to decision making on farm, learnt practical feed budgeting tools and much more.
The impact
Condobolin and District Landcare were able to provide heavily subsidised course enrolment fees for the grazing clinic thanks to the funding received. A grazing support network has been formed with landholders from the region, and now thanks to this course we have connections from nearby regions also. This support network will continue to meet and stay connected through further events in the region.
Key facts
- Landholders attended a grazing clinic to improve their skills as grass managers
- The clinic was subsidised through grant funding to alleviate financial pressures on attendees
- A range of topics were covered during the clinic
- A support network of landholders has been formed