Gloucester Multi Species Crop Trial
How Mid Coast 2 Tops Landcare supports local resilience from the ground up. Subsidising seed purchase for building soil, reducing inputs and improving livestock performance.
Capacity building - LEP23_026_LLC
The issue
Across the Mid North Coast region, recent weather events—including the severe Taree floods of May 2025—have created major challenges for landholders with pasture based grazing systems. High rainfall followed by subsequent prolonged dry conditions have contributed to a decline in soil and pasture health which has resulted in ongoing and significant feed gaps across the Mid Coast. With the additional challenges of rising input costs for urea, chemicals and fuel - the cost and uncertainty of trialling new approaches remain a key barrier for local farmers.
The solution
Mid Coast 2 Tops Landcare, Manning Landcare, and Karuah & Great Lakes Landcare partnered to support members with subsidised multi-species cover crop seed purchased from Down Under Covers (Vic), designed for wet and challenging soils. This reduced the risk of trialling new systems while addressing feed shortages.
In Gloucester, one Landcare member implemented a diverse summer mix (forage sorghum, millet, sunflower, buckwheat, brassicas, and legumes) combined with a pollinator mix (clovers, vetch, lupins, peas, mustards, phacelia and more). Additional white clover and Rhodes grass were included, resulting in 30+ actively growing species.
The paddock was prepared with lime (1 t/acre) and chicken litter, followed by targeted spraying. Sowing occurred after 35mm of rain in December using a disc seeder. Despite dry conditions and heat causing ~30% seed loss, follow-up rainfall (100mm in February) drove strong recovery. Existing kikuyu and setaria also regenerated, adding to system diversity.
The impact
The trial demonstrated strong resilience under challenging seasonal conditions. Diverse species provided multiple grazing opportunities and improved feed availability. Soil health benefits included increased groundcover, organic matter, and moisture retention. Input reliance was reduced, while livestock performance remained strong.
This case highlights how coordinated Landcare support can enable practical, locally adapted solutions—helping landholders respond to extreme weather while building more resilient, productive farming systems.
Key facts
- Extreme weather challenges resulted in feed gaps and poor pasture quality
- MC2T Landcare helped members by subsidising purchase of multi-species seed
- The Gloucester trial used a high-diversity mix of 30+ species to improve resilience and productivity
- Germination challenges due to dry conditions, late rainfall drove strong recovery and multiple grazing opportunities
- Outcomes include improved biodiversity, soil health, better groundcover, reduced input reliance and strong livestock performance