Identify Paddock Pastures and Weeds
Identify Paddock Pastures and Weeds
Informative workshop and paddock walk to identity various native and introduced plant species
Capacity to Deliver -
LP025-09
The issue
Record breaking rain has fallen across the North West in the last couple of years, resulting in floods and increased growth of native and introduced weeds and pasture species. Many landholders in the region were seeing plants in their area for the first time and they were unable to identify them. As their pastures were being grazed by livestock it was important to identify them and gain knowledge of their palatability and possible toxicity to stock.
The solution
North West Plains Sustainability Group hosted a workshop and paddock walk to identify various native and introduced species at Roger Sendall's property "Rossmore" Burren Junction.
George Truman from Northwest Local Land Services and Claire Bergin from LLS Walgett were joined by NWPSG staff and members along with local landholders, neighbours and members of local Landcare groups for a very informative morning learning to identity native plants and their use in the grazing system. Topics covered information such as names, identifying weeds and pastures, growing periods, nutritional value and potential toxicity. Following an informative session, attendees completed a quiz by identifying weeds and native pastures growing in the field.
The impact
Over 20 people attended the workshop, including neighbours, landholders from Walgett, Narrabri and members from the local Landcare groups.
Participant feedback stated that the event effectively increased knowledge about the identification of plants in pastures and their use, palatability, nutrition and toxicity potential to stock.
North West Plains Sustainability Group identified participant needs in the evaluation process that will be used for future planning purposes. Examples include providing information on how more species can be used to carry stock over in times of drought when introduced species may no longer be viable.
Key facts
- native plants and weeds in pastures