Forage shrubs thrive in tough times
Cowell farmer Scott Williams and Eyre Peninsula NRM Farming Systems Officer, Neil Ackland, monitor the growth of perennial forage shrubs in an on-farm trial. They believe the shrubs could help reduce erosion and provide a valuable feed supply. (Photo: Tony Zwar)
Farmer: Scott Williams
Location: Cowell, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
Property size: 2024ha
Average annual rainfall: 300mm
Soil types: Grey ash
Enterprise mix: Cropping and sheep
Results from one of the Future Farm Industries CRC Enrich project sites at Cowell, South Australia, is showing that a mix of perennial forage shrubs can survive and thrive in dry seasonal conditions.
Key points
- Perennial forage shrubs can help tackle the issue of ‘magnesia’ patches and wind erosion through increased ground cover.
- Forage shrubs can provide a valuable feed reserve during dry times.
- Repeated exposure of sheep to forage shrubs can be a practical option to increase preference and intake of such species.
Click here to download the Williams case study (PDF 699KB)
Note: This case study was developed as part of the Enrich project under the former Future Farm Industries CRC.