Perennial shrubs prove profitable option
Farmer: Ian Ellery
Location: Morchard, South Australia
Property size: 2500ha
Average annual rainfall: 320mm
Soils: Clay loam
Enterprises: Cereal cropping, self-replacing Merino flock
Results from an initial small-scale farm trial carried out by Ian Ellery, Morchard, Upper North, South Australia, indicate that perennial forage shrubs could provide an alternative grazing option in marginal country.
Key points
- Perennial shrub grazing potential and palatability varies significantly between species.
- Perennial shrubs need a long rest period and a short grazing period.
- Sheep grazing preferences change as they become more familiar with the different shrub species.
Click here to download the Ellery case study (PDF 1.3MB)
Note: This case study was developed as part of the Enrich project under the former Future Farm Industries CRC