Growing profit from the ground up

Pasture Improvement Initiative

White clover yields dual-purpose benefits

Case study: Rob and Eliza Tole

Location: Cressy, northern Midlands, Tasmania

Property size: 545ha

Average annual rainfall: 680mm plus irrigation

Soils: Heavy black cracking clay with banks running up to a light loam

Enterprises: Sheepmeat (lamb production and trading), summer and winter irrigated cropping

White clover brings dual benefits for northern Tasmanian farmer Rob Tole — a valuable seed crop followed by a high-productivity pasture for finishing lambs. (Photo: Catriona Nicholls)

Key messages

  • White clover plays a dual-purpose role in a Tasmanian mixed farming system — high-value seed and a productive spring–summer pasture.
  • A mix of lucerne, perennial ryegrass, winter cereals and annual ryegrass and forage brassicas provide additional backgrounding and finishing options.
  • Pastures are selected to match individual paddock characteristics and their ability to provide high-quality feed for a year-round lamb finishing operation and fit with the cropping program.
  • Ad-lib barley, mixed with a feed-restricting supplement, increases lamb growth rates through additional energy supply

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