Title: How Paula Carroll Thrives in the Beef Industry with MLA’s Profitable Grazing Systems
In the world of beef farming, making informed decisions can be the difference between enduring tough seasons and thriving in the good ones. Paula Carroll, co-owner of Tirano Farms in WA, understands this all too well. By participating in the MLA Profitable Grazing Systems (PGS) training program Grazing Matcher™, Paula gained the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the challenges of the industry and maximise her farm’s potential.
Paula’s Journey with Grazing Matcher™
Paula, along with her husband and in-laws, has been running Tirano Farms for years. Coming from a long line of farmers, Paula’s goal was to continue building the shared business by making informed decisions based on data and industry best practices. After attending the PGS workshop, she found herself equipped with the tools to do just that.
The Grazing Matcher™ program is specifically tailored for southern WA, where pasture growth is heavily reliant on seasonal changes. With 60% of pastures growing in spring, farmers like Paula need to carefully manage grazing pressure, fertiliser application, and market demands to bridge the feed gap during dry seasons.
New Processes to Boost Efficiency
Armed with insights from the PGS workshop, Paula implemented new processes on their farm to maximise beef production efficiently. One of the key strategies suggested by the group was deferred grazing, which allows pastures to establish before rotational grazing begins.
The decision to trial deferred grazing paid off, as Paula noticed a significant difference in the health of her paddocks and the quality of the grass. By trusting in the process and utilising the calculation tools provided by Grazing Matcher™, Paula was able to improve her grazing rotations and ensure the cattle were in each paddock for the right amount of time.
Brainstorming Solutions as a Group
One of the strengths of the PGS program is the peer-to-peer learning environment it fosters. By sharing experiences and brainstorming solutions with other producers, Paula was able to address challenges like high NDF percentages in their hay and uneven drying.
Through collaborative discussions and implementing ideas from the group, Paula was able to improve the quality of their hay and overcome issues with moisture content. By utilising tools like feed analysis and hay drying implements, Paula saw a marked improvement in their fodder quality.
Tools in Action
The real test of Paula’s newfound knowledge came during a longer than anticipated dry spell. With hay reserves running low, Paula had to make tough decisions on how to sustain their stock through the season. By using a digital feed calculator and applying data from their operation, Paula was able to justify the purchase of pellets and hay to bridge the feed gap.
The insights gained from the Grazing Matcher™ program not only helped Paula make informed decisions but also gave her the confidence to adapt and adjust their management practices based on real-time data and observations. This flexibility and agility are crucial in navigating the uncertainties of the beef industry.
Why Join a PGS Workshop?
For producers looking to enhance their farming practices and make data-driven decisions, participating in a Profitable Grazing Systems workshop can be a game-changer. Here are some reasons why joining a PGS workshop, like Grazing Matcher™, could benefit your farming operation:
- Individualized Lessons: Regardless of your circumstances, the lessons from PGS workshops can be tailored to suit your business needs and adapt to changing conditions.
- Community of Producers: PGS workshops bring together producers from different backgrounds, enterprises, and experience levels, creating a valuable brains trust for sharing knowledge and ideas.
- Continuous Learning: Beyond the workshop, participants can engage in ongoing online discussions to stay connected and keep learning from each other.
Embracing Data-Driven Decisions
In the ever-evolving world of beef farming, having access to the right tools and advice can be a game-changer. As Paula Carroll’s journey with Grazing Matcher™ shows, equipping yourself with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions is key to thriving in the industry. By harnessing the power of data, peer-to-peer learning, and industry best practices, farmers like Paula can not only endure the hard seasons but also flourish in the good ones.
If you’re looking to take your beef enterprise to the next level and make data-driven decisions, consider joining a Profitable Grazing Systems workshop in your region. The insights gained from these programs could be the missing piece in your farming puzzle, helping you navigate challenges, maximise production, and build a thriving business in the Australian beef industry.
Are you ready to embrace data-driven decisions in your beef farming operation? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below!
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