RESILIENT BUSINESSES NORTHERN CATTLE BUSINESS MANAGEMENTf Recipe for resilience What makes a resilient grazing business? Two advisors who work with northern producers to build sustainable, profitable enterprises share their insights on positioning livestock, land and people to endure extreme circumstances and minimise business upheaval. Resilient livestock and land As Flood Recovery Coordinator with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, David Phelps has some practical tips to get grazing businesses back on track. Business advisor and agricultural economist Rebecca Mohr‑Bell. “A resilient grazing business has its While land class A or B is the aim, he Resilient people and processes animal production system performing to said erosion following last year’s heavy A resilient grazing business is its potential, regardless of the situation,”rains and flooding means many areas in one which can take advantage of David said. the north are now in C condition. unexpected opportunities as well “For example, breeder numbers might “As a rough guide, C condition land has as survive unexpected negative be destocked down to 10%, but the circumstances, according to NT‑based producer is managing cow condition to half the long‑term carrying capacity of business advisor and agricultural maintain good calving rates so they’re A condition land,” David said. economist Rebecca Mohr‑Bell from in a position to react when conditions The intense, concentrated rain event ArGyll Consulting. change for the better.” in January and February last year also Rebecca is the NT/WA coordinator He said when seasonal conditions knocked around pasture response. for MLA’s Profitable Grazing Systems enable restocking, a measured approach “Northern producers would normally program. and willingness to adapt are crucial. expect to grow 2,500kg of dry matter “A resilient business knows its strengths This could include: (DM) per hectare on 600mm of wet and limitations, is proactive about risk • tradingcattle to maintain positive season rain, but the response in management and planning, and is willing cashflowuntil breeding numbers flood‑affected areas has only been to be flexible when required,” she said. arend 500kg DM/ha.rebuilt arou She said challenges are a case of • exploring opportunities to manage an “On a positive note, property surveys “when, not if”, so preparation is essential. increase in numbers, such as buying after the flooding identified high levels of“Having up‑to‑date information at your pregnancy‑tested in‑calf cows or heifers.Mitchell grass seedlings, so it’s importantfingertips allows you to make decisions “A resilient grazing business also has to give paddocks a long wet season spell quickly and confidently when an country in good condition, so it’s ready until after Mitchell grass goes to seed inemergency does occur, whether it’s to respond better to rainfall,” David said.March or later, depending on the season.”about weather, markets or people.” A highly productive Mitchell grass plain in good land condition. Image: Dionne Walsh 18