ON FARM SOUTHERN CATTLE SUSTAINABILITY Beef powerhouse from the I n 2012, a real estate a few days andthen we agent told Deb and drench them before they go Fergus O’Connor their out into the mob.” new purchase, a 60ha The O’Connors take care farm in Victoria’s South to select drenches which Gippsland region, had target parasites but don’t a stocking capacity harm their dung beetles of 60 head. (see storypage 34). Fast-forward eight years Minimal inputs The O’Connors sell their beef through Greenham’s Bass Strait brand, and they’re now running 150 While some might classify as part of the ‘Never Ever’ program. steers year-round – despite Fergus and Deb as setting aside 5% of the farm regenerative farmers, the property and they’re West Gippsland Catchment to plant 16,000 trees. it’s a label they both shy the only thing that leaves,” Management Authority’s away from. Deb said. sustainable farming They credit more than program and Farmers for doubling carrying capacity to “I don’t consider myself to Soil testing is an important Climate Action. their streamlined rotational be a regenerative farmer, part of this strategy and grazing system which I’m a rotational farmer,” guides any input decisions. They get support from these underpins their whole-farm Fergus said. “Our accountant comments groups and participate in management approach. “Some view regenerative on how low our inputs are,” their education programs, Here, Deb and Fergus open farming as what you do Fergus said. but their approach also the gate to their little beef on land which has been draws on Fergus’ earlier powerhouse. “We look after the place and career as a racehorse trainer degraded, but our land is as it seems to flourish. We spot and his formal training at Streamlined rotation good as any; we’re increasing spray for weed control when the Warwickshire College soil carbon by the way we we need to.” of Agriculture (UK). “We work on an 8–10 day rotationally graze.” rotation and move all Education and “I always say if you don’t the cattle as one mob,” They also focus on using information know what you should be Fergus said. minimal inputs. Deb and Fergus are doing, put yourself in the “When we buy new steers, “The cattle are virtually the members of industry groups animals’ shoes and do what they go into quarantine for only thing we bring onto such as Landcare, the you would want,” Fergus said. LESSONS LEARNED > Good management can increase carrying capacity. > Rotational grazing enables pasture to recover between grazing events. > Soil testing is a useful tool to manage costly inputs such as fertilisers. > Shelter improves animal welfare and productivity. Protecting their precious water resources is a priority for the O’Connors. 30