ON FARM NORTHERN CATTLE tackle pasture dieback New projects target pasture dieback Six new MLA‑funded projects focused on pasture dieback will soon get underway, to investigate options for remote sensing and detection, diagnostic analysis of pathogenic organisms present in affected pastures and effective management solutions. This research will help to improve understanding of the recurring nature of pasture dieback so red meat producers can develop more resilient management systems, similar to drought management. While pasture dieback R&D is ongoing, producers in affected regions are being encouraged to undertake good farm hygiene and biosecurity practices around the movement of stock, equipment and materials. finishing, which is a great result.” Greg and Vicki Lawrence While the legumes filled the gap E: vg_lawrence@bigpond.com through summer, looking ahead Greg Naomi Leahy would like to include a drought‑tolerant E: nleahy@mla.com.au grass to provide a good body of grass for winter. Pasture dieback resources mla.com.au/dieback “The caatinga stylo holds its leaf in winter, Queensland: futurebeef.com.au/ but most of the other legumes drop their knowledge‑centre/pasture‑dieback leaf in winter. They’re also more summer active and don’t provide a standover NSW: dpi.nsw.gov.au and search body of feed like buffel grass does. ‘pasture dieback’ Producers who are concerned “I would like to get my American and they have pasture dieback on their Gayndah buffel grass back if I can – property should contact the they keep their nutritional value for a Queensland Department of lot longer than any of the other grasses Agriculture and Fisheries customer seem to. call centre on 132 523, or in NSW, “In the paddocks where we’ve planted the Exotic Plant Pest hotline on legumes, whatever grass grows there is 1800 084 881. pretty good. Listen to an interview with “Pasture dieback is still there but instead Greg Lawrence on MLA’s Feedback podcast: Central Queensland beef producer of having a heap of weeds growing, mla.com.au/feedback‑podcast we’ve got legumes growing instead.” ■ Greg Lawrence. 21