"Tara" In brief..

Property:

Tara

Address:

Tooraweenah

Owners:

Doug Robertson

Phone:

Area (in hectares)

1200 ha

Rainfall (mm/pa)

525 mm

Oldman Saltbush area (hecatares)

150 ha

year of first Planting

1996

Q & A: an interview with Doug Robertson

Why OMSB planted?  Feed stability, especially in the dry periods of the year. Seen OMSB in other districts perform well. (natural OMSB)

What grazing and pasture benefits have been observed?  At least a 250% up in stocking rates compared to natural pasture. Grass country between the saltbush rows has more perennials, it is down in weeds, better ground cover, better over-all soil health.

What financial benefits have been observed?   Have not increased total farm grazing pressure yet but close to it. Have lower vegetable matter in the wool and finer wool micron from the wethers that have been on it the longest. Other pastures getting better from being able to have rest when they need it. Biggest planting was only done last year, next year we will see an increase in farm stocking rates.

Biggest OMSB impact?   Total feed reliability for a flock of wethers (500 sheep on 60ha all year). I can see that having this reliable feed will become a stronger advantage as time goes on.

Any problems with OMSB?   Wool can grow too quick. A staple length greater than 110mm could be a problem.

Do you / if you had a salinity problem, do you think OMSB would help with controlling deep drainage and/or lowering the water table?  No personal experience, but do believe it would. 

Would you like to increase your area sown to OMSB? Yes .

What limits your planting of a larger area?  Cost & low commodity prices.

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