FutureBeef, bringing podcasts, people and practical tools together to inform practice change in Tropical North Queensland

Hardy & Trovato Families, Ingham QLD

Our 121-hectare property is located near Ingham in Tropical North Queensland, receiving an average annual rainfall of 2,158mm. We run 80 Brahman breeders joined to two bulls and have chosen a moderate stocking rate of 2 AE per acre to allow flexibility in retaining stock and selling at optimum times.

The property consists of a range of tropical pasture species, including Humidicola and Signal Grass. Parts of the block flood each wet season, which influences our stocking rate decisions and limits pasture improvement in those areas. Calves are weaned at 150–180kg.

As a grazier new to the industry, FutureBeef has been instrumental in building my knowledge and guiding practice change. I particularly value the FutureBeef podcasts, often relistening to sections most relevant to the changes I want to implement.

After listening to the “Got weaners in the yard? What next? Practical tips for weaner management and supplementation” podcast, I decided to introduce a protein weaner pellet alongside hay and ensuring water was clean. Since making this change, weaners have maintained body condition more effectively.

I also discovered the “MLA Weaner management in northern beef herds” manual through FutureBeef and was particularly interested in the strategy of keeping mothers in sight of their calves for three days to reduce stress from immediate separation. I have installed an additional 4-metre-wide panel fence that enables the cows to be kept near their calves following weaning and have found this has resulted in calmer, easier-to-handle weaners.

Through FutureBeef, I also became aware of local Department of Primary Industries Extension Officers. I contacted an Extension Officer in the Townsville DPI office who provided guidance on breeder management, and an Extension Officer in the Mareeba DPI office who completed soil testing and developed a fertiliser recommendation. I have since commenced a fertiliser program aimed at improving pasture quality and quantity.

Using information shared through FutureBeef will continue to play a key role in developing our business into the future.