DPI extension officers supporting beef producers across the Fitzroy
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Rockhampton beef extension officers provide practical support to producers across the Fitzroy, helping turn research, programs and funding opportunities into on-ground outcomes.
From on-property advice and project delivery through to workshops, funding support and industry engagement, they help producers achieved improved land condition, more efficient grazing systems and stronger, more resilient businesses.
For producers looking to make changes on their property or access available programs, the extension team can provide tailored support to help turn plans into action.
Here is a snapshot of some of the activities recently delivered across the Fitzroy region.
GRASS program in action | Funding applications | Weaner management workshops | Careers expo
GRASS program in action
The Grazing Resilience and Sustainable Solutions (GRASS) program continues to support graziers across the Fitzroy catchment to improve land condition, reduce erosion risk and strengthen grazing business resilience.
The Rockhampton DPI beef extension team has worked closely with producers across several areas of the program.
Erosion stability control consults
Addressing erosion is a key focus of GRASS, particularly in areas where land condition has declined.
As part of the program, participants can access on-property consultations with DPI’s soil rehabilitation specialist John Day to assess erosion and develop practical remediation strategies.
Recently, four properties were visited to inspect erosion-affected sites and discuss management options to stabilise these areas and prevent further degradation.
Sites assessed included:
- Dam by-wash spillways
- Gully heads and expanding gullies
- Eroding watercourse crossings
- Fence line erosion
Several properties had recently experienced significant rainfall, with some areas impacted by 1-in-50 year rainfall events, placing pressure on waterways and accelerating erosion, particularly around gully heads and banks.
Remediation strategies were tailored to each site and included:
- Diversion banks
- Rock armouring
- Geofabric installation
- Contour banks
Each producer will receive a detailed report outlining site conditions, soil and landscape characteristics, catchment considerations, recommended remediation steps and estimated project requirements to support planning and implementation.
Project onboarding
Interest in the GRASS program continues, with several property visits undertaken to meet with producers considering participating.
These visits provided an opportunity to understand each business, including current practices, goals and priority areas for improvement.
DPI extension officers assessed land type and existing infrastructure to identify opportunities to improve ground cover, reduce runoff and support more effective grazing management.
Project reporting
Infrastructure reporting was completed for GRASS participants who recently finalised on-ground works. DPI extension officer Grayson Jones visited properties to see the end result.
These visits confirm that agreed improvements have been completed and meet program requirements. Following this process, producers become eligible to receive incentive funding for their projects.
Business planning support
DPI extension support is also available to assist producers with business planning and developing action plans, regardless of whether they are participating in a specific program such as GRASS.
Under the GrazingFutures program, DPI extension officer Ryan Honor supported a producer to apply for a QRIDA Drought Preparedness Grant. This grant provides up to $50,000 towards infrastructure that improves drought resilience, with funding covering 25% of project costs.
Over several sessions, Ryan provided the producer with support related to:
- Planning infrastructure upgrades
- Mapping and documenting proposed works
- Identifying benefits for drought preparedness
By combining extension support, departmental resources and the producer’s knowledge of their property, a strong business plan has been developed.
Weaner management workshops
A weaner management workshop series was recently delivered as part of the Grazing Extension Support Program to support producers review and refine their weaning practices.
The workshop focused on the key factors that influence weaner performance, survival and sale outcomes, with sessions covering nutrition, animal health and paddock management.
Through a mix of presentations and practical activities, producers explored vaccination and parasite management, supplementary feeding options, weaner paddock design and common weaning challenges, such as yard weaning duration, early weaning decisions in dry conditions and managing animal health risks.
Participants also assessed the costs and benefits of different feeding programs and their impact on animal performance and business profitability.
Workshops were delivered at Moura, Springsure and Clermont as part of the broader DPI extension program.
Careers expo
Also in April, the team attended the 2026 Northern Industry and Careers Exhibition in Rockhampton, held as part of the Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association (ICMJ) Northern Conference.
The conference brought together 139 delegates from across five states and territories, including both university students and industry professionals, highlighting the strong interest in careers across the red meat sector.
The Rockhampton beef extension team, represented by Ryan Honor and Grayson Jones, attended alongside colleagues from the Department of Primary Industries, including agricultural economist Lucie Okill and biosecurity officer Mackenzie Leeson.
The event provided an opportunity to connect with students and early-career professionals while sharing insights into careers in agriculture and extension, day-to-day roles within the department and pathways through graduate programs.
Attendees included students from the University of Queensland, University of New England and Charles Sturt University, along with participants from across industry seeking to better understand career opportunities, the variety of roles available across the department and the balance between office-based and on-property work.
The exhibition also featured a wide range of industry organisations, including agribusiness banks, rural retailers, veterinary practices, pastoral companies, processors and research organisations.
Whether it’s on-property advice, workshop delivery, funding support or connecting producers with the latest research, DPI extension services continue to play an important role in helping beef businesses make informed decisions and achieve their goals.