At the heart of this journey is an ambitious transition from intensive cropping systems & native pastures to a multi-species pasture system – a move that is already yielding impressive results for the dairy operation.
The Forbes family, who milk between 750 to 800 cows along the Barrington River, produce around seven million litres of milk annually. With a rotational grazing system in place, Adam tries to ensure that green pasture feed is available year-round, sustaining consistent milk production even through seasonal changes.
Now, with the shift towards multi-species pastures, the family is seeing additional benefits that could shape the future of pasture management in Australian dairy farming.
The drive to innovate
The decision to transition to multi-species pastures came from a desire to maintain a consistent supply of high-quality feed year-round, a critical factor in sustaining steady milk production. The Forbes family also prefers the simplicity and efficiency of a pasture-based system.
“We wanted to make sure we had a system that provided flexibility in managing our pastures while reducing reliance on external inputs,” Adam explains.
“By trialling different species, we’ve found combinations that not only perform well in varying conditions but also help us achieve our sustainability goals.”
The learning curve
The transition hasn’t been without its challenges. Converting large sections of pasture requires careful planning, monitoring, and a willingness to experiment. Adam and his family have worked closely with agronomists to test various combinations of pasture species, guided by soil testing, soil moisture probes, and ongoing performance monitoring.
One of the key takeaways has been the resilience of deeper-rooted species, which have shown more adaptable watering requirements and an ability to thrive under different grazing regimes.
The Forbes family discovered that grazing in the early years of a pasture should be managed carefully and adjusting rotation times throughout the year to maintain quality.
“It’s about finding the right balance,” Adam says.
“Each paddock and season is different, and it’s been an ongoing learning process. We’ve made adjustments as we’ve gone along, and we’re seeing improvements in both pasture performance and milk production.”
Key learnings for the future
Some of the key benefits Adam and his family have observed include:
- Resilience: Multi-species pastures are more resilient to environmental conditions. Deeper-rooted species take advantage of rainfall events and are less reliant on irrigation.
- Palatability: The diverse pastures provide highly palatable feed, ensuring cows maintain a steady intake and milk production remains consistent.
- Reduced inputs: The deeper-rooted species reduce reliance on non-selective herbicides and Nitrogen fertilisers, making pasture management more sustainable and cost-effective.
“There’s been a noticeable difference in how our pastures respond to rainfall events,” Adam says.
“We’re also seeing a reduction in the need for supplementary feeding, which has been a game-changer.”
Grounds for Growth event – don’t miss out!
Adam Forbes will be sharing more insights into his transition to multi-species pastures at Dairy Australia’s highly anticipated Grounds for Growth event, running from 4-6 March in Warrnambool, Victoria. This event is a must-attend for Australian dairy farmers looking to improve soil health, pasture biodiversity, and farm resilience.
With a focus on practical solutions and innovative farming practices, Grounds for Growth will bring together leading industry experts, agronomists, and progressive farmers like Adam to share their knowledge and experiences.
Secure your spot today
If you’re keen to explore how multi-species pastures can improve your dairy operation, make sure to book your ticket to Grounds for Growth. Adam’s journey is a testament to the power of having the courage to try new things, backed by expert advice and a passion for innovation. His insights could inspire the next big step in your farming journey.
For more information and to register, visit Grounds for Growth - Soil & Pasture Biodiversity Event | Dairy Australia.
