The key to achieving more profitable and sustainable grazing systems is through developing skills in pasture and animal assessment. Producers can do this through the Prograze course. The course is based on established scientifically-proven principles of pasture and livestock production. The Prograze course is designed to help producers:

- Develop skills in pasture and animal assessment; 

-Use these skills to improve the productivity and sustainability of grazing systems.

Prograze will help you to:

- Visually assess pasture quality and quantity;

- Understand how pasture quality and quantity impact on animal production;

- Assess livestock fat scores;

- Use pasture and livestock assessments to match pastures to livestock requirements;

- Use grazing management to help control worms;

- Use fodder budgeting to make the best use of pastures and fodder crops;

- Use pasture assessment to make supplementary feeding decisions;

- Use grazing management to help control worms.

The Prograze course was first delivered by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in 1993 in NSW. Since this time in the Yass district alone we have had in the order of 600 producers complete the course. A survey sample of producers who have completed the course across NSW has revealed that: 

- 87 per cent indicated participation in Prograze had resulted, or would result, in improved financial returns to their farm;

- 96 per cent indicated participation in Prograze had resulted, or would result, in improved productivity and stability of pastures on their farm;

- 79 per cent indicated Prograze had either a major or moderate impact on their grazing management;

- 99 per cent of participants said that they would recommend Prograze to others.

South East Local Land Services will be commencing a new Prograze course centred around Yass on Thursday July 30 from 1– 4:30pm (venue to be advised). The course will be conducted over eight half day sessions during the next 12 months. Sessions will be held four to six weeks apart. The course uses a hands-on approach, with each session being conducted on group member’s farms with a strong in-paddock approach.

South East Local Land Services is offering the course at a cost of $400 per farm business and two or more members from each farm business may participate for this fee.

The course is equally suited to full time producers and those new to agriculture, just starting out on a piece of land (either big or small). The course will build your skill level in both livestock and pasture assessment and show how you can use these skills to improve grazing management decisions for profitable and sustainable production. 

If there are any producers who have already done the course but want a refresher, you are most welcome to come along, you won’t be the first.

Course sessions will be presented by Fiona Leech from South East Local Land Services, Yass and Phil Graham from NSW DPI, Yass.

If you are interested in doing the course please contact Fiona Leech on  6118 7701; mobile 0427 201 805 or email: fiona.leech@lls.nsw.gov.au. 

Compiled by Phil Graham and Fiona Leech in conjunction with the Officers of the NSW Department of Primary Industries and South East Local Land Services.