Southern Australian feed-base pasture audit

A feed-base pasture audit was carried out throughout southern Australia commencing mid year 2011. The purpose of the audit was to map and analyse information obtained about the pasture feed-base for livestock production by surveying Statistical Local Areas (SLAs) across the southern states. Information on pasture types, composition and associated attributes were collated on the 404 Statistical Local Areas surveyed. This survey provided estimates of the percentage of each pasture type and distribution based on species, botanical composition, estimated carrying capacity, condition of pasture and details on whether in decline, stable or improving. Some observable trends included an increase in the abundance and distribution of lucerne across the region and a decline in the condition of unimproved and native pasture types in NSW and Victoria. It is anticipated the database will be made available on the internet to assist plant breeders, researchers and farmers develop and improve the Australian pasture feed-base.