The objective of the project is to improve farmer strategic use of nitrogen to increase pasture production and farm profitability, primarily concentrating on the Autumn feed gap experienced by coastal pasture systems - a time when the pasture base is transitioning dominant kikyuyu to over-sown rye grass. The project was initially instigated by Oxley Island dairy farmer, James Neal. He believed that the right use of nitrogen in Autumn was being hampered by an inability to predict nitrogen requirements for the annual ryegrass sown into the kikuyu.

Two trial plots have been established on separate sites located on the Mid North Coast and South East Coast to investigate the key questions in the field. The local trial site is on the dairy farm of James Neal at Oxley Island. This site is investigating these questions on a dryland dairy pasture over a three year period, led by Hunter Local Land service officer, Peter Beale.

The gates of the local trial will be open to the farming and broader public on July 28 from 10am starting at the Oxley Island Hall. Guest speaker for the event is Australia’s leading expert in nitrogen management on dairy pasture systems, Professor Richard Eckard, director of the Primary Industries Climate

Richard sits on science advisory panels for the Australian, New Zealand and UK governments as well as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation on climate change research in agriculture.  His research focuses on strategies for reducing enteric methane and nitrous oxide from intensive grazing systems, and whole farm systems modelling of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in livestock production. 

Richard will be supported by Dr Warwick Dougherty from the NSW DPI, a soil researcher based at Camden. Both guests promise a very informative day. Please register to attend the day by contact Marguerite White, project manager, on 0447 500 415 or mwhite@icdprojectservices.com.au. Morning tea and lunch provided.