WELCOME TO
PERENNIAL PASTURE SYSTEMS
The Perennial Pasture Systems (PPS) group was formed in mid 2007 and has had 197 farm businesses across Central Victoria and the Southern Wimmera join the group since its formation. PPS members are heavily involved in prime lamb, mutton and beef production. Cropping and export hay operations are also conducted on many PPS member farms. PPS also has 35 members involved in agribusiness and agronomic services.
The aim of the group is to push the boundaries of perennial pasture research in our area and provide information on productive pasture management to members.
CONFERENCE 2023:
The 14th Annual Conference was held on Tuesday 5th September, 2023.
Over 120 people attended across the day.
Themed; Rolling with extremes - Are you ready or just going steady?
Topics and Presenters:-
Pasture & Investment - Prof. Bill Malcolm; Melb Uni, Lisa Warn; Lisa Warn Ag Consulting,
Cam Morris; Ag Diagnotics.
Farm Employment - Carlyn Sherriff; Pinion Advisory & Stuart Robinson; Terrinallum Est
Shock Proofing the Farm System - Dr Kate Burke; Think Agri
Shock Proofing Our Farm System - Farmer Dan Jess; Ballyrogan
Presenter Panel - Facilitated by Tess McDougall; Ag Vic
Farm Tour - The beginning of the investment journey with Tom Brady from Jallukar Park Rhymney
The conference day concluded with the Annual Meeting and dinner
at the Ararat RSL.
PPS HISTORY VIDEO:
Who we are and what we have been up to.
ABOUT US
The Perennial Pasture Systems (PPS) group was formed in mid 2007 and has had 197 farm businesses across Central Victoria and the Southern Wimmera join the group since its formation. PPS members are heavily involved in prime lamb, mutton and beef production. Cropping and export hay operations are also conducted on many PPS members farms. PPS also has 35 members involved in agribusiness and agronomic services.
The aim of the group is to push the boundaries of perennial pasture research in our area and provide information on productive pasture management to members.
PPS RESEARCH + DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
In autumn 2009, PPS established three long term paddock demonstration sites. The focus is to test the performance of novel varieties against a proven long term producer. The group also has an Evergraze Supporting Site near Ararat focusing on lucerne in one paddock, and phalaris direct drilled into a degraded pasture in another.
A second PPS Evergraze Supporting Site was established in 2010 at Tottington near St Arnaud, which will trial pasture establishment methods in the drier north central area of Victoria. A sub soil amelioration trial funded by the A. W. Howard trust was commenced in 2011. PPS established a series of plant variety trials in 2012 funded by the Woolworths Fresh Food Future grants and Landcare Australia.
Since 2012 PPS has also establised a variable lime application trial and implemented a Cocksfoot comparison monitoring project, as well as a long term pasture analysis which commenced at Greenfields, Glenlofty, with a long term economic and physical analysis to be undertaken.
During 2014, PPS commencement of pasture persistence project as part of MLA participatory research and established a joint pasture variety trial with Paradise Soil Health Group at Tottington. In 2016 PPS commenced a Gibberellic Acid demonstration project as part of the MLA EPDS program and in 2017, a high production annual forage project started which is looking at the use of annual grasses and grazing cereals in perennial grazing systems. The annuals project is part of the MLA PDS program.
PPS EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
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Quarterly newsletter.
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Pasture workshops
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Paddock walks & field days conducted at various times during the year.
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A winter study tour to inspect leading farms in other areas.
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An annual conference in September includes a seminar, farm tour followed by an annual dinner.
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PPS Girls’&’Grass Group formed in 2016 for training, social and on farm activities.
GIRLS + GRASS
Feeling isolated? Experiencing family challenges living in the workplace? Wanting to learn more about family agriculture business? Or just looking for connections with like-minded rural women? If this sounds familiar Girls & Grass maybe just what you need.
The Girls & Grass Advisory Group offer opportunities to socialise, learn and network with peers in a supportive, and friendly environment.
CONTACT US
Perennial Pasture Systems Management Committee
2023-25
President
Craig Altmann, Horsham
Vice President
Mathew Hall, Joel South
Secretary
Duncan Thomas, Ararat
Treasurer
Lachie Green, Lake Fyans
Committee:
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Wayne Burton, Mt Dryden
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Matt Kindred, Stawell
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Hayden Price, Crowlands
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Mal Nicholson, Concongella
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Marc Stevens, Beaufort
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Emma Goodall, ClunesMarc
PPS Project Manager – Rob Shea
Phone: 0438 521 357
Address: 6 Coad St Ararat 3377
Email: yadin061@tpg.com.au
Girls + Grass Facilitator – Debbie Shea
Phone: 0418 205 353
Email: debbiejshea@gmail.com
Girls + Grass
Committee
2023
Chair
Sue Maconachie, Ballyrogan
Members:
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Bianca Kilpatric, Great Western
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Tricia Sweeney, Paradise