Rangeland know-how knows no borders…

In June, NT Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (NTDAF) extension officers Alison Kain and Caleb Schwartz travelled to Macumba Station in northern South Australia to deliver the Central Australian Rangeland Management Course.

The enthusiasm and engagement from the station team made for a memorable day.

“I’ve rarely come across a group that was so engaged,” says Alison. “We started just before 9 am and, when I checked in at 4 pm to see if they wanted to call it a day or finish the program, they all put their hands up to keep going. We weren’t finished until 5.45 pm!”

Designed specifically for the highly variable arid climate and environment of Central Australia, the course provides practical knowledge that can be applied directly on station. Topics include rangeland pasture dynamics, carrying capacity and pasture condition, cattle nutrition, and the identification and management of weeds and poisonous plants.

While there is some classroom-based learning, a strong emphasis is placed on practical activities. The pasture plant identification session is consistently a highlight, giving participants an opportunity to build skills they can use in the paddock.

The course is designed primarily for early-career station staff, but experienced managers have also found the information and practical activities valuable.

The southernmost parts of the NT face many of the same challenges as pastoral enterprises across the arid centre of Australia. Similar landscapes, climates, enterprises and communities create valuable opportunities to share knowledge and experience across state borders.

“It’s great to see some cross-border engagement in this beautiful part of the country,” says Alison.

The Rangeland Management Courses delivered by NTDAF are supported by the Northern Hub through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.