Investing in native pasture across south-eastern Australia

As part of a major biodiversity research project, four strategies were evaluated for profitability and conservation outcomes across hill country. They involve increasing the perennial component of the pastures, fine-tuning grazing management, encouraging natural regeneration and more targeted application of fertiliser. Peer-reviewed papers examined the fourth strategy while one of many others extrapolated the results to south-eastern Australia. (Co-authored. 2007. 30 pages)

Looking to the farm business. Approaches to managing native grassland in south-eastern Australia

“Jim Crosthwaite’s meticulous on-ground surveys and in-depth interviews with families on eight case study properties in northern Victoria and southern New South Wales, coupled with Bill Malcolm’s rich and pragmatic farm management economics, combine to present a detailed understanding of grassland conservation from a farm family and farm business perspective.” (Co-authored. 2000. 76 pages)

The Economic Benefits of Native Grassland

This study explores the whole farm benefits of native grassland, rather than optimising economic returns from a given area of native grassland. 28 farmer interviews were conducted in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. Interviews covered perceived reasons for the presence of native grassland on their property; the underlying pressures on farmers; value of the grassland to them as well as any management problems and disadvantages; how the grassland fitted in with management of the whole property; current management and the farmers intentions. (1997, 107 pages)

Integration of biodiversity and agricultural production across Australian temperate grasslands

A review of activity in key industry research and development programs focusing on production and conservation in Tasmania over the past 25 years. Information on programs and particularly outputs are collated, and considered in the context of recent changes in policy (e.g. the listing of lowland natural grassland communities in Tasmania) and in landholder interest in conservation initiatives. It includes the results from a limited survey of graziers and an assessment of how industry-based research has influenced incentive programs targeted at agricultural land managers. (Co-authored 2013. 4 pages. Part of "Revitalising grasslands to sustain our communities" Proceedings of the 22nd International Grassland Congress)

Farmer decisions, public policy and risk information in management of native pastures

Policy will be better informed with knowledge about how and why farmers may act in situations that are potentially significant for natural resources. Equally important, farmers will make better decisions about resources if they are able to use appropriate methods of analysis of farm management decisions.; in particular, give proper consideration to whole farm, long-term dynamic and risk aspects of the decisions are pertinent issues. (Co-authored. 2006. 25 pages)

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