$200K Boost: How Small Changes Transformed a Farm.

$200,000 Boost: How Small Changes Transformed a Farming Business

I had the pleasure of having a yarn with Dennis Donohoe, farm manager with Aminya Pastoral the other day. He is a seasoned producer with decades of experience, and his story is a testament to how even minor changes in farming practices can lead to significant improvements in productivity and land health. Dennis has shown how focusing on enhancing the water cycle on his vast property has transformed his business.

The Property and Operations:

Dennis manages a 24,000-hectare property between Blackall and Barcaldine called Evora, which is primarily reliant on dams and bore water systems. Located in a region known for Mitchell and Flinders grass, his operation supports a mix of breeders and heifers. While he can manage up to 3500 cattle in a good season, Dennis typically runs around 1,000-1,200 cows. Having been manager on this land since 1992 with TV Fairfax (now referred to as Aminya Pastoral), he is seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with such a vast property.

Initial Practices and Challenges:

For the first two decades, Dennis ran his operation with a static approach, keeping cattle set-stocked in nearly all paddocks year-round. Despite conservative stocking rates and planned paddock rests, the system lacked flexibility. Dennis’s journey towards improving the water cycle began with an RCS (Resource Consulting Services,) GrazingforProfit® course in 2003 but was not fully realised until his second course in 2019.

“RCS has given us the ability to be more resilient in tough times and capture benefits in good times – leading to a business with greater control of its destiny,” Dennis explained.

Adopting Rotational Grazing:

A pivotal moment came with the shift to rotational grazing. Dennis consolidated his herds, moving from smaller groups to larger mobs of up to 400 cows. Combined with improved water systems, this allowed for more frequent rotations, boosting soil cover and grass growth. While the initial focus was on more frequent moves during the growing season, the system has evolved to adapt to different conditions.

Remarkable Water Cycle Improvements:

One of the most striking outcomes has been the improvement in water infiltration and retention. Where once a 30mm rainfall would cause significant runoff, a recent 70mm downpour was completely absorbed by the soil. This not only benefits the grasslands but also reduces erosion.

Unexpected Benefits in Grass Growth:

Dennis has also noticed a remarkable increase in desirable grasses, such as Buffel and Mitchell grass, even in areas previously dominated by scrub. This is a stark contrast to the previous 20 years when grass struggled to thrive under tree cover.

Reevaluating Weeds and Ground Cover:

Dennis’s perspective on weeds also evolved. He now recognises their role in maintaining ground cover and contributing to soil health. He observed how weeds can transition into valuable grass species over time, providing continuous cover and protecting the soil.

Business Impact and Resilience:

The changes have had a substantial impact on Dennis’s business. The increased grass production, estimated to be worth around $200,000, has allowed him to maintain and even increase cattle numbers during dry periods. This resilience is crucial for long-term sustainability.

Key Insights and Future Directions:

Reflecting on his journey, Dennis shared with me the importance of early adoption and consistency and a good team around you. This includes RCS’ David McLean who works with Aminya all year round via annual visits to Evora combined with regular remote advisory support and ongoing training with Dennis and his team. While water availability was a previous limitation, advancements in water management have made it possible to support larger herds and more grazing rotations.

Conclusion:

Dennis’s story is a powerful example of the positive impact of practice change in farming. By improving the water cycle through rotational grazing and better water management, he has enhanced the productivity and sustainability of his land leading an estimated increase in grass productivity of $200,000. His journey highlights the importance of adaptability and continuous learning for farmers.