New Initiative to Support Mixed Farming in Australia

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) are collaborating to bolster mixed farming operations across Australia through a new series of Producer Demonstration Site (PDS) projects.

Application Timeline

Preliminary applications for the 2025 Partnership PDS initiative open on Monday, August 25, and close on Friday, October 3.

Building on Past Success

This renewed initiative builds on the success of the 2024 pilot program, which supported five projects establishing 32 new demonstration sites, engaging 49 core producers and over 600 observer producers. The focus remains on producers operating livestock and grain enterprises in Australia’s mixed farming regions.

Aim and Objectives

The program aims to enable producers to demonstrate, adapt, and validate innovative management practices and research outcomes within operational mixed farming systems, ultimately driving productivity and profitability across both livestock and grain sectors.

Upcoming Projects

In 2025, four partnership projects will commence, with an additional project launching later in the year. Together, these efforts will establish 32 demonstration sites, involving 49 core producers and over 620 observer producers, strategically located across the three GRDC growing regions.

Opportunities for Producers

Participating in the joint PDS Program allows producers to trial new practices tailored to their specific farming systems while learning directly from their peers. This collaboration aims to foster climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.

Focus Areas

Projects may explore various avenues, including:

• Optimizing pasture and grain crop productivity through enhanced soil health and targeted plant nutrition.
• Integration of pest, weed, and disease management techniques.
• Conducting trials aimed at improving carcass traits and market premiums through better nutrition and handling practices.
• Research into crop/pasture rotations and adaptive grazing strategies.
• Value-adding strategies in mixed farming systems.

Expert Insights

Alana McEwan, MLA’s Project Manager for Producer Demonstration Sites, emphasized that this partnership seeks to deliver localized and relevant projects for producers. “This program empowers producer groups to explore practices grounded in research that are suited to their unique farming conditions,” stated Ms. McEwan.

Peer Learning and Application of Research

Courtney Ramsey, GRDC’s Senior Regional Manager South (Acting), highlighted the significance of peer-to-peer learning and the practical applications of research and development. “By establishing PDS sites, we enable producers to engage directly with research in a meaningful way,” Ms. Ramsey commented.

Get Involved

Mixed farming operators interested in participating or hosting a PDS are encouraged to:

• Visit the MLA/GRDC Partnership PDS webpage for updated guidelines and preliminary application forms.
• Submit applications via email to PDS@mla.com.au by Friday, October 3.
• Sign up for MLA’s quarterly PDS update to stay informed on project progress.
• Utilize MLA’s PDS search tool to explore active and completed projects by topic or region.