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The Mitchell grasslands are unique to Australia and make important contributions to grazing, conservation, cultural heritage, and rural socioeconomics. Previous studies suggest there is an optimal range of 15-20cm defoliation height to promote Mitchell grass (Astrebla spp.) leaf, tiller and inflorescence production during average to above average rainfall periods. However, there is evidence that a different defoliation height and frequency is needed to increase the responsiveness of Mitchell grass leading into, during, and exiting drought. A long-term drought resilience experiment commenced in December 2021 at Longreach, Queensland to determine the interaction between defoliation height and frequency and water stress on Mitchell grass response to rain fall. Treatments commenced in October 2022 once establishing plants reached maturity. The main effect of water stress is induced through rainfall received or alleviated through supplementary irrigation. Treatment interaction is applied through defoliation height (15cm or 0cm) and frequency (never, annually or biennially) at the end of the dry season (early October). Soil moisture and key plant parameters are monitored monthly and quarterly respectively. Preliminary findings of plant recovery from the initial two defoliations indicate that cutting: increased end-of-wet-season photosynthetic area at both heights; increased tiller and inflorescence production and canopy area at 15cm height; but reduced tiller and inflorescence production at 0cm. These early results support previous studies that Mitchell grass responds positively to 'moderate' —but negatively to severe —defoliation. The current study has been during average to above-average rainfall. Further papers will report longer-term results that will begin to reflect drought conditions. Investment into long-term research is needed to continuously improve our understanding of perennial grass species management as a changing climate brings new challenges through increased temperature and