Get reliable science

The use of climate variability information is only one element among many that pastoralists use to 'get the stocking rate right'. In recent years, there has been a large increase in the amount and complexity of climate related information available to pastoralists. The challenge is to select the most appropriate climate information and integrate it into other elements of the decision making process. In the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia (WA) a simple process is being used to manage climate variability, which relies heavily on the observation and developing experience of station managers, often in a group setting. This process includes assessment of both livestock and vegetation and conducting economic analyses. It has been our experience that by integrating climate information into a full package of pastoral management, its outcomes are greatly enhanced, as opposed to it being presented and used in isolation.