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A grazing trial begun in the Victoria River District (VRD) in 1993 aimed to determine sustainable management strategies and stocking rates that were optimal in terms of both ecology and economics. Stocking rates between 5-15 breeders/km2 (average pasture utilisation rates of 6-20 %) were chosen based on best knowledge of sustainable rates. Resultsfrom the first eight years suggested that even the highest stocking rates tested were sustainable. In 2001 the trial was modified to test set utilisation/variable stocking rates and included even higher utilisation rates than the first trial, with rates tested ranging from 12-45%. Results since 2001 suggest that utilisation rates up to 24% are sustainable with smaller, more evenly watered (and hence grazed) paddocks. This has major implications for the number of cattle that can potentially be carried in northern Australia and may have profound effects on regional development.