Rangeland Ecology & Management

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Some Economic and Ecological Aspects of a Long-Term Variable Grazing Regime in the Brigalow Bioregion
Author
Stephens, M.L.
Cowie, B.A.
Radford, B.J.
Thornton, C.M.
Publisher
Australian Rangeland Society
Publication Year
2008
Body

Resource managers require a range of financial and ecological information to evaluate rangeland pastoral systems, given the competitive pressures for improving productivity and environmental standards. This paper presents a number of economic performance measures and ecological indicators from a long term grazing regime that formed part of the Brigalow Catchment Study (BCS). The BCS is situated in central Queensland (24.81oS, 149.80oE) and commenced in 1965 to determine the impact on hydrology and resource condition when native brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) is cleared for cropping or grazing. An overview of the objectives and outcomes from the BCS to date is contained in Cowie et al. (2007). The grazing regime involved the variable stocking of animals to match seasonal forage supply over a period of two decades. Comparatively little research has assessed the implications of such practices on enterprise profitability and ecological stability over the longer term. 

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Paper
Additional Information
Use this form to cite paper:
Anderson, L., van Klinken, R. D., and Shepherd, D. (2008). Aerially surveying Mesquite (Prosopis spp.) in the Pilbara. In: 'A Climate of Change in the Rangelands. Proceedings of the 15th Australian Rangeland Society Biennial Conference'. (Ed. D. Orr) 4 pages. (Australian Rangeland Society: Australia).
Conference Name
15th Biennial Conference of the Australian Rangeland Society, Charters Towers Queensland
Keywords
hydrology
Central Queensland
ecological stability
rangeland pastoral systems