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.Â
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).
Full-text publications from the Australian Rangelands Society (ARS) Biennial Conference Proceedings (1997-), Rangeland Journal (ARS/CSIRO; 1976-), plus videos and other resources about the rangelands of Australia.