Building drought resilient grazing systems at Clarke Creek

More than 25 Central Queensland producers took to the paddock at Clarke Creek for hub Node FBA’s recent Climate Smart Field Day, eager to learn how to build resilience in their grazing businesses through better decision making and proven land management practices.
The hands-on field day focused on equipping producers with practical tools available to help measure available feed using forage budgeting, assess land condition, and enhance soil health to boost productivity.

Participants worked through methods to improve soil structure and biological health, gaining valuable insights into how healthy soils underpin productive pastures and resilient grazing systems, particularly during dry times.
Regional Soils Coordinator Dhiraj Gajera said, “Understanding soil characteristics and how to monitor your soil health through tests such as a soil core, filtration, using a penetrometer, and exploring bacteria/fungi ratios and pH is invaluable for helping graziers understand what’s happening beneath the surface."

“For this group of producers, I have recommended and encouraged them to add mix species with legumes to fix atmospheric nitrogen as its not economically viable to apply nitrogen fertiliser across huge acreage.”
The field day also covered making effective use of weather and climate forecasts and explored how graziers can access practical support to reach their land management goals.

The event highlighted how soil health is the foundation of productive, drought-resilient grazing businesses, supporting graziers to take proactive steps towards sustainable land management that benefits both their operations and the environment.
Dhiraj demonstrates soil testing techniques to producers.

Images are from the Clarke Creek Climate Smart Field Day. Credit: E.Harrington

JULY 2025