Each site has a soil moisture probe with a weather station.
Riverina LLS said this is important as it provides real time data on rainfall, air and soil temperatures.
“Most importantly, the Farming Forecaster tool uses GrassGro (a CSIRO pasture modelling program) to model the expected green pasture availability for each site based on the case study farm at that location,” Riverina LLS said its in regional update newsletter.
“This information helps farmers to make more confident decisions about stocking rates over the coming three months.
“An interesting point being highlighted at present, is that while the rain is very welcome, at most sites across the eastern Riverina we will still have below average pasture availability right through until August.
“Decision making needs to look at converting this moisture to pasture growth which will give us a good start to Spring.
“If we continue to graze already short paddocks, nipping off the new green shoots, then we run the risk of delaying the start to our spring growing season.
“The more leaf area we can grow now before the really cold weather kicks in, then the better able the pastures will be able to respond to any warm days and treatments such as urea and Gibberellic acid.”
For more information about the Farming Forecaster, go to www.farmingforecaster.com.au.
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