Expression of Interest – In-paddock weighing research project

02 Nov 2022

The University of Sydney and North West Local Land Services are calling for Expressions of Interest from cattle producers in the North West region to participate in an MLA funded research project.

The project, titled Data driven system optimising the forage base for sustainable beef production will assess live weight gain while concurrently measuring and recording grazing potential through pasture and soil monitoring.

Results from the project will contribute to a paddock feedbase performance database (PPD) derived from a field-based, robust, cattle liveweight monitoring network across commercial beef enterprises.

To achieve this, we will have a series of Optiweigh units in pasture systems across the North West to track live weight gain while concurrently measuring and recording grazing potential through pasture and soil monitoring. If you are a cattle producer in the North West, and are interested in participating in the project, and trialing the Optiweigh for an extended period, please check the criteria below and get in touch if you think your operation would be suitable.

Minimum of 50 head and a maximum of 200 head mob size per unit
Growing cattle i.e. weaners or yearlings
Cattle will need to be carried for a minimum of 6 months.
Willing to host a field day on farm, and/or participate in a field day at a separate location
Maintain up to date records on paddock treatments, grazing rotations, weather, and stock records.
All weather access to the paddocks being grazed is ideal.