Grazing Enterprise Support and Training getting a roll on in the Suttor
The Grazing Enterprise Support and Training (GEST) project is now in full swing, with 10 grazing enterprises across the Suttor catchment working to strengthen their business resilience, improve land productivity, combat erosion, and reduce sediment runoff.
A cornerstone of the project is one-on-one coaching and mentoring.
Participants recently completed an RCS Grazing for Profit program, gaining practical skills to improve their land, livestock, and business management. They’re also receiving tailored support for grazing and property planning, and are actively involved in workshops, coaching, and peer learning that aim to drive long-term, on-ground improvements.
Professional support from Raymond Stacey of RCS, including advisory visits, ensures landholders can apply what they’ve learnt.
Participants also have access to decision support tools like MaiaGrazing, with additional guidance from Dick Richardson of Nature’s Equity.
The program is helping graziers build practical skills across several key areas:
- Practical know-how — Learn the latest techniques in cost-effective fencing, property layout, water design, and stock movement. Build confidence in assessing rest periods, calculating graze periods, and matching stocking rates to carrying capacity, along with making smart, on-the-ground decisions.
- Controlling grazing outcomes — Master the use of grazing charts, planning tools, and effective property design to better manage your land and resources.
- Refreshing the basics — Strengthen your understanding of the six core grazing principles, sharpen your monitoring skills, and learn how to adapt management strategies to seasonal and climate variations. Participants are also developing practical, profitable property plans to lift overall grazing management performance.
NQ Dry Tropics’ Grazing Enterprise Support and Training (GEST) project will run for three years.
The GEST program is part of the $6 million Grazing Practice Change Program, funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program.
