DEMONSTRATING PRODUCTIVE, REGENERATIVE GRAZING IN THE BURDEKIN
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Collinsville Region Regenerative Grazier Network Producer Demonstration Site( PDS) was a project involving three properties testing regenerative grazing practices in various grazing environments and commercial situations.
The primary goal of the project was to collaborate with a group of graziers in the Bowen-Broken-Bogie( BBB) catchment to enhance and refine their regenerative grazing operations, with a focus on applicability to the broader Burdekin Dry Tropics region.
Through the PDS, it was demonstrated how livestock could positively impact soil biology, enhance pasture quality, and improve herd performance. The project spanned five years( 2020-2025) and tested various regenerative grazing practices such as:
• mobbing up of cattle;
• planned grazing based on carrying capacity;
• high density short duration grazes; and
• maintaining ground cover at the end of the dry season.
Additionally, the project collected crucial data on profitability, herd performance, pasture management, and soil health to support the growing number of graziers adopting regenerative grazing practices in the BBB and extending to the whole of the Burdekin region.
The PDS also played a key role in supporting the Collinsville Regenerative Grazier Network, comprising of approximately 12-15 enterprises. More than 210 individuals representing 50 grazing properties participated in nine project events including field days and workshops.
These enterprises have received ongoing support from NQ Dry Tropics since the implementation of a Holistic Management training program in 2015. Many of these businesses have also completed training programs such as RCS’ Grazing for Profit.
The network has actively engaged in knowledgesharing by visiting each other’ s properties, attending field days, and seeking technical support on various issues. Several properties have implemented new grazing practices in the past three years, and they have also been instrumental in the implementation of projects focused on water quality and productivity improvements, funded by various Federal and State government programs.
Several of these enterprises have collaborated on projects with NQ Dry Tropics, as well as with organisations such as CSIRO, Griffith University, James Cook University, and Queensland’ s Department of Primary Industries( DPI).
The participating properties- Strathalbyn, Glenalpine and Dartmoor stations- implemented regenerative grazing practices, designated paddocks for demonstrations, provided necessary infrastructure and technology, conducted monitoring, undertook training and technical support, and hosted field days and events to showcase the project outcomes.
Property and paddock plans were developed in collaboration with grazing specialist Dick Richardson from Nature’ s Equity, using MaiaGrazing records for all three properties. Additionally, Resource Consulting Services( RCS) provided analysis of ProfitProbe results for one of the properties.
Aerial view of Strathalbyn Station, one of three properties that tested regenerative grazing practices.