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Published: September 2024
Gemel and Luigi are seasoned cattle and sheep farmers from Marian Queensland (30 km west of Mackay) who have run a successful 100-acre livestock for nearly 20 years.
Over the years, they have developed a well-honed approach to pasture management and seed selection with the help from DLF Seeds. However this spring, they have incorporated a more natural seed management practice with a seed mix that meets their goal to reduce the use of synthetic fertilisers.
In the past, Gemel and Luigi have had success with a straight sown paddock of Jarra grass and, a mixed pasture of DLF Seeds Mekong briz™ antha and V8® stylo – all of which has kept their pastures, cattle and sheep in good shape.
Mekong has been a cornerstone of their operation and has proven particularly effective for the tropical conditions of North Queensland. Its rapid response to the region's climate, resilience to extreme weather and its ability to subdue undesirable species such as Giant Parramatta grass and make Mekong one of the star performers in Gemel and Luigi’s improved pasture system.
Recently, Gemel and Luigi have introduced more legumes into their operation.
"We were aiming to cut back on synthetic fertilisers and use microbes and natural methods to improve soil health," Gemel said.
"I’ve been incorporating legumes with the grasses, like V8® stylo, Burgundy Bean and more recently, Lucerne, to get the Nitrogen that boosts plant growth naturally and reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers,” Luigi added.
By reducing their dependence on synthetic fertilisers and incorporating more legumes into their pasture seed mix, Gemel and Luigi aim to enhance their soil health naturally and support the microbes and other bugs that improve soil structure and fertility.
Mekong and Humidicola outgrow and smother weeds/undesirable species like Giant Parramatta grass, reducing our dependence on chemicals" Luigi said.
This is why maintaining Mekong in their pasture and seed mix decision is crucial for controlling Giant Parramatta grass as a high weed burden of this, can significantly degrade pasture quality.
As they refine their approach, Gemel and Luigi are working closely with DLF Seeds Sales Agronomist Gerry Dogao who has been instrumental in helping them develop this Spring’s seed mix, including Mekong briz™ antha, Solander Setara, Caatinga stylo, V8® stylo and Burgundy Bean.
“I worked with Gemel and Luigi across their whole property, working out what they need for each paddock to create the seed mix that will help them achieve their goals.” explains Gerry.
“We’ve begun using lucerne on their property too. Lucerne is a legume that fixes its own Nitrogen, all whilst supporting the production of protein critical to healthy plants and livestock. By adding lucerne to their mix, we’re introducing an additional source of nitrogen into their pasture system, which in turn helps to promote healthier pastures.”
The custom seed mix Gerry has developed for Gemel and Luigi continues to help their farm prosper and work toward their sustainability goals this Spring.
"You want a product that's going to actually work for you and DLF Seeds does just that. Gerry always comes out to the property and provides advice specific to our needs, and that support really does contribute to the success of our farm.” Concludes Luigi and Gemel.
DLF Seeds varieties are available through you local, rural retailer. For more information on the ideal tropical or subtropical pasture seed mix for the QLD environment, reach out to your local DLF Seeds Sales Agronomist here.
