Grazing Shrubs for Resilient Farming: Lessons from John Arentz

Discover how mixed farmer John Arentz has successfully integrated forage shrubs into his grazing system, improving pasture productivity and drought resilience in the Mallee.

  • Managing Shrub Height for Effective Grazing

    John shares his strategies for keeping forage shrubs at a height that maximises grazing efficiency and long-term productivity.

  • Integrating Pasture into Shrub Stands

    A well-managed shrub pasture system enhances feed availability while supporting soil health and livestock growth.

  • Turning Unproductive Land into an Asset

    Forage shrubs have helped John improve previously underutilised land, creating a more sustainable and resilient farming system.

Project Overview

Forage Shrubs in the Mallee: A Farmer’s Guide to Productive Grazing

In this third episode of the MSF FarmTalk shrubs series, experienced mixed farmer John Arentz shares two decades of insights into managing forage shrubs for livestock grazing. John explains how he keeps shrubs at optimal grazing height, integrates productive pastures within shrub stands, and transforms unproductive land into a valuable farm asset.

With forage shrubs making livestock management easier in the Mallee, John’s approach offers practical guidance for farmers looking to improve resilience in mixed farming systems.

This project is supported by the Mallee Catchment Management Authority through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

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