Demonstrating the productivity and profitability of cattle grazing Redlands leucaena in northern Queensland

Abstract

Leucaena can double liveweight gains and increase carrying capacity for beef enterprises. Adoption of leucaena in northern Australia has been inhibited by production losses from psyllids and producer inexperience. The ‘Redlands’ psyllid resistant cultivar, available since 2017, offers potential to increase profitability and resilience of northern beef enterprises. However, Redlands was untested commercially, and there was concern about its palatability.

On a commercial property, at a 61 ha trial site previously developed in a pre-cursor project, the liveweight performance of steers grazing Redlands and Wondergraze cultivars was compared over 4.5 years. Redlands was readily eaten by cattle and had equivalent liveweight gains to Wondergraze. Three cohorts of weaner steers were grazed for 12-months each achieving an average annual liveweight gain of 223 kg (ADG=0.610 kg) at a stocking rate of 0.44 AE/ha. A cohort of heavyweight steers was successfully ‘finished’ to slaughter weight and carcass characteristic data obtained (MSA grading).

A supposed advantage from Redlands in a psyllid prone environment was not demonstrated as psyllids did not affect Wondergraze at the site during the entire grazing period. However, producers now have assurance in using Redlands leucaena. More broadly, the high liveweight gains achieved, underpins the economic case for leucaena adoption in the region and opens up marketing opportunities for northern producers. Increased knowledge gained through the project, has reduced the risks for leucaena adoption in the north. New producers can be better advised of requirements and techniques for leucaena establishment particular to their situation, and the likely costs and benefits.