Economic evaluation of establishing pasture legumes in the Brigalow Belt

Abstract

Pasture legumes are the best long-term management option for increasing productivity and profitability from grass dominated pastures in the Brigalow Belt bioregion through improving pasture yield and livestock performance. However, successful adoption rates of legumes remains low with poor establishment being a common reason for failure in commercial paddocks. This paper summarises findings of a recent economic evaluation (Thompson et.al 2025) of 29 leucaena, desmanthus/stylo (Des/Stylo) and medic establishment options currently available to producers on high, moderate, and low productivity (and non-arable) land types. The findings aim to inform future investment decisions for producers and industry research and extension.