Colin and Anna Butcher’s farm in Brookton, WA needed to change the legume variety they were growing as lupins were no long economically viable.
Wheatbelt NRM helped fund the Butchers to run a trial to try tackling the common problem and share the learnings with neighbouring farmers and the wider community. Wheatbelt NRM also subsidised the purchase of legume pasture seeds and provided technical support.
The Butchers found that by growing the nitrogen fixing serradella in their paddocks prior to seeding they no longer needed to apply extra nitrogen which improved their profit margin. “We will be growing our own nitrogen and….spending less money on weeds,” said Anna Butcher.
They have also found that as serradella stays greener much longer they were able to increase their grazing production and sell off lambs much earlier. The trial paddocks now have increased ground cover and soil stability which reduces the risk of wind and water erosion.
Wheatbelt NRM supported the Butchers through its ‘Soil Conservation Incentive’ program with funding from the Australian Government.
