30 October 2025
Territory cattle producers are being invited to take part in a new research project that will test practical approaches to sustainable grazing management in Central Australia's arid rangelands.
The AridGraze project, led by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) Livestock Industries Development team and supported by the Northern Drought Hub, extends the successful Paddock Challenge program for another 12 months.
The initiative will continue two existing paddock challenges on commercial stations and launch a new Producer Paddock Challenge at Old Man Plains Research Station (OMP) near Alice Springs.
"This is a great opportunity for producers to be directly involved in designing and steering research that can deliver practical outcomes for industry," said Tim Schatz, Director of Livestock Industries.
"By comparing and combining producer-driven management decisions with research-based carrying capacity recommendations, we can build valuable insights into grazing management that supports both productivity and land condition."
The Paddock Challenge concept compares a business-as-usual paddock with a 'challenge' paddock managed according to long-term carrying capacity recommendations.
To guide the new Producer Paddock Challenge, DAF is seeking 6-10 Territory producers to form a project group that will make key stocking and management decisions.
Participants will include both experienced pastoralists and newer entrants to the industry, working alongside DAF farm managers and researchers.
Interested producers will be required to attend a field day in March 2026 at Old Man Plains Research Station to inspect the paddock, cattle, and management systems, and review results from 15 years of grazing trials and earlier paddock challenges as well as a workshop in April 2026 at the Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) to design the project, determine stocking rates, and finalise the management plan with support from DAF researchers.
The Producer Challenge paddocks will commence data recording in June 2026.
By taking part in the AridGraze project participants will help co-design practical, industry-relevant research, learn from fellow producers and share local knowledge
To learn more or express your interest email the DAF Livestock Industries Development team by Friday, 7 November 2025 to [[email protected]]
