The event will give participants a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the rigorous work of the Pasture Trials Network (PTN). The roadshow will visit several active sites in western Victoria, including the PTN’s phalaris trial at Wando Bridge and its sub clover site at Strathkellar. The tour will also visit other research locations, such as the Southern Farming Systems (SFS) site at Rokewood, providing a comprehensive overview of cultivars that have demonstrated productivity and persistence.

Grassland Society president Tim Prance emphasized the importance of the roadshow, stating that it’s a crucial opportunity for the agribusiness community to learn from what worked and what didn’t during the drought. The tour aims to provide “light at the end of the tunnel” by highlighting successful pasture and management systems. This pragmatic approach, a form of on-the-ground data journalism, is designed to give farmers verified information they can use to make informed decisions for their own paddocks.

The Pasture Trials Network, a valuable resource for Australian producers, is funded by key industry players including Dairy Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia, and various commercial seed companies. The collaboration ensures the network provides unbiased, research-based insights into which pasture varieties are best suited for a changing climate. The roadshow, by visiting these otherwise restricted sites, provides an invaluable resource for farmers who want to see the evidence firsthand.