In southern Australia, current pasture systems are under threat due a narrowing window of pasture availability. In recent times southern Australian producers have been exposed to later starts and earlier finishes and hotter conditions.  Over the past 20 years, 80% of south eastern Australian autumn rainfall has been below average and many springs below average.   Livestock producers have made tactical modifications to their management to adapt to these conditions.  Tactical seasonal adjustments working in tandem with research for strategic business changes, shows that livestock producers can prosper in a changing and variable climate.  Further research demonstrates that mitigation and adaptation are complementary and that certain changed practices improve production and profitability well into the future.

This paper demonstrates the potential impact climate change will have on current pasture systems and livestock production by 2030 and 2070 using modelled data from Grass Grow (Moore et al).  The paper also demonstrates particular adaptations that can increase productivity and profitability and how these changes will also reduce methane emissions from cattle and sheep.  These changes include modifying feed intake and utilising alternative by feed by products, improved genetics, modification of joining dates and optimising stocking rates.

The research combines outputs from the ‘southern livestock adaptation' project funded by Meat and Livestock Australia, and recent research outputs looking at ‘innovative practices to reduce methane emissions' both underpinned by funding by the federal government Department of Agriculture , the latter project is also an Action on the Ground  project under the Carbon Farming Initiative.