THE Crookwell Agricultural, Pastoral and Horticultral (AP and H) Society Pasture Competition was launched in 2012 with an impressive 22 paddocks from 14 entrants from across the Upper Lachlan Shire.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to all our agricultural news
across the nation
or signup to continue reading
Pasture entries were located at Bigga, Bannister, Grabben Gullen, Golspie, Laggan, Roslyn and Peelwood.
Aimed at raising awareness of modern pasture management, it also focuses on improved pasture species and the cost effectiveness of various pasture inputs.
The competition was a success and is fast becoming a popular event on the region's calendar.
"We are really pleased with how the competition went in its first year," said Crookwell AP and H president Tony Hewitt.
"We are hoping it will gather as many entrants as it did in the first year and so far the momentum of it looks positive.
"Those interested are encouraged to select their paddocks early to ensure that they are well prepared."
The 2012 supreme exhibit pasture was prepared by Bruce Reynolds, Fullerton Station, Fullerton, near Laggan, with his pure stand of lucerne.
Mr Reynolds entered two pastures in the first competition; his second was in the annual pasture for hay or silage section.
Mr Reynolds runs a 1400 hectare mixed grazing enterprise with his parents Raddon and Di Reynolds.
They run 3000 Merino and crossbred sheep as well as 250 Hereford breeding cattle.
Annually they sow between 25 to 50 hectares of pasture depending on the season.
His winning lucerne pasture was described by judge, AusWest Seeds agronomist Adrian Keith, as "outstanding".
Mr Reynolds said he was happy with the way the crop had come up and originally he had not intended on entering it into a pasture competition, it was just the timing was right.
"I spayed the paddock out first, ploughed it twice and then cultivated it," he said.
"I kept a close eye on it for red legged earth mites and I ended up spraying for this shortly after it was sown."
Mr Reynolds said he thought the competition was a good learning experience for farmers in the district.
"The judges made good, productive comments on everybody's pastures," Mr Reynolds said.
"It's also good to see what everybody else is doing on their farms and then having the chance to discuss these things with like-minded people."
There will be three prizes awarded for each of the six categories in the competition.
The six categories are as follows: new perennial grass based pasture under two years, perennial grass based pasture two to 10 years, perennial grass based pasture over 10 years, fertilised native pasture with sub-clover, lucerne pasture (should be a pure stand) and forage crop/ annual pasture hay or silage.
Judges will announce the category winners at the completion of judging of the pasture exhibits conducted on October 13 and 14, 2014.
Those interested in viewing the exhibits, hearing the judges' comments and relay questions to the farmers or judges, can be part of the touring bus.
Participants are encouraged to select their paddocks early to ensure they are well prepared.
A modest entry fee will be charged and two entries per farm will be allowed.
Contact Rod and Helena Warren, (02) 4835 6220, Peter Flint, (02) 4837 3309, or Chris Houghton, 0409 816 433.