The experience and knowledge of people connected with BMRG have contributed to newly published research examining the future adoption of grazing management practices across Great Barrier Reef catchments.
BMRG team members Deborah Medhurst and Virginia Kelleher, together with BMRG Board Member and experienced grazing extension practitioner Andrew Zerner, were among 24 experts invited to contribute to the CQUniversity-led study, Using extension experts to predict future landholder adoption of grazing management practices in the Great Barrier Reef catchments.
Published in the journal Regional Studies in Marine Science, the research explored how expert knowledge can help inform understanding of the adoption and continued use of grazing management practices that contribute to improved water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef.
Experts were selected based on their professional knowledge of practice adoption and their direct experience working with landholders in extension, grazing management and water-quality improvement programs across Reef catchments.
Participants contributed through a structured two-round process, providing estimates and then having the opportunity to review aggregated responses and reconsider their initial assessments. The study focused on three grazing management practices: stocking rates, pasture spelling and landscape rehydration.
The research found that adoption of all three practices is expected to increase over the next decade under current policy settings, while also highlighting the complexity and uncertainty involved in predicting future landholder practice change.
For BMRG, involvement in research such as this recognises the valuable knowledge held by extension practitioners who work directly with producers. Their experience provides an important connection between research, policy and what is happening on the ground across agricultural landscapes.
The study also demonstrates the value of drawing on extension expertise when considering future programs and policy. The authors conclude that extension experts are well positioned to provide insights at the scale of funding programs and landholder groups, complementing research undertaken directly with individual producers.
Congratulations to Deborah, Virginia and Andrew for contributing their experience and regional knowledge to this important research.