Latest News & Resources
Know your natives for pasture recovery
A field day hosted by the Barossa Improved Grazing Group (BIGG) last week educated Barossa Valley producers on identification and management of native grasses and the role they plan in native pasture production systems.
BIGG win for premium pastures
The Barossa Improved Grazing Group (BIGG) held its final pasture walk for its Barossa Pasture Challenge Project on September 19 where various award winners were announced, with the top honour going to Anthony and Chris Steinert, representing the Angaston Ag Bureau.
Prizes to be awarded at BIGG Pasture Walk
The pasture paddocks in the Barossa Improved Grazing Group’s Pasture Challenge Project will be judged during an upcoming pasture walk on Friday, September 19.
From little things, BIGG things grow
An Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges NRM Board grant in 2012 to encourage primary producers to improve pasture productivity has grown into an ongoing commitment to sustainable pasture and resource management in the Barossa.
LambEx a huge success and showcase for SA
LambEx 2014 at the Adelaide Showgrounds attracted over 25 local Angaston Ag Bureau and BIGG members, family members, young local producers and agricultural professionals during 9-11th July 2014.
Moisture probes offer BIGG scope
The use of soil moisture monitoring technology is becoming more common in cropping operations and almost standard in viticulture but remains an unexplored frontier in grazing systems.
A group of Barossa Valley graziers and mixed farmers believe the technology could bring major benefits to their pasture management systems.
AgEx Sustainability Award
In 2014 BIGG was awarded the Ag Excellence Alliance Sustainability Award by its peers (sponsored by the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources) as ‘an outstanding locally based grower group for its achievements in delivering greater NRM outcomes’. We received $2,000 for the award which we used to help develop our current strategic plan.
Koonunga sustainability and biodiversity project
An ongoing project is empowering the people of Koonunga and surrounding areas to create a sustainable farming community.
Georgie Keynes – Innovative Young Landcare Leader Award
BIGG Technical Facilitator, Georgie Keynes was successful in winning the 2013 South Australian Westpac Agribusiness Innovative Landcare Leader Award, and was subsequently a finalist in the National Landcare Awards in 2014. Georgie was recognised for her passion for sustainable land management, technical and leadership skills, on-farm experience, and personal commitment.
Matching the pasture with the production system
Pasture production plays one of the most important roles in any grazing production system. Pastures that complement our systems help to meet livestock production requirements through the season, spread the risk and ensure good NRM outcomes on farm.