Models of feed systems for growing cattle in sub-coastal southern Queensland.

Traditional grazing experiments compare different forages or management options, often on a small scale. Results are usually expressed as production per animal or per unit area and it is left to producers or extension staff to apply the results commercially. Introducing new technology, such as improved pastures, into a property may cause several problems: i) technology has to be integrated with other forages or property operations, often on a much larger scale of operation than the original experiment in which the technology was devised; ii) technology has to contribute to a specific marketable product desired by the producer, which, was probably not an aim of the original experiment; and iii) the long term reliability and profitability of the technology needs to be assessed.