TERRY McCOSKER

Resource Consulting Services Pty Ltd, Yeppoon, Queensland, Australia

Abstract

This paper tracks the progress of Cell Grazing in Australia from 1990 when it was first taught, to 1999, from 2 perspectives. The first is a model of an industry paradigm shift. The introduction of Cell Grazing to Australia has all the hallmarks of a paradigm shift at the industry level. It is following the classic pattern outlined by Kuhn (1970) and is well progressed to the point where its principles will be considered 'normal science' within another 10 years.
The second perspective is industry-oriented, where results obtained from properties throughout eastern Australia are presented. These results illustrate the impact that Cell Grazing can have on business profitability (up to 2–3 times higher profit), soil improvement (it has doubled the available soil P on some properties with a history of phosphate application), rainfall use efficiency (generally 50–100% up on previous levels), biodiversity (usually increases) and animal performance (variable).
Cell Grazing is described as a high-level, time-control grazing method and is thus different from continuous grazing, rotational resting, rotational grazing and multi-camp rotational grazing systems. Comprehensive definitions of the different systems are used to illustrate why the scientific literature differs from industry results. Terminology used in the literature is also categorised to assist in this understanding.