MLA Legumes in Mixed Farming Rotations

Project code: PPSH.1572

Project manager: Gina Kreeck, Research Officer MFMG 

Project duration: March 2025 to December 2028

About the project

This MLA GRDC Partnership Producer Demonstration Site Project aims to demonstrate the value of annual or perennial clovers, faba beans, or other legumes of interest in a paddock rotation by observing the economic performance of each component of the rotation and any carry over value in the following cereal crops. 

With reference to a previous GRDC investment ‘Pastures in Crop Sequencing’ (PCS) 2012-15, MFMG aims to demonstrate the economic advantages of including a legume in the rotation, such as the potential to improve soil health, reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers, provide valuable feed for livestock, control problem weeds, and increase the yield of subsequent cereal crops.
 

Project Activities

1.    By July 2026, MFMG will establish 5 demonstration sites (2-3 sites to commence in 2025), engaging 8 core producers and inform the MFMG membership of activities as observer producers.
2.    Annually, MFMG will observe the impact of including annual or perennial clovers, faba beans and other legumes of interest in the rotation by measuring grazing value, weed control and soil changes.
3.    A case study for each demonstration site will be conducted by MFMG illustrating the overall economic performance of each rotational strategy.
4.    Regular discussion group meetings will be held between the core producers and others wanting to adopt related strategies.

5.    The outcomes of the project will be communicated through short videos, published case studies through the MFMG Seasonal newsletter, a podcast and workshops. 
 

This project is funded by:

This project is delivered in partnership with: