Evergreen Farming Legacy Fund

Maintaining the momentum for fodder shrubs

Recent farm visits by FBG staff have revealed a concerning trend among local sheep farmers, many of whom are contemplating or actively planning to exit the sheep industry or substantially reduce their flock sizes. This poses risks including reduced income diversity for farmers and potential salinity issues in catchment areas due to increased cropping.

Background: FBG previously partnered in the CSIRO/DPIRD-led project, "Drought Resilient Landscapes with Profitable Native Shrub and Legume Systems across Southern Australia." Our demonstration site, spanning approximately 9 hectares on Craig and Naomi Hall’s property in Gairdner, features a mix of annual legumes, perennials, and Anameka saltbush. Originally a productive cropping area, the site has shown rising water tables and salinity issues, suggesting that deep-rooted perennial species and novel legumes could enhance its long-term viability and function as a drought-resistant fodder unit.

Current Status: Craig and Naomi Hall have expressed a great satisfaction with the results and are interested in expanding this treatment to other parts of their farm. However, they have noted that cost is a significant barrier. Additionally, other farmers have shown interest in the project, with cost concerns being a recurring theme.

FBG is committed to advancing this project, as it represents a rare positive development in the local sheep industry and aims to address the barriers to adoption.

Research and Development: CSIRO is currently exploring seed treatments to improve the germination of Anameka seeds, which may help reduce costs. Although cuttings are available, their limited supply and high setup costs present challenges for farmers. CSIRO are also investigating the shelter belt benefits of this style of shrub plantings on lambs. Improved lambing survival and health is seen as a key element of improving meat quality to meet local markets as a replacement for the live sheep trade closure. FBG is keen to keep local farmers updated on all options available to them to keep sheep in their systems.

Trial:

1. On-Farm Propagation of Anameka Saltbush: We will trial on-farm propagation methods for Anameka saltbush. Naomi Hall has expressed interest in testing this approach to expand their current Anameka plantings at a pace that suits their time constraints and available budget. Three propagation methods will be trialed to assess success rate and cost per unit (financial and time)

2. Workshops

Site Assessment Training: Provide planning workshops for interested farmers to evaluate sites that would be suitable for Anameka and other shrub fodder plantings. Provide the most up to date advice on inter-row planting including perennial pastures suggestions for individual sites.

Propagation Trial Plan for Anameka Saltbush

Objective:

To compare the effectiveness of different propagation methods for Anameka Saltbush, using three distinct propagation methods and testing the effects of growth hormone on two cutting sizes (large and small) across three different tray types.

Methods:

1. Commercial Nursery Cuttings (1000)

2. On-farm Cuttings from Established Plants (grown in greenhouse)

Cutting Sizes:

• Large Cuttings

• Small Cuttings

Growth Hormone Treatments:

• Hormone Treatment

• No Hormone Treatment

Tray Colours and Cutting Types:

• Green Tray (Large Cuttings with Hormone)

• Light Blue Tray (Small Cuttings with Hormone)

• Dark Blue Tray (Mix of Large and Small Cuttings without Hormone)

Field Sites:

Site 1 Hall Block 500 cuttings from Commercial and Farm Grown

Site 2 Parson Block 500 cuttings from Commercial and Farm Grown

Best 500 from farm grown will be planted for field trial additional plants will be planted on grower’s block

Timeline:

1. Preparation Phase (April)

• Obtain and prepare all required materials (cuttings, trays, growth hormone, etc.).

• Set up greenhouse environment for farm-grown cuttings.

• Identify the two field sites for planting (Site 1 and Site 2).

2. Propagation Phase (May-July)

• Cuttings will be taken from established Anameka Saltbush plants on the farm (both large and small).

• Place the cuttings in their respective trays (Green, Light Blue, Dark Blue).

• Green Tray (Large Cuttings + Hormone): Apply rooting hormone to the large cuttings before placing in trays.

• Light Blue Tray (Small Cuttings + Hormone): Apply rooting hormone to the small cuttings before placing in trays.

• Dark Blue Tray (Mixed Cuttings + No Hormone): No hormone applied. Mix of large and small cuttings.

• Record observations about survival rate, early growth for each tray type at 1 and 3 months.

• Once cuttings are rooted and have sufficient growth, begin selection process for planting at the field sites.

3. Selection and Planting Phase (August)

• Field Preparation: Site 1 (Nursery-grown) and Site 2 (Farm-grown) should be ready for planting.

• Site 1 Hall Block 500 cuttings Nursery and Farm Grown will be planted at the field site.

• Site 1 Parson Block 500 cuttings Nursery and Farm Grown will be planted at the field site.

4. Field Growth Monitoring (November 2025 & March 2026)

• Periodically measure plant height, health, and other growth parameters.

• Record field data on plant performance, survival rates, and any notable observations (e.g., pest or disease issues).

5. Data Analysis and Reporting

• Analyze the data collected from the field trial, comparing the performance of each treatment (nursery vs. farm-grown, large vs. small cuttings, hormone vs. no hormone).

• Determine the most successful propagation method based on the overall plant survival and growth rates.

• Write up a detailed report summarizing findings, including the most successful methods and cuttings for Anameka Saltbush propagation.