Integrating Education, Extension and Research for the Development of Sustainable Grazing Systems--Australian Landcare and the PROGRAZE[TM] Training Programmes

The continued downturn across the agri-sector evident by indicators such as loss of farm income, low produce prices relative to retail prices, increased management costs of production and declining contribution of agriculture to the National Gross Domestic Product. During this period it has become evident that the importance of grassland farming is not just limited to production of livestock products for the food chain. This article discusses the importance of integrating education, extension and research for the development of sustainable grazing systems. The experiences of the Australian Landcare movement and the PROGRAZE[TM] training programmes offer clear models of successful technology and knowledge transfer processes across the livestock sector that could be potentially used globally.