April 13, 2025 by Lachie

Improved Pastures in Central Queensland – A Regional Overview

Why Central Queensland Matters to Australia’s Beef Industry

Central Queensland is a powerhouse of Australian beef production. With the Fitzroy Basin alone accounting for roughly 12% of the national herd—approximately 3.2 million head—this region plays a critical role in backgrounding, fattening, and finishing operations. The area acts as a key junction between the northern breeding zones and southern feedlot systems, enabling a streamlined and efficient beef supply chain.

The Role of Pasture in Productivity

While soil fertility and rainfall are vital, a paddock is only as productive as the pastures that convert those resources into cattle weight gain. Strategic pasture species selection is essential to maximise productivity, manage seasonal variability, and maintain long-term sustainability.

Key Grass Species for Central Queensland

1. Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris)

• • Rainfall: 400-900 mm
  • Soil: Clay to sandy loam
  • Crude Protein: 6-16%
  • DMD: 50-60%
  • Yield: 2-9 t/ha (can be higher)
  • Animal Production: 180-200 kg/head/year
  • Notes: Dominant and persistent, but risk of monoculture and pasture dieback. Best supported by legume integration.

2. Bambatsi Panic (Panicum coloratum)

• • Rainfall: 550-900 mm
  • Soil: Heavy clay, waterlogging-tolerant
  • Crude Protein: 8-15%
  • DMD: 55-65%
  • Yield: 4-10 t/ha
  • Animal Production: 150-190 kg/head/year
  • Notes: Deep-rooted and reliable under variable conditions, including flood-prone areas.

3. Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana)

• • • Rainfall: 600-1000 mm
    • Soil: Sandy to light clay soils
    • Crude Protein: 8-14%
    • DMD: 55-65%
    • Yield: 3-8 t/ha
    • Animal Production: 160-180 kg/head/year
    • Notes: Fast-establishing and good for erosion control; highly palatable.

Fine cut and Katambora rhodes hay paddock in Brisbane region. One to celebrate with that yield!

4. Sabi Grass (Urochloa mosambicensis)

• • Rainfall: 400-750 mm
  • Soil: Sandy to loamy soils, tolerates poor fertility
  • Crude Protein: 7-12%
  • DMD: 50-60%
  • Yield: 2-5 t/ha
  • Animal Production: 100-160 kg/head/year
  • Notes: Early season growth and palatability, ideal for lighter soils.

Key Legumes to Complement Tropical Grasses

1. Desmanthus spp. (Progardes® Top selection)

• • Rainfall: 400-750 mm
  • Soil: Clay and cracking clays
  • Crude Protein: 17-22%
  • DMD: 55-65%
  • Yield: 1.5-4 t/ha
  • Animal Production: Up to 30% gain in LWG when added to Buffel systems
  • Notes: Very persistent in clay soils, boosts liveweight gains and soil nitrogen.

Desmanthus looking very healthy in South East Queensland, not its main heavy clay stomping ground, although performing extremely well.

2. Leucaena (Redlands (Coast), Wondergraze (common cultivar inland))

• • Rainfall: 650-1000 mm
  • Soil: Fertile, well-drained clay and loams
  • Crude Protein: 20-30%
  • DMD: 60-70%
  • Yield: 10-20 t/ha (green DM)
  • Animal Production: 250-300 kg/head/year
  • Notes: High productivity legume shrub; requires good management.

3. Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea)

• • Rainfall: 600-1000 mm
  • Soil: Fertile, well-drained
  • Crude Protein: 20-25%
  • DMD: 60-70%
  • Yield: 3-6 t/ha
  • Animal Production: 180-220 kg/head/year
  • Notes: Suitable for hay and intensive grazing systems; requires grazing management.

Butterfly intertwined with sabi grass (Urochloa mosambicensis) in Central Queensland, a fantastic blend of species and nutritive value

4. Caatinga Stylo (Stylosanthes seabrana)

• • Rainfall: 500-800 mm
  • Soil: Medium to heavy clays
  • Crude Protein: ~23%
  • DMD: 60-65%
  • Yield: 2-5 t/ha
  • Animal Production: Up to 100 kg/head/year
  • Notes: Drought-tolerant, anthracnose resistant, good persistence under grazing.

Caatinga stylo at the base of Seteria grass, boosting protein in a heavy clay soil

Why Legume Integration Matters

Legumes bring biological nitrogen fixation, boost protein levels in livestock diets, boosting weight gains and stocking rates. They help address nutrient decline, particularly where dominant grasses like Buffel have exhausted soil nitrogen.

Conclusion: Planning for Long-Term Success

In Central Queensland, improved pastures aren’t just a productivity tool—they’re the backbone of sustainable cattle systems. Whether you’re backgrounding, fattening, or finishing, the combination of high-performing grasses and complementary legumes under a sound grazing plan is key to profitability and resilience.

Browse species options or use our Pasture Picker tool at pastureportal.com.au to explore what’s right for your region.