C.P. MILLER¹, J.P. RAINS², K.A. SHAW¹ and C.H. MIDDLETON³

¹Department of Primary Industries, Mareeba, Queensland, Australia
²'Spring Valley', Mareeba, Queensland, Australia
³Department of Primary Industries, Tropical Beef Centre, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Varieties of Stylosanthes have been keenly adopted in the pastoral areas of northern Australia ever since the value of Stylosanthes humilis was recognised early in the 1900s.
There are now at least 600 000 ha contributing some $20 million annually to beef production through higher turnoff weights, improved weaner and heifer nutrition and reduced drought risk. Adaptation is best to lighter-textured soils with annual average rainfall above 500 mm. Stylo establishes easily, spreads naturally, resists drought, fire and overgrazing and increases beef production. Technologies of seed production, sowing and management are well-developed and an extra 50 000 ha are sown to stylo annually.