Demonstration Site Summary: Multi-species pasture and windbreaks

Overview:

Updated April 2026

Merridale is a mixed farming enterprise in Karridale integrating livestock and pasture systems. The farm is visible from the busy Bussell Highway, so the demonstration is a great opportunity to observe regenerative grazing, multi-species pastures and soil restoration in action.

The demonstration involves establishing regeneratively-managed multi-species pastures with the aim to restore a long-degraded sorrel-dominant paddock. Techniques include using biological inputs, crash-grazing, and diverse species, while also establishing windbreaks and fodder trees to improve microclimate, soil biology, animal welfare, and pasture resilience.

Fencing was installed to secure the paddock and pasture was sown in September 2024 with initial compost applications. Strip grazing occurred in October 2024 using temporary electric fencing to reduce the sorrel dominance.

Wind break plantings of bana grass and fodder trees occurred in November 2024 and strip grazing commenced again in April 2025.

Key findings so far…

• In November 2025, a major reduction in sorrel was observed for the first time in more than a decade from just two rounds of strip grazing.
• There was around a 50% survival rate of the first plantings of bana grass and fodder trees through the first long dry summer, so failures were replaced to ensure there is an adequate windbreak and shelter for livestock.
• Compost will be applied to only half the grazing strips to observe differences
• Community visibility and farmer interest increasing due to location on Bussell Highway.

This demonstration site was funded through our Accelerating the Adoption of Regenerative Agriculture program, supported by funding through the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program.