Course coordinator
Please contact me by email (shane.campbell@uq.edu.au) if you would like to make an appointment to see me.
Advanced coverage of important topics in tropical & subtropical pasture science including pasture plant improvement, pasture plant adaptation, yield & ecology of sown pastures, carrying capacity, pasture sampling, role of pastures & fodder crops in sustainable agriculture & livestock production, environmental issues. Practicals & field trips.
Evidence of immunity to Q fever is mandatory for the In Person offering of this course. Refer to UQ Student Immunisation Requirements for more information.
The principal objective of Pasture Science and Management is to give students an appreciation and understanding of the important topics in tropical pasture science. The course focuses on the significance of improved pasture to the grazing industry, and the science of sown tropical pasture production. Topics covered include the value of improved pastures to the economy and environment; pasture plant improvement; pasture sampling; pasture yield,ᅠecology and carrying capacity under grazing; horses and pastures; pasture establishment, role of pastures and livestock in sustainable agriculture; and current issues such as pasture dieback.ᅠ
This course has mandatory immunisation requirements due to an increased risk of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) for students working with animals or in agricultural environments. Students will be asked to provide evidence of immunity to Q fever via my.UQ My Requests as a condition of enrolment in this course. Refer to UQ Student Immunisation Requirements for more information.
High School or First Year University Biology,ᅠinterest in pastures and animal production through previous coursework or experience.
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
AGRC7051
In Person offering restricted to students who meet mandatory immunisation requirements.
Please contact me by email (shane.campbell@uq.edu.au) if you would like to make an appointment to see me.
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Students, please note that you should refer to the Learning Activities summary in this course profile which outlines your course of study for this semester.
The timetable for lectures will be placed on the Blackboard site.ᅠLectures in PowerPoint will also be placed on the Blackboard site for the benefit of all students.
Assessment should be submitted through the online Blackboard site via Turnitin.
In Semester 2 2025,ᅠlectures will be run on campus. All lectures will be recorded and loaded on the Blackboard site.
There are two public holidays in semester two - 11/08/2025 EKKA public holiday for Gatton and 6/10/2025 King's Birthday publicᅠholiday.
The principal purpose of Pasture Science & Management is to give students an appreciation and understanding of the important topics in pasture science. The course focuses on the significance and science of sown tropical pasture production for animal production and the environment. The course is especially relevant to animal science students interested in ruminant production as pastures are the major feed base and production system for ruminants. It is also designed to be beneficial to those undertaking equine science, acknowledging that pastures are utilised extensively to feed horses in a range of situations.
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Select suitable pastures species for livestock production based on prevailing climatic conditions, soil types and livestock requirements.
LO2.
Identify factors affecting yield and ecology of sown pastures under grazing
LO3.
Competently sample and monitor pasture, and estimate pasture growth and carrying capacity
LO4.
Explain the role of pastures in sustainable livestock production and in crop-livestock systems
LO5.
Explain topical issues in pastures such as pasture dieback
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Pasture selection assignment | 25% |
5/09/2025 2:00 pm |
Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Sampling assignment
|
25% |
10/10/2025 2:00 pm |
Examination |
Final Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
5/09/2025 2:00 pm
The aims of this assessment are to:
1. Use the Pastures Australia Selection Tool (https://keys.lucidcentral.org/keys/v3/pastures/index.htm) to shortlist improved grasses and legumes that a landholder could plant to establish a new mixed pasture on his farm. The location, paddock and environmental conditions for the paddock are described below.
a. Paddock size – 50 ha
b. Location – Near Conondale, which is in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland (Burnett Mary Catchment), approximately 114 km north of Brisbane.
c. What the pasture will be used for – Fattening beef cattle
d. Intended forage/pasture use – Permanent pasture (> 5 years)
e. Annual rainfall – 1690 mm
f. Paddock features – The paddock is relatively flat and has been previously cleared. It has been cultivated several times to provide a fine seed bed to maximise pasture establishment
g. Soil texture – Medium (loam; clay loam)
h. Soil pH – Neutral (pH 6.5 – 7.5)
i. Soil drainage – Well drained
j. Level of soil salinity – Low (0-2 dS/m)
2. From the shortlisted options, select 2 grasses and 2 legumes that you consider most appropriate for this scenario and provide justification for your selections. Factors to consider could include their ease of establishment, compatibility to grow well together, their quality as a forage source, and their livestock production potential (e.g. liveweight gains, stocking rates). The farmer is also adamant that he does not want any of the selected species to have weed potential. Note that in the Pasture Australia Selection Tool, shortlisted species highlighted in green are the most suitable, followed by those highlighted in orange.
3. Using the information provided in step 1 and 2, use a generative AI tool of your choice to identify 2 improved pastures grasses and legumes for this scenario. Make sure that it is requested to provide justification for the species recommended.
4. In terms of similarities and differences, compare the results (i.e. the grasses and legumes selected) obtained by yourself after using the Pastures Australia Selection Tool and considering the available information about each species, versus the recommendations generated through A.I.
5. After considering all the gathered information, conclude with your final recommendation of 2 improved grasses and 2 legumes for the described scenario.
In the report:
You must reference all sources in text and provide a reference list at the end of your assignment. No marks will be given for copied materials. Word Length should not exceed 2500 words exclusive of references.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. The use of AI or MT must be referenced appropriately. Please see assessment guidelines in blackboard course site for specific instructions.
Turnitin submission details:
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the Turnitin link by the submission deadline. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Legal Declaration:
By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy (https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=149) and understand its implications.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard, in accordance with the University's Assessment Procedure (located in the Policies and Procedures section of this course profile) which outlines the requirements for requesting extensions to assessment due dates. Extensions require the correct evidence/documentation to support the requested length of time of the extension.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
10/10/2025 2:00 pm
Theme (Module) 3 – Pasture Sampling Exercise 2025
Students enrolled in the in person mode in Semester 2 will conduct a pasture sampling exercise during a class directed practical. Data from the practical will be provided to all students via Blackboard.
Method
Students are required to work in small groups to estimate the yield and botanical composition of a pasture using different sampling methods. Specifically, you are required to:
Calculations
Calculations will be discussed in class and will include (a) Determining whether enough samples (i.e. quadrats) were taken to accurately measure the yield of pasture using both the visual score and rising plate methods, (b) quantifying and comparing the yield and botanical composition of the pastures using two techniques, and (3) determining the carrying capacity.
Report submission
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. The use of AI or MT must be referenced appropriately. Please see assessment guidelines in blackboard course site for specific instructions.
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the Turnitin link by the submission deadline. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Legal Declaration:
By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy (https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=149) and understand its implications.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard, in accordance with the University's Assessment Procedure (located in the Policies and Procedures section of this course profile) which outlines the requirements for requesting extensions to assessment due dates. Extensions require the correct evidence/documentation to support the requested length of time of the extension.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
The exam may have questions on any aspect of the course. More details will be given later in the semester.
The exam will be an on-campus exam. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams. Students enrolled in In Person delivery must attend the exam in person.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Planning time | 10 minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 120 minutes |
Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
Exam platform | Paper based |
Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
You may be able to defer this exam.
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
Grade | Description |
---|---|
1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 0 - 34% |
2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 35 - 46% |
3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 47% - 49% |
4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50% - 64% |
5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65% - 74% |
6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75% - 84% |
7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85% - 100% |
Course Grading and Assessment Hurdles:ᅠ
Students must pass the exam to pass theᅠcourse.ᅠ
To achieve a grade of 4 or higher for this course you must achieve a cumulative mark for all assessment of 50% or greater and a passing mark in the end of semester exam.ᅠ
If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course based on marks from a combination of progressive assessment and the final exam and the student does NOT score a passing mark in the final exam, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
TurnitinᅠAssignmentsᅠᅠ
Assignments that are required to be submitted through TurnItIn, must only be uploaded to the assessment specific Turnitin link on the relevant course Blackboard site. If you submit any version of your assessment item to any alternative Turnitin link, this is considered cheating and you will be held liable for this action.
Please note the following points when writing assignments:
Results
Unless specifically indicated by the lecturer involved, every attempt will be made to have the results for progressive assessment tasks available within 3 weeks of submission. For items of assessment submitted in the last 2 weeks of the semester, the results will be available before the day of your end of semester examination in the course, unless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinator. Results and feedback availability for progressive assessment will be announced via the course Blackboard site.ᅠ
Feedback in this course
Feedback is welcome in this course as any information on how students find this learning experience is constructive. Please use the course evaluation process which will occur in the last few weeks of semester.
Re-mark Applicationsᅠ– refer to the University's Re-mark Policy to check your eligibility
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
AGRC3006/AGRC7051 blackboard site - blackboard is the main method of course communication. http://learn.uq.edu.au/
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Lecture |
Week 1: Introduction to course and an overview of pastures in Australia We will discuss the significance of pastures in a global and Australian context, introduce you to four major livestock production systems that utilise pastures and some of the major vegetation communities that support pastures. |
|
Lecture |
Week 2: The value of improved pastures We will discuss (a) the importance of improved pastures and why we introduce them, (b) early plant introductions, (c) reasons for success and (d) hazards of introduction. |
|
Practical |
Week 2: Tropical forages database practical You will be introduced to two pasture selection tools (Tropical Forages Database and Pastures Australia Selection Tool) that can be used to help select pasture species based on the situation where a landholder wants to plant a new pasture (e.g. soil type, rainfall). You will then use the Pastures Australia Selection Tool to complete the Pasture Selection Assignment. |
|
Lecture |
Week 3: Pasture plant introduction & improvement We will discuss (a) the origins and classification of pastures, (b) plant introduction and evaluation, (c) plant introduction versus plant breeding and (d) release of new varieties. |
|
Lecture |
Week 4: Pasture species Learn about a range of improved pasture grasses and legumes including their distribution, strengths and limitations. Note as there is a public holiday this week the lectures will be pre-recorded and loaded in Blackboard. |
|
Lecture |
Week 5: Yield and ecology We will discuss the factors that affect pasture production, such as temperature, weather and management practices (e.g. fertiliser applications). |
|
Practical |
Week 5: Pasture sampling practical Learn how to sample the yield and botanical composition of pastures using different techniques and to calculate stocking rates. |
|
Lecture |
Week 6: Remote sensing for pasture monitoring Guest lecturer Phill Tickle from Cibolabs will discuss how remote sensing can be used to help landholders determine paddock yields for calculating stocking rates. |
|
Practical |
Week 6: Dairy pasture research Dr Marcelo Benvenutti from QDPI will discuss new grazing approaches for dairy pastures and we will inspect current pasture trials being undertaken at the Gatton Campus dairy. |
|
Lecture |
Week 7: Pasture growth and carrying capacity We will discuss pasture growth and carrying capacity, including (a) the principles of stocking rate management, (b) pasture growth rates, (c) pasture utilisation, (d) sustainable carrying capacity, and monitoring tools for estimating pasture yields. |
|
Practical |
Week 7: Analysis of pasture sampling data This session will go through the analysis needed to complete the pasture sampling exercise. |
|
Lecture |
Week 8: Pasture rundown Dr Gavin Peck from QDAF will introduce you to the concept of pasture rundown, including what causes it and what are some of the mitigation strategies that can be used. |
|
Practical |
Week 8: Visit lucerne farm Learn from an experienced farmer about growing lucerne for hay production. |
|
Lecture |
Week 9: Pasture quality and pasture weeds We will discuss (a) a range of factors that influence pasture quality for livestock production and (b) the issue of weeds in pastures. |
|
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break |
|
Lecture |
Week 10: Horses and pastures This lecture will focus on horses and how they differ from ruminants in terms of pasture requirements and utilisation. Note as there is a public holiday this week the lectures will be pre-recorded and loaded in Blackboard. |
|
Lecture |
Week 11: Integrated cropping and livestock systems Guest lecturer Dr Lindsay Bell from CSIRO will discuss (a) integrating pastures in cropping systems as well as (b) building integrated forage-based feed systems. |
|
Practical |
Week 11: Visit Barenbrug Seeds We will visit one of the largest seed producers of pasture seeds in Australia. |
|
Lecture |
Week 12: Pasture establishment The establishment phase is one of the most challenging aspects of growing improved pastures and we will discuss key considerations to maximise the likelihood of success. We will also present a case study on leucaena to show the level of management required to successfully establish this difficult to establish species. |
|
Lecture |
Week 13: Exam review and pasture dieback Dr Anthony Young will provide a lecture on pasture dieback a phenomenon that is having a major impact on livestock producers in Queensland. Afterwards I will provide a review of the course and provide some guidance to help you prepare for the exam. |
|
Practical |
Week 13: Visit a livestock enterprise at Toogoolawah We will visit a property near Toogoolawah that is run by Amanda Roughan and her family. They have a mixture of native and improved pastures and utilise time controlled grazing. They also do some innovative practices like sowing temperate forages into the subtropical pastures to get some winter feed. |
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
Student Immunisation Requirements:
The University's Vaccinations and Immunisation Procedure provides information about immunisation and screening requirements related to programs and courses. Failure to comply with student immunisation requirements can lead to an increased risk of serious illness occurring.
Therefore, noncompliance will result in the relevant course/s being dropped from your enrolment under the Enrolment Procedure: ‘Provisional and Effective Enrolment in a Course’ provisions (clauses 29-38).