Profiles
Rowan Smith
UTAS Home Dr Rowan Smith
Rowan Smith
Research Fellow
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Main building Level 2 , Mount Pleasant
+61 3 6324 5620 (phone)
Dr Rowan Smith is a Research Fellow at the Tasmania Institute of Agriculture (TIA). Rowan leads the Feedbase and Environment Cluster within the Livestock Production Centre.
His research is focussed on improving the productivity of low-medium annual rainfall grazing systems through the use of perennial grasses and legumes. Rowan is the curator of the temperate grass collection at the Australian Pasture Genebank. Rowan is also involved in international research for development projects in Vietnam focussing on improving the productivity and profitability of smallholder beef enterprises.
Rowan supervisors and co-supervisors PhD, Masters and Honours students in the fields of plant physiology, pasture agronomy and agricultural systems.
Watch: Putting seeds in the bank to preserve pasture.
Watch: Pastures in Schools
Biography
Rowan is an early career researcher with a wide research scope, based mainly around pastures and grazing systems. He completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours degree at the University of Tasmania in 2004 with his honours studies examining the germination characteristics of arrowleaf clover. Rowan then took up a position as a technical officer for two years working on a project investigating the onion skin formation process. He then undertook a rural exchange in Norway before returning in late 2007 to start his PhD where he investigated the effects of wildlife grazing on pastures in Tasmania. In 2012 Rowan took up a Junior Research Fellow position at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture and in 2014 progressing to Research Fellow in 2018 and Cluster Leader in 2021.
Career summary
Qualifications
| Degree | Thesis Title | University | Country | Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Impacts of wildlife grazing on pastures in the Midlands, Tasmania | University of Tasmania | Australia | 2012 |
| BAgrSc (Hons) | Germination characteristics in arrowleaf clover (Trifolium vesiculosum) | University of Tasmania | Australia | 2004 |
Memberships
Professional practice
Administrative expertise
Rowan leads the Feedbase and Environment research cluster within the Livestock Production Centre. Rowan represents TIA on the Management Committee of the Livestock Productivity Partnership and Central Committee of Southern Australian Livestock Research Council.
Teaching
PhD, Masters, Honours Supervision
Teaching expertise
PhD, Masters and Honours supervision
View more on Dr Rowan Smith in WARP
Expertise
- Pasture and forage evaluation
- Herbage development and pasture plant breeding
- Pasture seed regeneration
- Grazing systems
Research Themes
Rowan's research aligns with the University's research theme of Environment, Resources and Sustainability and with the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture's Strategic Plan. Rowan's research is focussed on; 1. the agronomy of novel pasture varieties developed and being developed within the Herbage Development Program, 2. effects of nitrogen use on legume content of pastures and ways to maintain legumes in perennial pastures, 3. alternative forages and grazing systems, 4. waterlogging tolerance in temperate and tropical forages, 5. developing alternative pasture plants for challenging grazing systems.
Current projects include:
- Australian Pastures Genebank Germplasm Restoration
- Evaluation of perennial legume options for the East Coast of Tasmania
- Intensification of beef cattle production in upland cropping systems in Northwest Vietnam
Collaboration
Rowan has strong research collaborations with CSIRO, NSW DPI and SARDI in feedbase productivity and resilience, and germplasm conservation related projects.
Current projects
- Growing red meat productivity through the selection and establishment of perennial legumes Growing red meat productivity through the selection and establishment of perennial legumes | Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
- Evaluation of strip tillage and direct drilling sowing methods for pasture renovation in low rainfall regions of Tasmania Evaluation of perennial legume options for the East Coast of Tasmania | Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
- Australian Pastures Genebank – Temperate Regeneration and Characterisation Preserving pasture for the future | Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
- Herbage Development Program Herbage Development Program | Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
- Intensification of beef cattle production in upland cropping systems in North-west Vietnam
- Evaluation of perennial legumes options for the East Coast, Tasmania
Fields of Research
- Agronomy (300403)
- Crop and pasture improvement (incl. selection and breeding) (300406)
- Crop and pasture production (300499)
- Agricultural land management (300202)
- Agricultural land planning (300203)
- Crop and pasture biochemistry and physiology (300404)
- Animal nutrition (300303)
- Agricultural systems analysis and modelling (300207)
- Animal reproduction and breeding (300305)
- Crop and pasture nutrition (300407)
- Sustainable agricultural development (300210)
- Horticultural crop growth and development (300802)
- Crop and pasture protection (incl. pests, diseases and weeds) (300409)
- Land capability and soil productivity (410601)
- Agricultural production systems simulation (300205)
- Germplasm management (300209)
- Animal management (300302)
- Animal growth and development (300301)
- Animal production (300399)
- Agricultural spatial analysis and modelling (300206)
- Pollution and contamination (410599)
- Agro-ecosystem function and prediction (300402)
- Crop and pasture biomass and bioproducts (300405)
- Environmental studies in animal production (300307)
Research Objectives
- Sown pastures (excl. lucerne) (100505)
- Beef cattle (100401)
- Pasture, browse and fodder crops (100599)
- Field grown vegetable crops (260505)
- Lucerne (100502)
- Browse crops (100501)
- Environmentally sustainable animal production (100199)
- Wheat (260312)
- Evaluation, allocation, and impacts of land use (180603)
- Sheep for meat (100412)
- Soils (180605)
- Management of greenhouse gas emissions from animal production (190302)
- Native and residual pastures (100503)
- Olives (260509)
- Linseed (260304)
- Grain legumes (260303)
- Other plant production and plant primary products (269999)
- Forest product traceability and quality assurance (269902)
- Pome fruit, pip fruit (260511)
- Other environmental management (189999)
- Eggs (100601)
- Non-cereal crops (non-cereal crops for hay/silage/green feed) (100504)
- Animal welfare (109902)
- Management of gaseous waste from animal production (excl. greenhouse gases) (100101)
- Animal adaptation to climate change (109901)
- Environmentally sustainable plant production (260199)
Publications
While his main focus is impact on-farm, Rowan is steadily building his publications record. Rowan was the lead author of a recent review of the history of Australian pasture genetic resource collections and co-author of a review on perennial legume persistence in south-eastern Australia. Rowan has also published research papers on mapping pasture species suitability and the effects of wildlife grazing on pastures. Rowan has reviewed research papers for Grass and Forage Science and Crop and Pasture Science.
Total publications
70
Journal Article
(11 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Badgery W, Li G, Simmons A, Wood J, Smith Rowan, et al., 'Reducing enteric methane of ruminants in Australian grazing systems - a review of the role for temperate legumes and herbs', Crop and Pasture Science, (Special Issue) pp. 1-19. ISSN 1836-5795 (2023) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/CP22299 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Web of Science - 1 | |
| 2023 | Goward LE, Haling RE, Smiith RW, Penrose B, Simpson RJ, 'Flowering responses of serradella (Ornithopus spp.) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) to vernalisation and photoperiod and their role in maturity type determination and flowering date stability', Crop & Pasture Science pp. 1-14. ISSN 1836-5795 (2023) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/CP22366 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Penrose B | |
| 2023 | Smith RW, Penrose B, Langworthy AD, Humphries AW, Harris CA, et al., 'Strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum): current status and future role in Australian agriculture', Crop and Pasture Science pp. 1-20. ISSN 1836-5795 (2023) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/CP22301 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Web of Science - 1 Co-authors: Penrose B; Langworthy AD | |
| 2021 | Mui NT, Zhou M, Parsons D, Smith RW, 'Aerenchyma formation in adventitious roots of tall fescue and cocksfoot under waterlogged conditions', Agronomy, 11, (12) Article 2487. ISSN 2073-4395 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3390/agronomy11122487 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 1 Co-authors: Zhou M; Parsons D | |
| 2021 | Smith RW, Harris CA, Cox K, McClements D, Clark SG, et al., 'A history of Australian pasture genetic resource collections', Crop and Pasture Science, 72, (9) pp. 591-612. ISSN 1836-0947 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/CP20336 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 2 | |
| 2019 | Hayes RC, Ara I, Badgery WB, Culvenor RA, Haling RE, et al., 'Prospects for improving perennial legume persistence in mixed grazed pastures of south-eastern Australia, with particular reference to white clover', Crop and Pasture Science, 70, (12) pp. 1141-1162. ISSN 1836-0947 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/CP19063 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 8Web of Science - 8 Co-authors: Ara I; Penrose B | |
| 2019 | Smith RW, Webb M, Kidd D, Hannaway DB, 'Mapping suitability of pasture species using fine-scale soils and rainfall data', Crop & Pasture Science, 70, (12) pp. 1175-1183. ISSN 1836-0947 (2019) [Refereed Article] | |
| 2017 | Nguyen DV, Flakemore AR, Otto J, Ives SW, Smith RW, et al., 'Nutritional value and sensory characteristics of meat eating quality of Australian prime lambs supplemented with pelleted canola and flaxseed oils: fatty acid profiles of muscle and adipose tissues', Internal Medicine Review, 3, (3) pp. 1-21. ISSN 2470-3524 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.18103/imr.v3i3.295 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Nguyen DV; Flakemore AR; Otto J; Ives SW; Nichols PD | |
| 2017 | Nguyen XB, Dung DV, Mui NT, Van NH, Mia HT, et al., 'Cow-calf reproduction systems and effect of concentrate supplement at pre- and post-partum on reproductive performance of cross-bred Brahman cows raised in households in Binh Dinh Province', Vietnamese Journal of Agricultural Science, 15, (7) pp. 891-904. ISSN 1859-0004 (2017) [Refereed Article] Co-authors: Parsons D; Bonney L | |
| 2015 | Ba NX, Dung DV, Mui NT, Van NH, Son PH, et al., 'Cow-calf production systems in households in Vietnam South Central coastal region', Vietnam Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, 2015, (21) pp. 109-117. ISSN 1859-4581 (2015) [Non Refereed Article] Co-authors: Parsons D | |
| 2012 | Smith RW, Statham M, Norton TW, Rawnsley RP, Statham HL, et al., 'Effects of wildlife grazing on the production, ground cover and plant species composition of an established perennial pasture in the Midlands region, Tasmania', Wildlife Research, 39, (2) pp. 123-136. ISSN 1035-3712 (2012) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/WR11032 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 6 Co-authors: Statham M; Norton TW; Rawnsley RP; Statham HL; Gracie AJ; Donaghy DJ |
Book
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Knox J, Thompson R, Campbell Sarah, Smith R, 'Species for Profit: Tasmanian graziers guide to pasture, forage and fodder crops', Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE), Launceston, Tasmania, pp. 100. ISBN 978-0-7246-6383-5 (2021) [Revision/New Edition] Co-authors: Campbell Sarah |
Conference Publication
(30 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Goward L, Haling R, Smith R, Penrose B, Simpson R, 'Flowering by selected serradella and subterranean clover lines in response to vernalisation and photoperiod treatments', Proceedings of the 20th Agronomy Australia Conference: System Solutions for Complex Problems, 18-22 September 2022, Toowoomba, Queensland, pp. 1-4. (2022) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Penrose B | |
| 2018 | Hannaway D, He F, Moot D, Yang X, Mills A, et al., 'Improving alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivar selection by GIS Mapping of fall dormancy and winter survival index classes and modeling seasonal and annual yield', Proceedings of the Second World Alfalfa Congress, 11-14 November 2018, Cordoba, Argentina, pp. 185-185. (2018) [Refereed Conference Paper] | |
| 2017 | Ba NX, Dung BV, Mui NT, Van NH, Mai HT, et al., 'Cow calf production systems and effect of concentrate supplement for cross Brahman cows at pre-and post-partum on reproductive performance in households in Binh Dinh province', Proceedings of the 1st Animal Production Conference 2017, 22-23 April 2017, Hanoi, Vietnam, pp. 122-127. (2017) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Parsons D; Bonney L | |
| 2017 | Hughes S, Smith R, Cox K, Humphries A, McClements D, et al., 'The Australian Pastures Genebank - A short history and update of progress', 18th Australian Agronomy Conference 2017, 24-28 September 2017, Ballarat, Victoria, pp. 1-4. (2017) [Refereed Conference Paper] | |
| 2017 | Smith R, 'Dean's Summer Research Scholarships - An opening for students and northern based research projects', School of Land and Food Annual Research Conference 2017, 13-15 June 2017, Hobart, Tasmania (2017) [Conference Extract] | |
| 2017 | Smith R, Martin G, 'Australian Pastures Genebank - Temperate Species Regeneration', School of Land and Food Annual Research Conference 2017, 13-15 June 2017, Hobart, Tasmania (2017) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Martin G | |
| 2017 | Stevenson K, Zhou M, Smith R, 'Screening for waterlogging tolerance in strawberry clover and other perennial legumes', Proceedings of the 18th Australian Society of Agronomy Conference, 24-28 September 2017, Ballarat, Victoria, pp. 1-4. (2017) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Zhou M | |
| 2017 | Watson B, Pembleton K, Smith R, Corkrey R, Rawnsley R, 'Amino acids: a short-term nitrogen source for establishing irrigated pastures', 18th Australian Agronomy Conference 2017, 24-28 September 2017, Ballarat, Victoria, pp. 1-4. (2017) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Watson B; Pembleton K; Corkrey R; Rawnsley R | |
| 2016 | Watson B, Pembleton K, Smith R, Corkrey R, Rawnsley R, 'The role of stoloniferous red clover cv. Rubitas in establishing irrigated grass based pastures', Proceedings of the 7th Australasian Dairy Science Symposium 2016, 16-18 November 2016, Sydney, pp. 1. (2016) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Watson B; Pembleton K; Corkrey R; Rawnsley R | |
| 2015 | Dean GJ, Merry AM, Smith RW, 'Evaluation of short-term fodder options between cropping phases in Tasmania', Proceedings of the 17th Australian Society of Agronomy Conference, 20-24 September 2015, Hobart, Australia, pp. 1-4. (2015) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Dean GJ; Merry AM | |
| 2015 | Dung DV, Mui NT, Ba NX, Van NH, Smith R, et al., 'Constraints to improved productivity of smallholder cow-calf systems in South Central Coast Vietnam - insights from recent surveys', Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Sustainable Animal Agriculture for Developing Countries, 27-30 October 2015, Pattaya, Thailand, pp. 703-706. (2015) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Parsons D | |
| 2015 | Hai TT, Smith RW, Malau-Aduli AEO, Ba NX, Van NH, et al., 'On-farm cow-calf performance in response to pre- and post-partum concentrate supplementation in South Central Coastal Vietnam', Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Sustainable Animal Agriculture for Developing Countries, 27-30 October 2015, Pattaya, Thailand, pp. 1-4. (2015) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Hai TT; Malau-Aduli AEO; Parsons D | |
| 2015 | Lane P, Butler T, Smith R, Hall E, 'Herbage seed production in Tasmania, Australia', 8th International Herbage Seed Group Conference 2015, 21-24 June 2015, Lanzhou, China (2015) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Lane P; Butler T; Hall E | |
| 2015 | Nguyen VD, Ives SW, Smith RW, Malau-Aduli AEO, 'Growth response of purebred Merino and crossbred prime lambs supplemented with canola and flaxseed oils', Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Sustainable Animal Agriculture for Developing Countries, 27-30 October 2015, Pattaya, Thailand, pp. 113-116. (2015) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Nguyen VD; Ives SW; Malau-Aduli AEO | |
| 2015 | Smith R, Hall E, Corkrey R, Parsons D, Pembleton K, et al., 'Summer production of alternative species in comparison to perennial ryegrass and white clover for high input pasture systems', Proceedings of the 17th Australian Society of Agronomy Conference, 20-24 September 2015, Hobart, Australia, pp. 1-4. (2015) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Hall E; Corkrey R; Parsons D; Pembleton K; Rawnsley R | |
| 2015 | Smith R, Hall E, Corkrey R, Parsons D, Pembleton K, et al., 'Production interactions between combinations of 4 perennial legumes and 5 perennial grasses, grown under high input management with and without applications of nitrogen', Proceedings of the 17th Australian Society of Agronomy Conference, 20-24 September 2015, Hobart, Australia, pp. 1-4. (2015) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Hall E; Corkrey R; Parsons D; Pembleton K; Rawnsley R | |
| 2015 | Watson B, Pembleton K, Smith R, Corkrey R, Rawnsley R, 'Stoloniferous red clover cv. Rubitas is a valuable companion to PRG and phalaris', Proceedings of the 17th Australian Agronomy Conference 2015, 20-24 September 2015, Hobart, Australia, pp. 1-4. (2015) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Watson B; Pembleton K; Corkrey R; Rawnsley R | |
| 2014 | Smith R, 'Tour of Tasmania's pasture trial sites - matching pasture variety with landscape and climate constraints', Red Meat Updates Tasmania, 12 June 2014, Launceston, Tasmania (2014) [Conference Extract] | |
| 2014 | Van NH, Ba NX, Tung HV, Smith RW, Lane PA, et al., 'Effect of cattle manure application method on forage production of Panicum maximum in central coastal Vietnam', Proceedings of the 16th Asian-Australasian Association of Animal Production Societies Conference, 10-14 November 2014, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, pp. 1357-1360. ISBN 978-602-8475-87-7 (2014) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Lane PA; Parsons D | |
| 2012 | Christie KM, Rawnsley RP, Smith RW, 'Greenhouse gas emissions of lamb production in Tasmania', Proceedings of the Climate Change Research Strategies for Primary Industries Conference (CCRSPI) 2012, 27-29 November 2012, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Victoria, pp. 154-155. (2012) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Christie KM; Rawnsley RP | |
| 2012 | Gracie A, Boersma M, Smith R, Brown P, Dennis J, 'Onion Leaf Desiccation Processes and Implications for Skin Quality', Acta Horticulturae, 21-24 May 2012, Fukuoka, Japan, pp. 203-208. ISSN 0567-7572 (2012) [Refereed Conference Paper] DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2012.969.27 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1 Co-authors: Gracie A; Boersma M | |
| 2012 | Kidd DB, Webb MA, Grose CJ, Moreton RM, Malone BP, et al., 'Digital soil assessment: Guiding irrigation expansion in Tasmania, Australia', Digital Soil Assessments and Beyond: Proceedings of the Fifth Global Workshop on Digital Soil Mapping, 10-13 April 2012, Sydney, Australia, pp. 3-8. ISBN 978-0-415-62155-7 (2012) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Cotching W; Sparrow LA | |
| 2012 | Sattler S, Lane PA, Parsons D, Smith R, 'Productivity and pre- and post-grazing quality of pasture cultivars in a grazing trial', Proceedings of the 53rd Annual Conference of the Grassland Society of Southern Australia, 25-27 July 2012, Launceston, Tasmania (2012) [Non Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Lane PA; Parsons D | |
| 2012 | Smith R, Corkrey R, Martin G, Field B, Ball P, 'Tasmanian pasture resource audit: Snapshot of functional group composition in 2011', Proceedings of the 16th Australian Agronomy Conference 2012, 14-18 October 2012, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, pp. 1-6. (2012) [Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Corkrey R; Martin G; Field B; Ball P | |
| 2012 | Smith R, Corkrey R, Martin GI, Phelan DC, Bridle K, 'The Tasmanian pasture resource audit: is perenniality a thing of the past? What adaptation actions are needed to increase perenniality into the future?', Proceedings of the 2nd International Climate Change Adaptation Conference 2012, 29-31 May 2012, Arizona, USA (2012) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Corkrey R; Martin GI; Phelan DC; Bridle K | |
| 2012 | Smith R, Corkrey R, Webb M, Martin GI, Field B, 'Opportunity beckons for livestock production through pasture improvement at a landscape scale', Proceedings of the 53rd Annual Conference of the Grassland Society of Southern Australia Inc 2012, 25-27 July 2012, Launceston, Tasmania (2012) [Non Refereed Conference Paper] Co-authors: Corkrey R; Martin GI; Field B | |
| 2010 | Smith R, 'Impact and economics of wildlife browsing on Tasmanian pastures', Proceedings of the 24th Vertebrate Pest Conference, 22-25 February 2010, Sacramento, California, pp. 384-388. ISSN 0507-6773 (2010) [Refereed Conference Paper] | |
| 2008 | Smith R, 'Impacts and economics of wildlife browsing on Tasmanian pastures', Proceedings of the Ecological Society of Australia Annual Conference, 1-5 December 2008, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW (2008) [Conference Extract] | |
| 2006 | Gracie AJ, Smith R, 'Causes of onion skin disorders', Proceedings of the Australian Vegetable Industry Conference 2006, 9-12 May 2006, Brisbane, Australia (2006) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Gracie AJ | |
| 2006 | Gracie AJ, Smith R, Dennis J, Brown PH, 'Investigation and Manipulation of the Onion Skin Formation Process', Proceedings of the 27th International Horticultural Congress, 12-20 September 2006, Seoul, Korea (2006) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Gracie AJ; Brown PH |
Contract Report, Consultant's Report
(7 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Bonney L, Smith R, Ba NX, Van NH, Corfield J, 'Developing productive and profitable smallholder beef enterprises in Central Vietnam', Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, Australia (2019) [Contract Report] Co-authors: Bonney L | |
| 2014 | Smith R, Hall E, Hurst A, Martin G, 'Waterhouse Resilient Pasture Demonstration: Final Report', NRM North and the Australian Government, Hobart, Australia (2014) [Contract Report] Co-authors: Hall E; Hurst A; Martin G | |
| 2014 | Smith R, Hall E, Hurst A, Martin G, 'Perennial pastures renovation demonstration: turning failure into success', Tamar NRM and the Australian Government, Hobart, Australia (2014) [Contract Report] Co-authors: Hall E; Hurst A; Martin G | |
| 2013 | Ives S, Smith R, Warrener R, 'Sustainable dairy farm nutrient management', DairyTas and NRM North (2013) [Contract Report] Co-authors: Ives S; Warrener R | |
| 2013 | Smith R, Corkrey R, Martin G, Dolbey B, Ball P, et al., 'Tasmanian Pasture Resource Audit: A review of the botanical composition of Tasmanian pastures in 2011 - Final Report', Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, Hobart, Australia (2013) [Contract Report] Co-authors: Corkrey R; Martin G; Dolbey B; Ball P; Hall A; Field B | |
| 2012 | Smith R, Cotching W, Dolbey BR, 'Nutrient Budgeting in Extensive Grazing Systems', NRM North, Final Report PL053 (2012) [Contract Report] Co-authors: Cotching W; Dolbey BR | |
| 2010 | Norton TW, Lacey MJ, Smith R, Statham M, Rawnsley RP, et al., 'Managing the Impacts of Browsing Wildlife on Tasmanian Farms - A report to the Alternatives to the Use of 1080 Program administered jointly by the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment and Australian Government for UTas Project N0016050', Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Tasmania (2010) [Contract Report] Co-authors: Norton TW; Lacey MJ; Statham M; Rawnsley RP; Donaghy DJ; Gracie AJ; Burkitt LL |
Thesis
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Smith R, 'Impacts of wildlife grazing on pastures in the Midlands, Tasmania' (2012) [PhD] |
Other Public Output
(20 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Smith R, 'A question of seasons', Tasmanian Country, Font Publishing, Launceston, Tasmania, 10 September 2021 (2021) [Newspaper Article] | |
| 2021 | Smith R, 'Field day focus on legumes', Tasmanian Country, Font Publishing, Launceston, Tasmania, 10 September 2021 (2021) [Newspaper Article] | |
| 2021 | Smith R, 'Legumes in the field', Tasmanian Country, Font Publishing, Launceston, Tasmania, 10 September 2021 (2021) [Media Interview] | |
| 2017 | Smith R, 'Looking for the right legumes', Tasmanian Country, Davies Brothers Limited, Australia, 16 June 2017, p. 2. (2017) [Media Interview] | |
| 2017 | Smith R, 'Evaluation of perennial legume options for the East Coast of Tasmania', TAS Country Hour, ABC Radio, Hobart, Australia, 7 July 2017 (2017) [Media Interview] | |
| 2017 | Smith R, Norrie H, 'Bamboo cattle shelters in Vietnam', Tasmanian Country Hour, ABC Broadcasting, Hobart, Tasmania, 14 August 2017 (2017) [Media Interview] Co-authors: Norrie H | |
| 2017 | Smith Rowan, 'Cranbrook's Milton Vineyard trial site for new pasture project', The Examiner, Fairfax Media, Australia, 14 June 2017 (2017) [Media Interview] | |
| 2016 | Smith R, Bobbi PR, 'Putting seeds in the bank to preserve pasture', Tassie Dairy News, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 18 November 2016 (2016) [Media Interview] Co-authors: Bobbi PR | |
| 2016 | Smith Rowan, 'Pastures put on show for Genebank visit', Burnie Advocate, Fairfax Media, Australia, 24 November 2016 (2016) [Media Interview] | |
| 2016 | Smith Rowan, 'Pastures put on show for Genebank visit', Launceston Examiner, Examiner Newspaper Pty Ltd., Australia, 24 November 2016 (2016) [Newspaper Article] | |
| 2016 | Smith Rowan, Bobbi PR, 'Putting seeds in the bank to preserve pasture', Farming Tasmania, The Tasmanian Farmers & Graziers Association, Tasmania, November-December 2016 (2016) [Media Interview] Co-authors: Bobbi PR | |
| 2016 | Smith Rowan, Evans Kathy, Meinke Holger, 'Blooms of research on show', Tasmanian Country, Davies Brothers Limited, Australia, 05 August 2016 (2016) [Media Interview] Co-authors: Evans Kathy; Meinke Holger | |
| 2015 | Smith Rowan, 'Pasture genebank embraces Tasmania's collection of temperate seeds', ABC News, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australia, 13 November 2015 (2015) [Media Interview] | |
| 2013 | Smith R, 'Grass weeds abundant in improved pastures', Tasmanian Weed Society Newsletter, Tasmanian Weed Society, Tasmania (2013) [Magazine Article] | |
| 2012 | Cotching W, Sparrow L, Kerslake F, Smith R, 'Wheat growing in Tasmania: Suitability factors for assisting in site selection', Wealth from Water Factsheet, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Australia (2012) [Report Other] Co-authors: Cotching W; Sparrow L; Kerslake F | |
| 2012 | Smith RW, 'Lucerne growing in Tasmania: Suitability factors for assisting in site selection', Wealth from Water Factsheet, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Australia (2012) [Report Other] | |
| 2012 | Smith RW, 'Olive growing in Tasmania: Suitability factors for assisting in site selection', Wealth from Water Factsheet, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Australia (2012) [Report Other] | |
| 2012 | Smith RW, 'Linseed growing in Tasmania: Suitability factors for assisting in site selection', Wealth from Water Factsheet, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Australia (2012) [Report Other] | |
| 2012 | Smith RW, 'Cherry growing in Tasmania: Suitability factors for assisting in site selection', Wealth from Water Factsheet, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Australia (2012) [Report Other] | |
| 2012 | Smith Rowan, 'Perennial ryegrass growing in Tasmania: Suitability factors for assisting in site selection', Wealth from Water Factsheet, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Australia (2012) [Report Other] |
Grants & Funding
Rowan has attracted funding from a range of funding sources, from nationally competitive to contract research. These have included small grants for on-farm demonstrations funded through regional NRM groups through to large grants funded by RDCs. Rowan has also received funding through international projects in Vietnam funded by ACIAR.
Funding Summary
Number of grants
23
Total funding
$9,644,378
Projects
Australian Pastures Genebank - Temperate Regeneration and Characterisation Program (2023)$36,364
- Description
- The Australian Pastures Genebank (APG) was established in 2014 as the national facility to conserve the diversity of Australias current and prospective pasture and forage species for use nationally and internationally as the basis for enhanced agricultural productivity and environmental preservation. It provides Australia an opportunity to contribute to meeting its obligations under the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Treaty), and support the conservation and management of Australias pastures and forage genetic resources to international standards for the benefit of Australian industry and global food security. The APG is led by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) in consultation with the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and is a partnership between five (5) Australian Research and Development Corporations (RDC), Meat and Livestock Australia (MAL), Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), Dairy Australia (DA), Grains Research and Development Institute (GRDC) and AgriFutures Australia (AFI) and Department of Primary Industries, New South Wales (DPI NSW), Department of Agriculture Fisheries, Queensland (DAF), Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania (DPIPWE), Department of Economic Development Jobs, Transport and Resources Victoria (DEDJTR) and the Department of Primary Industries and Development Western Australia (DPID).The first phase of the APG (2013-2018) focussed on the consolidation of pasture genetic resources nationally and compliance with Treaty obligations. Since the launch of the APG in December 2014 significant progress towards conserving the diversity of Australia's current and prospective pasture and forage species has been made. An independent external review of the APG was completed earlier this year by Rohan Rainbow and Cameron Begley from Crop Protection Australia. The review highlighted the effective establishment, culture and management of the APG, as well as the return on investment of 20:1 for industry and RDC investors.APG Phase II will focussed on the uptake and utilisation of the collection nationally, as well as adding value to the collection with new and historical data on characterisation and performance of accessions. There will be continued focus on rationalisation and supporting global initiatives including the Treaty and Global Level Informations Systems, best practice operations to International Genebank Standards and consideration of further cost recovery options for the long-term sustainability of the APG. (Source: APG 5 Year Operational Plan).This contract is a bridging contract between stages 2 and 3. TIA will continue to undertake regeneration and characterisation activities and contribute to the Technical Advisory Committee.
- Funding
- South Australian Research and Development Institute ($36,364)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Smith RW; Martin GI
- Year
- 2023
Evaluation of strip tillage and direct drilling sowing methods for pasture renovation in low rainfall regions of Tasmania (2022)$128,145
- Description
- Renovating pastures in low-rainfall dryland environments presents challenges for land managers. Successful establishment of perennial pastures relies heavily on preparation; reducing likely competition from weeds, addressing soil constraints, and choosing appropriate species and cultivars are key steps. However, once the seed is in the ground, success is largely determined by soil moisture and rainfall. While farmers can undertake practices that limit evaporation, they have little control over rainfall. Direct drilling of pastures has been transformational in dryland regions. The key advantages over full cultivation are related to less soil disturbance, resulting in reduced risk of erosion, reduced evaporation, and less volunteer weed germination. Direct drilling is now commonplace in pastoral/cropping systems in Australia. Discs cut a slot in the ground, which is generally opened wider by a boot and the seed is dropped into the slot. The slot is then closed by a press wheel. Drilling is normally conducted into a crop stubble or sprayed out pasture where there is no competition from a live crop or plant. Recently, regenerative agricultural practices focused on improving soil carbon and maintaining microbial activity in the soil have captured attention. The level of carbon in the soil under pastures can be built by: growing more dry matter, which in turn builds plant roots; by leaving larger residuals post grazing to then slowly decompose; and by incorporating forms of organic matter such as animal manures or biochar. Promoting healthy microbial activity in the soil is reportedly advantaged by always maintaining live plant roots in the soil and limiting soil disturbance. Strip tillage, multi-species pasture mixes, and no herbicide application prior to sowing has been promoted as techniques for maintaining healthy microbial activity, building soil carbon and providing a low-risk method of renovating pastures. The 'Soilkee Renovator' is a strip tillage machine that cultivates a thin 2-inch band at 300 mm row spacings and drops the seed onto it followed by a chain (See Appendix 2/Figure 2). The benefit being it only cultivates ~20% of the paddock, leaving the remainder undisturbed. Seed has its own seed bed to establish with limited competition from surrounding pasture for light, moisture and nutrients. The other 80% of the degraded pasture can continue to grow and maintain ground cover and microbial activity. The apparent pros and cons of each sowing method are listed in Appendix 1/Table 2. With extended moisture deficits becoming increasing common and the prediction for more extreme weather events, farmers are turning to agricultural practices and farming systems that are more resilient. To determine if strip tillage is an advancement on direct drilling, paddock scale experiments on commercial farms are required to investigate the effect of those sowing techniques on pasture establishment, with and without prior herbicide applications. This project aims to:*Determine the relative success of pasture establishment under direct drilling and strip tillage*Determine if direct drilling and strip tillage into existing live degraded pastures without herbicide applications is a hinderance on the establishment of sowing species*Evaluate the use of the strip tillage machine to sow winter forage crops into existing degraded pastures*Evaluate a number of strip tillage machines operating in Tasmania for their situational applicability
- Funding
- Southern Regional Natural Resource Management Association Inc ($128,145)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Smith RW
- Year
- 2022
Serradellas for new environments (2021 - 2025)$3,305,885
- Description
- Opportunity exists to add up to $750M/year to the red meat industry by addressing the pasture yield gap that exists across 7M ha of SE Australia; 60% of which is thought to be due to nitrogen (N) deficiency. A more reliable legume component will stabilise N inputs through N-fixation and increase forage quality. Serradellas (Ornithopus spp.) are the only viable, near-term alternative annual legume species adapted to this key grazing region of SE Australia, yet they remain underutilised due to a lack of knowledge and farmer experience in these permanent pasture areas that typically rely on subterranean clover. After 8+years research ($7.5M investment) into development of P-efficient pastures driven by MLA, there exists a small number of 'best-bet' serradella cultivars that could be adopted on-farm almost immediately. Serradellas have several mechanisms to mitigate drought risk compared to subterranean clover including deeper roots, smaller seed size and indeterminate growth habit, as well as lower P fertiliser requirements. Researchers will partner with farmer groups to deliver an integrated research/adoption program that validates previous research, answers technical questions raised by growers and builds confidence that the serradellas offer the necessary persistence in these new environments where a changing climate threatens existing production systems. This project will prove that serradellas are a species with widespread utility and production benefits that can be captured when they are used to replace, or augment subterranean clover.
- Funding
- Meat and Livestock Australia ($3,305,885)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- CSIRO-Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation
- Research Team
- Haling R; Smith RW; Penrose B; Martin GI; Hayes R; Harris C; Murray C; Simpson R; Stefanski A
- Period
- 2021 - 2025
Australian Pastures Genebank - Temperate Regeneration and Characterisation Program (2020 - 2022)$162,000
- Description
- The Australian Pastures Genebank (APG) was established in 2014 as the national facility to conserve the diversity of Australia's current and prospective pasture and forage species for use nationally and internationally as the basis for enhanced agricultural productivity and environmental preservation. It provides Australia an opportunity to contribute to meeting its obligations under the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Treaty), and support the conservation and management of Australia's pastures and forage genetic resources to international standards for the benefit of Australian industry and global food security. The APG is led by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) in consultation with the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and is a partnership between five (5) Australian Research and Development Corporations (RDC), Meat and Livestock Australia (MAL), Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), Dairy Australia (DA), Grains Research and Development Institute (GRDC) and AgriFutures Australia (AFI) and Department of Primary Industries, New South Wales (DPI NSW), Department of Agriculture Fisheries, Queensland (DAF), Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania (DPIPWE), Department of Economic Development Jobs, Transport and Resources Victoria (DEDJTR) and the Department of Primary Industries and Development Western Australia (DPID).The first phase of the APG (2013-2018) focussed on the consolidation of pasture genetic resources nationally and compliance with Treaty obligations. Since the launch of the APG in December 2014 significant progress towards conserving the diversity of Australia's current and prospective pasture and forage species has been made. An independent external review of the APG was completed earlier this year by Rohan Rainbow and Cameron Begley from Crop Protection Australia. The review highlighted the effective establishment, culture and management of the APG, as well as the return on investment of 20:1 for industry and RDC investors.APG Phase II will focus on the uptake and utilisation of the collection nationally, as well as adding value to the collection with new and historical data on characterisation and performance of accessions. There will be continued focus on rationalisation and supporting global initiatives including the Treaty and Global Level Information's Systems, best practice operations to International Genebank Standards and consideration of further cost recovery options for the long-term sustainability of the APG. (Source: APG 5 Year Operational Plan)TIA will continue to undertake regeneration and characterisation activities and contribute to the Technical Advisory Committee. These activities are detailed in the APG 5 Year Operational Plan on pages 26-30. SpecificsIn 2020, germinate, grow, characterise and in 2021 harvest, clean and deposit seed of those accessionsIn 2021, germinate, grow, characterise and in 2022 harvest, clean and deposit seed of those accessions (does not include sowing any further accessions in 2022)
- Funding
- South Australian Research and Development Institute ($162,000)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Smith RW; Martin GI
- Period
- 2020 - 2022
Growing red meat productivity through the selection and establishment of perennial legumes (2020 - 2025)$1,567,952
- Description
- Currently, the prevalence of perennial legumes in Tasmania pastures is low and is limiting the profitability and productivity of Tasmanian red meat industry. This project will take a region-focused approach to improve the proportion of legumes in the high rainfall regions of the Northwest-coast and low rainfall region of the Tasmanian Midlands, which have different constraints. The north-west coast and King Island has over 90,000ha of improved high rainfall pastures and a beef herd accounting for approximately 30-40% of the Tasmanian herd. Beef producers experience feed shortages during autumn and winter, while recent modelling by TIA has also highlighted a contraction of pasture growth during summer; these feed shortages lead to stagnation in growth rates of beef cattle. Furthermore, the low-lying flat nature of the land means that waterlogging and pugging issues are systemic in some areas in winter. This project will identify, research and demonstrate legume species that can successfully fill feed gaps during late summer/autumn and improve resilience to waterlogging/pugging. The low-medium rainfall Tasmanian Midlands (260,000+ ha of improved/modified pastures) has seen recent transformational irrigation developments that have allowed the finishing of lambs in a traditionally wool and lamb sourcing region. However, only around 10% of the area is irrigated and there is significant potential to improve the shoulder dryland grazing country to increase stocking rates. Long and unpredictable periods of moisture deficit have led to sowing failures and apprehension about renovating pastures with much of the support land being underutilised, and poor performing due to the absence of improved pasture species including perennial legumes. By successfully establishing perennial legumes, producers can extend their growing seasons beyond what is currently be achieved and enhance the resilience of their feedbase to changing and variable climate. This research will explore sowing practices that advantage legumes during establishment and how to establish legumes in existing grass dominant pastures. The project will conclude with involve and partner activities aimed at increasing adoption on farm.
- Funding
- Meat and Livestock Australia ($1,399,952)
- Collaborators
- Meat and Livestock Australia ($84,000); University of Tasmania ($84,000)
- Scheme
- Livestock Productivity Partnership
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Smith RW; Martin GI; Ball PD; Penrose B; Langworthy A
- Period
- 2020 - 2025
Pastures in schools (2019)$20,000
- Description
- This project involved running two professional development workshops for high school teachers on pasture and forage science themesSoil classification, soil sampling and analysisPasture legumes, rhizobia, nodulation and nitrogenPasture measurement and feed budgetingPasture species identificationActivities from these themes (along with pasture pests and were then developed and added to the TIA Engaging students in STEM using agriculture Teacher Resource BookletThese activities help build on the work the Department of Education is doing with the agriculture curriculum and the Revitalising School Farms Initiative. TIA experts would then visit a selection of school to assist teachers with the activities. There will also be promotion of planned events at the TIA research farms (Elliot and Forthside) in 2020 with the intent to establish stronger connections between our research farms with the schools and school farms
- Funding
- University of Tasmania ($20,000)
- Scheme
- null
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Smith RW; Rawnsley RP; Irvine LD; Martin GI
- Year
- 2019
Evaluation of perennial legume options for the East Coast of Tasmania (2017 - 2020)$21,850
- Description
- BackgroundThe East Coast of Tasmania has been an important wool producing region, limited by low rainfall ('Kelvedon' Annual 626 mm, median 607 mm), 3 of the past 8 years have yielded less than 500 mm. The rainfall distribution is also skewed to late spring summer rain, making it unlike much of the Midlands region. Previous work undertaken by the Herbage Development Program (HDP) in this region has focussed primarily on perennial grass options and annual legume options. This work highlighted the importance of using summer active cocksfoots which can respond to summer rainfall events. Further, annual legumes such as arrowleaf clover were grown successfully.ChallengeHowever, inspection of the demonstration sites earlier this year highlighted the lack of perennial legumes within pasture swards, with most of the legume component being made up of subterranean clover. This project will evaluate the perennial legume options for East Coast dryland grazing systems. In particular, the suitability of perennial legumes developed recently by the HDP including the deep-rooted Talish clover, stoloniferous red clover, and variegated lucerne.MethodsThe site will be identified in autumn 2017 and sprayed out to remove the existing pasture. The site will ideally have a low amount of background subterranean clover present. Pasture treatments will be sown in a randomised block design with 4 replicates using an Ojyard precision drill in early spring 2017. Plant counts will be undertaken to confirm establishment followed by seasonal production and persistence assessments.
- Funding
- Southern Regional Natural Resource Management Association Inc ($21,850)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Smith RW
- Period
- 2017 - 2020
Intensification of beef cattle production in upland cropping systems in North West Vietnam (2017 - 2021)$1,898,258
- Description
- The project will develop and implement strategies and techniques to transform unsustainable extensive livestock production to intensive market oriented production and improve profitability of smallholder beef farmers in North West Vietnam. The research will adopt a whole farm systems analysis approach to integrate livestock production systems with intensive and expanding crop production systems.
- Funding
- Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research ($1,724,210)
- Scheme
- Grant-Research and Development
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Ives SW; Bonney L; Eversole R; Adhikari RP; Nicetic O; Cuong VC; Huyen LTT; Hung PV; Quang NH; Lan DD; Xuan CTT; Duteurtre G; Smith RW
- Period
- 2017 - 2021
Australian Pastures Genebank Germplasm Restoration (2015 - 2018)$245,564
- Funding
- South Australian Research and Development Institute ($245,564)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Smith RW; Martin GI
- Period
- 2015 - 2018
Seed Increase of Lotus corniculatus cultivars LC07AUYF & LCU07AUF (2014 - 2015)$31,268
- Description
- Attaining satisfactory seed yields from Lotus corniculatus in NSW has been a challenge due to the hot climate and rapid ripening of seed. Tasmania has a long growing season with lower maximum temperatures which allow seed to mature more slowly and attain higher seed weights. This can lead to higher germination percentages. This project will test 2-3 harvesting techniques that may increase the amount of seed that is collected. These include; applying a seed pod sealer and then direct heading with a harvester; cutting and windrowing so that the seed pods can dry, followed by threshing and vacuuming seed that has fallen onto the weed mat. To achieve this, two seed blocks will be established on weed mat and separated by a distance of at least 300 meters as per the recommended standards.
- Funding
- Department of Primary Industries NSW ($31,268)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Smith RW
- Period
- 2014 - 2015
Effectiveness of novel endophytes on persistence and production of perennial ryegrass (2014 - 2019)$94,500
- Description
- Endophytes can provide increased tolerance of insect predation and drought stress in ryegrasses. The addition of an endophyte in perennial ryegrass can therefore lead to greater productivity and persistence of pastures. Endophytes can also have a negative effect. Secondary metabolites can cause health problems in animals leading to lower productivity. In recent times novel endophytes with apparent little or no negative effects have been incorporated into the most productive perennial ryegrass cultivars. Advances in endophyte technology have focussed mainly on addressing the negative effects of endophytes on animal performance and increasing production of the grass. Reducing the negative effects of endophytes may also reduce the plants ability to survive drought or pest stresses, leading to decreased persistence. Any possible reduction in persistence is not well understood. Reduced persistence is a major consideration particularly for extensive grazing enterprises where pasture are expected to last 10-15 years, it is of less importance to short term, high productivity pastures. With extensive pastures in poor botanical condition, providing understanding for extensive graziers on persistence of new products will be important if we are to improve the pasture resource. This study will evaluate the persistence of 40 perennial ryegrass cultivars and test lines from PGG Wrightson Seeds, containing nil, novel and wild type endophytes over a five year period. The study will be conducted at the Cressy Research and Demonstration Station which provides the surety of irrigation, and will ensure pasture establishment in the first year regardless of autumn break. Data collection will include persistence monitoring, in line with the prescribed methods conducted under the National Pasture Variety Trial Network.
- Funding
- PGG WRIGHTSON SEEDS (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD ($94,500)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Smith RW
- Period
- 2014 - 2019
Developing productive and profitable smallholder beef enterprises in Central Vietnam (2014 - 2018)$1,049,989
- Description
- The overall objective of this project is to assist in developing productive and profitable smallholder beef enterprises in Central Vietnam. To take advantage of growing market opportunities, the specific objectives of the project are to: 1) develop more efficient smallholder cow-calf and cattle growing systems through improved feeding and management; 2) develop stronger interaction with markets for beef cattle producers who already have a production orientation; 3) identify and develop knowledge exchange and adoption pathways for expanding impacts within smallholder beef cattle enterprises.
- Funding
- Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research ($1,049,989)
- Scheme
- Grant-Research and Development
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Bonney L; Smith RW; Malau-Aduli AEO; Lane PA; Parsons D
- Period
- 2014 - 2018
Harnessing the potential for forages under the major irrigation expansion (2014 - 2016)$30,000
- Funding
- Dairy Australia Limited ($30,000)
- Scheme
- Grant-Research and Development
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Rawnsley RP; Pembleton KG; Smith RW
- Period
- 2014 - 2016
Improved market engagement and profitability for smallholder beef enterprises in central Vietnam (2013)$8,500
- Funding
- Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research ($8,500)
- Scheme
- Consultancy
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Parsons D; Smith RW; Bonney L; Lane PA; Malau-Aduli AEO
- Year
- 2013
Mentoring the Herbage Development Program (2013)$35,000
- Description
- This project involves the following tasks: development of a strategic plan for the Program encompassing at least a 15 year horizon taking account the changing agricultural landscape driven by forces including irrigation development, climate change, natural resource management imperative and economics. This will inform the annual operating plan to be developed by the management committee of the Program. It will identify and implement opportunities for national and international collaborations with the intent that the Program will lead to at least one jointly resourced and implemented research, development or extension project that contributes to achieving the aims of the Program. It will establish and oversee engagement with the proposed National Pasture Genetic Resource Centre
- Funding
- Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania ($35,000)
- Scheme
- Consultancy
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Field B; Smith RW
- Year
- 2013
Appointment of a Herbage Development Program Industry Development and Extension Officer (2013)$70,000
- Description
- The objectives of the project are to achieve the following with respect to a development and extension plan, focused on the red meat, wool and pasture seed production industries: awareness by Tasmanian farmers and agribusinesses of the suite of pasture plants developed by the program specifically for Tasmanian conditions; awareness by Tasmanian farmers and agribusinesses of the opportunities to increase animal production by increasing pasture production and utilisation through using pasture species developed by the program, coupled with adoption of best practice grazing management; facilitate the adoption by Tasmanian farmers of pasture plants developed by the program specifically for Tasmanian conditions and quantitatively evaluate the outcomes; creation of a strategic alliance with at least one Tasmanian red meat processor for the purpose of achieving above outcomes; identify issues associated with using pasture plants developed by the program in Tasmanian grazing systems and in producing seed of these plants that can be addressed through future research, development and extension activities; in collaboration with pasture seed producers develop a strategy for providing long term industry generated funding to support research, development and extension to the Tasmania pasture seed industry.
- Funding
- Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania ($70,000)
- Scheme
- Consultancy
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Field B; Smith RW; Ball PD
- Year
- 2013
Optimising cropping practices in mixed farming systems of Tasmania (2013 - 2015)$478,550
- Funding
- Grains Research & Development Corporation ($478,550)
- Scheme
- Tender-Validation and Integration
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Pengilley G; Merry AM; Smith RW; Acuna TL; Davey BN; Howard RC; Johnson PG
- Period
- 2013 - 2015
MLA Regional Trials - Tasmania Cressy Site (2012 - 2015)$188,938
- Funding
- Meat and Livestock Australia ($188,938)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Field B; Smith RW
- Period
- 2012 - 2015
Perennial pasture renovation demonstration - turning failure into success (2012)$16,800
- Funding
- Tamar Region Natural Resource Management Strategy Reference Group Incorporated ($16,800)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Smith RW; Hall E
- Year
- 2012
Waterhouse resilient pasture demonstration (2012 - 2013)$12,875
- Description
- The objective of the project is to trial and demonstrate the resilience of a wide range of specialised grass and legume cultivars in the challenging soil environment of the Waterhouse area. A suite of pasture cultivars that can maintain groundcover and withstand grazing and trampling on sand banks would be a highly valuable outcome.
- Funding
- The Northern Tasmanian Natural Resource Management Assoc Inc. ($12,875)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Smith RW; Hall E; Ball PD; Field B
- Period
- 2012 - 2013
Nutrient management for the dairy industry in Northern Tasmania (2012 - 2013)$167,000
- Description
- The project will undertake nutrient mapping and budgeting with Northern (Deloraine area and Brid Catchment) region dairy farmers and extend the findings from previous nutrient management projects to dairy farmers in the region. The project will also seek to build on the work done previously to improve farmer awareness and willingness to undertake changes on their farm. The main objectives of the project are: to assess the soil nutrient concentrations in very paddock on 20 farms (1200 paddocks approximately) in the Northern region Meander/Deloraine + Northeast). - Undertake whole farm nutrient budgeting on the 20 sampled farms; to provide participating farmers and fetilizer industry agronomists a much better understanding of how to better target fertiliser application and minimise the risk of nutrient loss to waterways; to improve the efficiency of fertiliser inputs; to reduce the environment risk that intensive grazing industries pose to water and soil quality within the Northern Region.
- Funding
- DairyTas ($167,000)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Ives SW; Smith RW
- Period
- 2012 - 2013
Managing carbon in livestock systems: modelling options for net carbon balance (2011)$50,000
- Funding
- Meat and Livestock Australia ($50,000)
- Scheme
- Grant-Strategic and Applied Research Funding
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Rawnsley RP; Christie-Whitehead KM; Smith RW
- Year
- 2011
Nutrient Budgeting in Extensive Grazing Systems (2011 - 2012)$24,940
- Funding
- The Northern Tasmanian Natural Resource Management Assoc Inc. ($24,940)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Smith RW; Bridle K; Cotching W; Field B
- Period
- 2011 - 2012
Research Supervision
Rowan supervises PhD and Masters of Research students, and welcomes applications from potential students interested in plant nutrition, plant physiology, pasture agronomy and agricultural systems. These are subject to students receiving a scholarship from the University of Tasmania or an external source. Rowan has supervised 2 PhD and 1 masters student to completion.
Current
2
Completed
4
Current
| Degree | Title | Commenced |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | The Physiology of Flowering and Seed Production in Serradellas: Promising alternative pasture legumes for Southern Australia | 2019 |
| PhD | Nitrogen Fertiliser use in the Tasmanian Dairy Industry: Managing N surpluses to support a more sustainable future | 2023 |
Completed
| Degree | Title | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| Masters | Morphological Responses of Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) and Tall Fescue (Lolium arundinaceum Schreb.) to Waterlogging Stress Candidate: Thi Mui Nguyen | 2022 |
| PhD | Prospects for Improving Productivity and Composition in Pasture/Crop Rotations by Changing Row Configuration at Sowing Candidate: Richard Charles Hayes | 2021 |
| PhD | Alternative Pasture Species to Perennial Ryegrass/White Clover Suitable for Use under Irrigation in the Midlands of Tasmania Candidate: Brigid M Caiger-Watson | 2021 |
| Masters | Strategic Nutritional Enhancement of Cow-Calf Performance in South Central Coastal Vietnam Candidate: Thanh Hai Tran | 2016 |