Quentin Hodge uses soil moisture and temperature records across two East Gippsland properties.
Two properties have different pasture systems
Meat & Livestock Australia profiled Quentin Hodge of Kallara Downs on 27 October 2026. His Gelantipy property in East Gippsland uses permanent pasture for breeding, while the Bairnsdale property grows annual forage crops and renovates pasture for backgrounding and trading. MLA lists 230 Poll Herefords and 300 crossbred sheep across the business. Hodge joined an MLA-funded Producer Demonstration Site using soil moisture probes.
Measurements inform sowing and stock decisions
The probes record soil moisture and temperature. Hodge said the readings help him time warm-season millet and sorghum sowing, rather than relying only on the calendar. He also uses moisture trends when considering fertiliser, supplementary feed and stocking pressure. MLA reported his observations about annual crops taking water from shallower soil and perennial plants drawing from deeper layers; it did not publish a measured change in cattle production for this business.