Latest news (May 21, 2009): The Cicerone Project Inc formally wound up on April 24, 2009.  The proceeds remaining following the wind-up were recently transferred to the University of New England to support the Cicerone Farming Systems Scholarship which will provide support for relevant student projects over at least a period of 8 years - thus continuing the legacy of the Cicerone partnership between livestock producers, extension specialists, consultants, students and researchers. 

A press release describing the hand-over of the cheque to Prof. Iain Young, Head of School of Environmental and Rural Science at UNE can be found by clicking here.

Publication of results in scientific journal articles:  Over recent years, all those involved in the research on the Cicerone Project are engaged in preparing a series of peer-reviewed journal articles on all aspects of the project.  It is anticipated that these papers should be completed and published during the latter half of 2009.  For any enquiries about this publication, please contact the guest editor Prof. Jim Scott (former Cicerone Board member).

Recent events:  The Cicerone Project was a producer-led research to adoption organisation, that was funded by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) from 1998-2006.  It was established to investigate the profitability and sustainability of grazing-based agriculture on the Northern Tablelands.  During 2007-2009 it continued to search for support, members completed postgraduate studies and data analyses have been carried out. 

Cicerone existed as a not-for-profit entity up until April 24, 2009 when it ceased due to the inability of the Cicerone Board to secure continuing funding support.  Cicerone's former farmer members remain interested in more sustainable and profitable farming and no doubt will be interested to learn of new initiatives which arise in this important area in the future.

A list of the former Cicerone Board members can be found by clicking on ...  (Contacts). 

Two of the most important publications arising from the Cicerone Project can be found in the 2 symposia below:

(Link to Symposium proceedings 2005)

(Link to Symposium proceedings 2006)

The Cicerone Project operated its trials on the property "Chiswick" near Armidale. The main trial was the ABC demonstration farm's, studying three different methods of grazing and input management with a credible whole-farm aproach.

(Link to the Farm Site)

(Link to Activities)

There were shorter trials run including a footrot trial (assessing strains and diognosis), meat sheep (comparing 5 breeds), off shears treatment (comparing treatment that protect from the cold), weaner management and pasture budgeting.

(Link to Trials)

(Link to Photo Gallery)

This Website is a brief historical record of some of the work conducted and presented over the eight year period the experimental projects were operating. Publications and newsletters are available for download.

(Link to Publications)

(Link to Contacts)