At The Sisters Pastoral Co in Southwest Victoria, data drives every decision. James Knight shares how this commercial Angus operation uses real-time insights to benchmark genetics, manage growth, and optimise herd performance.
James & Georgie Knight, The Sisters Pastoral Co (VIC)
The Sisters Pastoral Co operates a 2,200-hectare, pasture-based commercial Angus breeding enterprise in South West Victoria. Since returning to the business in 2016, James and Georgie’s focus has been on scaling production by making better, evidence-based decisions.
The Role of Data
James describes the business as heavily data and evidence driven, using performance feedback to guide decisions across genetics, stocking rate and pasture management. Rather than changing the production system or breed, data has been used to “turn the volume up” on what was already working.
Key metrics such as stocking rate, kilograms of beef per hectare and growth performance through the weaner-to-feeder phase (250–450 kg) underpin management decisions. These measurements help the business balance higher production with profitability, particularly through winter when pressure on the system is highest.
Practical Application
Data supports:
Genetic and bull selection, alongside strong visual assessment
Optimising pasture utilisation, especially in spring
Lifting stocking rates without compromising performance
Identifying where incremental gains deliver the greatest return
Outcome
By using data to reduce guesswork and improve discipline, The Sisters Pastoral Co has significantly increased scale while maintaining efficiency, profitability and long-term herd resilience. Data is treated as a practical tool — not an end in itself — enabling continuous improvement across the entire operation.