Annual Grassland Society Conference heading for the coast
For the first time in its 24-year history the Annual Grassland Society Conference is coming to the coast – to be held at Taree on August 5 and 6.
The conference, hosted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the Mid Coast Dairy Advancement Group, will explore the advantages of coastal dairy and beef production pastures.
NSW DPI dairy livestock officer Ray Johnston said the conference theme ‘The Grass is Greener’ had been tailored to suit anyone with a grazing enterprise.
“The impacts and implication of climate change on pasture systems as well as on livestock and personal health will be discussed at the conference,” said Mr Johnston.
“International and local speakers, including local dairy and beef producers, will deliver presentations.
“A forum involving local and international experts will encourage open discussion on the soil carbon and climate change conundrum.”
Mr Johnston said with stress management a real issue for our farmers, Tammy Farrell’s presentation ‘The Real Man’s Tool Box: A DIY Health Manual for Men’ should be a real drawcard.
There will also be a series of local tours including one led by Terry Launders, former NSW DPI Senior Research Agronomist.
“Terry’s tour will look at the role of setaria pastures and kikuyu/ryegrass pasture systems for coastal beef production,” Mr Johnston said.
“Two paddock sites and one farm visit will be used to demonstrate the role of pasture development.”
Mr Johnston said the key note speaker for the conference is Dr Jim Gibbs from Lincoln University in New Zealand, a senior researcher in livestock health and production from the New Zealand South Island.
“Jim will discuss the impact of high pasture intake on dairy cow health – especially the role of rumen pH and function and its implications for lameness,” he said.
At the conference dinner on Wednesday, August 5, at the Winning Post Function Centre, gold medal winning para-olympian Heath Francis, will share his experiences about farm safety.
For more information or to register for one or both days of the conference contact Ray Johnston or Tracey Jacobs at NSW DPI Taree office on 6552 7299.
Media contact: Phil Bevan, NSW DPI, Wollongbar Ph 6626 1350 or 0429 458 053
