Grazing forum 15/16

More than 110 graziers, keen to adopt Best Management Practice (BMP), attended the Grazing Forum 2016. Industry leaders of innovation, on farm trials, market opportunities, genetics and new pasture varieties presented up-to-date information on the seasonal outlook, biosecurity, and soil erosion. Increased average sale yard prices, combined with rainfall, has forecasters expecting graziers will be encouraged to restock in order to supply the domestic market, providing the perfect opportunity to make a profit.

An informative presentation was given by expert in soil health, Bill Thompson. Bill has spent his life in rural Queensland. He grew up in North Burnett on the family farm, moved to the Burdekin, and now has a grazing property at the headwaters of the Bremer River, Ipswich.

Amanda Bland, Reef Catchments Grazing Planning Officer, was pleased to see new and familiar faces. With greater numbers of the younger generation that in previous years, she knows attendance is vital to events like these continuing.

The Queensland Department of Agriculture revealed their most recent trial on Giant Rats Tail, biosecurity rights and obligations, climate outlook and the new tools for farmers to use to improve production and manage climate risk.

Mackay Regional Council educated people on the programs available to eradicate pests and weeds, along with other trade displays from pasture seed supplies, QFES, Reef Catchments and Landcare groups giving away native plants for re-vegetation.

The Grazing Forum is an annual event.