Mixed farmers and livestock producers will have the opportunity to gather the latest research and animal health information at the BCG Main Field Day on September 13 at Curyo.
Trials conducted this year at the BCG main research site at Curyo include a La Trobe University funded trial led by Dr. James Hunt investigating crop type mixtures for grazing, which has different nitrogen treatments.
Agriculture Victoria graduate research agronomist Tom Batters has been working closely on the trial and will be presenting the updates on the day.
Vetch, oats and canola have been sown, both as single species and in combination to evaluate the best feed value for livestock and what storage space is needed to store the grain prior to sowing.
Local mixed farmer Tim McClelland will share his experience of sowing mixed pasture crops for grazing. Mr. McClelland worked with Mr. Hunt to develop the trial concept.
Complementing the grazing mixtures pastures presentation will be BCG livestock manager Alison Frischke who provide insight on managing animal grazing across paddocks, virtual fencing, mineral nutrition management of sheep grazing cereal crops and the grazing value of stubbles.
Ms. Frischke explained that this season provided ideal conditions for grazing crops, and emerging varieties and their ongoing development have assisted livestock production in mixed farming enterprises.
“Conditions at the beginning of the season were great, with an early break and subsoil moisture. There have been growers experimenting with grazing crops to get the most out of their mixed system,”
“Great examples of varieties that could be helpful for grazing are demonstrated in the managing early wheat trial, which will be discussed by SARDI research scientist Kenton Porker at the Main Field Day.”
Ms. Frischke will be joined by Agriculture Victoria senior veterinary officer Robert Suter, who will discuss fertility, managing ewes through pregnancy and lactation, potential health issues and meeting nutritional needs.
“Rob will be able to answer many questions growers have with regards to livestock health and nutrition. He has a wealth of experience and is a great addition to the Main Field Day program,” Ms Frischke explained.
Ms. Frischke added “The new Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) requirements will also be discussed.”
The aim of the LPA is to maintain evidence of livestock history and on-farm practices to give confidence for food safety, animal welfare and biosecurity. All growers should have a biosecurity plan to provide assurance to domestic and global customers of the integrity of Australian red meat, and to enhance its reputation for safety and quality. This gives Australia a key advantage and point of difference against international competitors.
Other topics to be discussed at the BCG Main Field Day include emerging weeds and their management, a spring forecast, harvest fire prevention and management, the latest on the mice situation, the economics of controlled traffic farming, alternative capital funding for farm businesses, frost identification and more.
The BCG Main Field Day is on September 13 at the BCG main research site at Curyo, corner of Grogans road and Sunraysia highway, 25km North West of Birchip. For more information about the event visit www.bcg.org.au/events or phone 03 5492 2787.
