An iconic Northern Territory research facility is inviting past and present stakeholders to help it mark half a century of achievement.
The Victoria River Research Station is the NT’s principal pastoral research station.
Better known as Kidman Springs, the station is located in the heart of the Victoria River district, one of the NT’s major cattle producing regions.
“Kidman Springs is nationally significant as a semi-arid tropical rangeland and cattle production research site,” said anniversary event organiser Trisha Cowley, Beef Extension Officer with the NT Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, which manages the station.
“Many research projects conducted at Kidman have had a lasting impact on the productivity of the North Australian cattle industry and on the sustainability of our pastoral landscape. That’s an achievement worth celebrating.
“We’re looking forward to seeing our many friends and colleagues from the NT and interstate coming together for this auspicious occasion. Managers, station hands, researchers, and anyone who’s made a contribution to the station’s success—we’re hoping they’ll all be there.
Established in 1966, the station covers 314 square kilometres and is managed as a breeding operation, with approximately 700 breeder cattle.
The Kidman Springs Best Bet Management System for managing cattle breeder herds in the NT has been instrumental in achieving substantial productivity gains in the northern cattle industry during the past 20 years.
Recent research has centred on genetic improvements for greater productivity and market suitability while maintaining traits for hardy animals that suit tropical semi-arid production.
Shruburn, a 20-year-long fire research project on grazed savannahs, continues to be conducted and is an internationally significant research site.
The 50th anniversary celebration is open to past employees, researchers and others who have significantly contributed to Kidman Springs over the years. Contact Trisha Cowley if you’d like to attend or for more information: trisha.cowley@nt.gov.au, (08) 8973 9770
I was sorry to miss the 50th anniversary as I was working in East Timor at the time.
I subcontracted the construction of the original manager’s residence, stockmen’s quarters, kitchen/dining room and clinic/saddle store.
I was in my early twenties at the time and the experience still stands out as a highlight of my early working life.
I attended the the 50 years celebration. The staff did a supper job with food and sowing off the work they do.
I was so privileged to be there, thanks Brian Hill for giving me a lift
I would not have missed it at any cost.
I will be back in May this year
See you then
Markus