Promoting discussion on current issues and giving sheep and beef producers insight into new research to boost their bottom-line is the focus of an online Forum being hosted by the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation.

The Centre, an alliance between Charles Sturt University and the NSW Department of Primary Industries, will host the Livestock Forum on Friday 30 July in an interactive online platform.

Graham Centre livestock systems research pathway leader, Charles Sturt Associate Professor Marta Hernandez-Jover said in light of the current COVID situation a decision has been made to move from an in-person face-to-face event to online delivery.

“While we were looking forward to catching up with producers in person in Wagga Wagga our key priority is ensuring everyone is safe,” Professor Hernandez-Jover said.

“The online interactive platform will allow producers to tap into a program of great research, ask questions and interact with each other and the researchers.”

Professor Hernandez-Jover said the program is packed with research from paddock to plate.

“Graham Centre research examining bloat in cattle, feeding lambs, the management of ewes, dung beetles, and maternal behaviour and calf health will be presented at the Forum,” Professor Hernandez-Jover said.

“We’ll also follow through the value-chain with discussion about getting more value from cull cows, new technologies for lamb carcase assessment and meat science research.”

After years of drought Professor Hernandez-Jover said there’ll also be discussion about restocking.

“We’ll hear from advisor John Francis from Agrista about some of the decision making around restocking when livestock prices are high and Jugiong producer Bobby Miller will also share his experience,” Professor Hernandez-Jover said.

The Forum also aims to start a conversation on one of the big issues confronting the industry, how to improve environmental sustainability, make a profit and harness the opportunities in reducing our carbon footprint.

“The Australian red meat industry has set a target to be carbon neutral by 2030, so we’ll hear about the research underpinning that goal,” Professor Hernandez-Jover said.

“Also on the program is Stuart Austin of the Wilmott Cattle Company, which has a $500,000 25-year private-market carbon credit deal with global technology giant Microsoft.

“There’ll also be discussion about the science underpinning soil carbon sequestration, along with the opportunities and challenges for local producers.”

People can register to attend the Forum online through an interactive conference platform at $10 per head.

Registration is available at www.csu.edu.au/research/grahamcentre/2021-livestock-forum

The event is sponsored by Riverina LLS, Meat & Livestock Australia, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Animal Health Australia, ProWay Livestock Equipment, Sheep Connect NSW, and Teys Australia.