“It’s Time to Connect” is the theme of the 2016 Northern Beef Research Update Conference (NBRUC) to be held in Rockhampton from next Monday.

NBRUC is an important conference because it brings industry representatives and researchers  from different disciplines together to share information, to network and forge  further links that will contribute to the growth of the beef industry.

The agenda is aimed at connecting production to research.  It will highlight the latest in research through presentations, interactive poster displays, guest speakers, a field trip to nearby Belmont Research Station and the North Australia Beef Research Council’s medal presentations.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) is a major sponsor of the three-day event, and is the largest investor and provider of beef cattle research,  development and extension in northern Australia.

DAF Agri-Science Queensland Executive Director Dr Wayne Hall will be giving a presentation on day one of the conference, outlining the need for  research and development to increase productivity and competitiveness of the  beef sector in a protein market that includes chicken, pork and fish.

“DAF’s research  and development starts from the soil in the paddock to the genes in the animals  that drive improvement in the state’s beef cattle herd, and continues right through the supply chain to the consumer,” Dr Hall said.

“Through the delivery of the Grazing Best Management Practices program with partners  AgForce, The Fitzroy Basin Association and allied natural resource management bodies, a holistic approach to beef businesses is promoted.

“Extension services are supported by research and development conducted at our beef research facilities, which have the right environment for demonstration and innovation.

“Industry issues such as rehabilitating pasture to reduce sediment loss and increase  productivity or to accelerate genetic improvement in tropical beef cattle are independently evaluated, with results communicated to the broader industry.

“The common link that drives our endeavours is the sustainability and profitability of the Queensland beef industry.”

Source: NABRC, QDAF. For more information visit http://www.nbruc.com.au/