Production

Climate Change field days loom

Beef Central, 14/06/2012

 

Colin Dunne, from Sorrel Hills near Duaringa in Central QldA Central Queensland beef producer says the information he gathered at a recent field day has given him the confidence to continue farming in a changing climate environment.

Colin Dunne, from Sorrell Hills near Duaringa said the recent Climate-Savvy Grazing project field day near Blackwater allowed him to see what alternatives existed for grazing land management.

The Climate Savvy Grazing field days act as a one-stop shop for producers to gather information about everything from stocking rates, how to look after grasses and soils, burning, spelling, monitoring, carbon cycles and improving land condition.

“Everyone these days seems to want to sell producers a silver bullet to fix their problems,” Mr Dunne said. “But sometimes the benefits don’t outweigh the costs.”

Mr Dunne said the Climate-Savvy Grazing field days are among the first field days he’s attended that are completely independent.

“The field day proves that there is not one right way of doing things, but several options available to producers to run successful grazing businesses,” Mr Dunne said.

“The information presented at the ‘Climate Savvy Grazing’ field day gives producers the chance to look at the information and work out what is best for their own individual applications.”

Another series of Climate-Savvy Grazing field days will be held in Central Queensland this month at Clermont (Monteagle Station), on Monday June 25 and Alpha (Alpha Golf Club) on Tuesday June 26.

Quoted in a DAFF release issued yesterday, senior scientist with Queensland Department of Agriculture (QDAFF), Paul Jones, said the Climate-Savvy Grazing program was a collaborative effort involving scientists, extension officers, modellers and cattle industry representatives.

“The Climate-Savvy Grazing field days aim to give land managers practical and cost-effective strategies to help minimise risk and adapt to a changing climate,” Mr Jones said.

“The field days will provide producers with a resource to gather information about everything from stocking rates, how to look after grasses and soils, burning, spelling, monitoring, carbon cycles and improving land condition.”

He said attendees will also hear from two Central Queensland beef producers: Peter Whip, from Bandon Grove, Longreach and John Burnett, Bendemeer, Clermont. Both will share the strategies they use to improve land condition, productivity and profitability.

Other speakers include David McRae from the Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts (DoSITIA), Col Paton from EcoRich Grazing and Steven Bray from QDAFF.

Dr McRae will look at the possible climate change scenarios for Central Queensland while Mr Paton will cover burning to manage woody weeds and improve productivity. Dr Bray will talk about Carbon efficiencies on a grazing property.

The Federal Government has invested $46.2 million in research and on-farm demonstration of new technologies and management practices associated with climate change.

“The Government’s Climate Change Research Program is a significant research effort that is providing practical solutions for agriculture to adapt and respond to a changing climate,” DAFF’s Julie Gaglia said.

“The ‘Climate Savvy Grazing’ field days will give farmers the chance to meet researchers and learn how they can manage the impacts of the changing climate and take advantage of the opportunities it presents.”

Morning tea and light lunch will be provided at both field days. To RSVP call Paul Jones 07 4983 7415 or rsvp@seftonpr.com.au by 22 June.

  • The Australian Government’s Climate Change Research Program (CCRP) is a research effort aimed at providing practical solutions for primary industries to adapt to the changing climate. The CCRP has provided funding for research projects and on-farm demonstration activities under the three priority areas of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving soil management and research into adaptation management practices. Further information on the CCRP and other funded projects can be found at www.daff.gov.au/climatechange/ccrp

 

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