NEW ways to fill feed gaps, the latest technology to measure pasture and meat quality and getting the most out of livestock production systems will be at the top of the list for the Grassland Society of NSW conference in Cowra on Tuesday July 25 and Wednesday July 26.

The two-day event will take participants to inspect beef, sheep and dairy production systems, offer insights from local producers and showcase latest industry pasture research results.

NSW Department of Primary Industries researcher, Matthew Newell, said the focus this year was on developing a big picture approach, looking at filling feed gaps, identifying opportunities and exploring what the latest technology has to offer.

“Producers will be keen to hear results from a joint DPI/Grains Research and Development Corporation project evaluating new long-season barley, oat, triticale and wheat varieties,” he said.

“These dual-purpose crops give mixed farming systems the ability to produce forage to fill feed gaps and can be harvested for grain.”

DPI’s research into perennial wheat, which has been bolstered with the injection of new lines from the United States, aims to fortify farming systems with new dual purpose crops.

Other research results will cover:

• Drone technology to monitor pasture quality and biomass -Dr Anthony Clark,
• Lamb growth rate and meat quality – Dr David Hopkins
• Potential benefits from pelvic assessments of Merino ewes – Dr Gordon Refshauge
• Facts on fertilisers and soil treatments to boost pasture production – Neil Griffiths

Grassland Society president, David Harbison, said insights from local producers would provide food for thought.

“Livestock producers are adapting management strategies to meet feed demands in their animal production systems in variable climatic and market conditions,” Mr Harbison said.

“Grazing options for improved pasture and native species can help producers better meet feed demand and tailor production system to get the most from their resource base.”

The 30th Grassland Society of NSW conference will be held on 25 and 26 July at the Cowra Services Club, Cowra NSW. Contact is David Harbison 0408 820 467.

Click here to access the full program and registration details: http://grasslandnsw.com.au/news/?page_id=7