July 16, 2012
By Pam Duggan
Queensland’s first ever Camel Field Day is being hailed a huge success by organisers after about 400 people turned up to enjoy the event held at Bindanoon camel farm at Blackbutt on Saturday.
Visitors came from all over the country to attend the field day, with guests even flying in from North Africa and the Middle East to learn more about the use of camels in Australia.
“The day was a huge success,” said Lionel Keegan, from Southern Cross Camels.
Guest speakers took to the stage to talk about the the benefits of camel tourism, milk and by-products, training and trekking, as well as sharing the latest in camel research.
The field day was co-hosted by Camel Milk Australia, the Australian Camel Industry Association, Meramist Pty Ltd, the University of Queensland, Southern Cross Camels and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry.
It included camel milking and handling demonstrations as well as camel rides and the promotion and sale of camel cosmetics.
Catering – which included camel burgers and camel sausages – was provided by the Blackbutt Tourism and Heritage Association.
Visitors were provided with information on various aspects of camel farming, including diet, establishing routines, and how grazing camels can help to control woody weeds.
According to Camel Milk Australia, camels can also transfer a gut microbe to cattle via mutual water sources. This microbe can stimulate the cow’s rumen, encouraging them to eat more dry vegetation, and potentially adding about 10 per cent in weight during drought conditions.
“We were thrilled with the day,” said Lauren Brisbane, from the Australian Camel Industry Association.
“It was the first camel field day to have been held in Queensland and we had a great response. People came from all over the country to be there and everybody that I spoke to said that it was fantastic.
“We hope to hold a similar event next year.”
