May 1, 2014
Riding the South Burnett’s unpredictable weather patterns is part and parcel of life for families on the land.
However, a group of local beef producers has decided to get a helping hand from a number of experts to make some of the inevitably difficult decision making a little easier.
The South Burnett Grazing Network is inviting all cattle producers to attend a Weaner and Breeder Discussion Day on May 17 with a presenter from the Gatton Campus of the University of Queensland and local DAFF extension and Biosecurity officers.
The day will be held from 9:30am to 3:00pm on the property of local beef producer and Cash Cow participant Jim Cross who will provide cattle for the speakers to use in their interactive presentations.
“Grass Tree Yards” is located on the junction of Ellesmere, Wengenville, Glencliffe and Tuckers roads, south of Kumbia.
Participants are urged to bring a chair and lunch; smoko will be provided.
Prof Michael McGowan, from the University of Queensland, is the project leader of the well-known Cash Cow project funded by Meat and Livestock Australia.
The Cash Cow project collected more than six million pieces of data from more than 150 properties throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory over four years. Much of this data is now published and ready for application in beef cattle herds of all shapes and sizes.
During the morning session Prof McGowan will discuss ways to maximise calf weight post-weaning in the first year and the associated nutritional care of weaners.
He will also speak about maintaining or improving cow condition, the nutritional care of cows preparing for the next calf and issues surrounding pregnancy testing.
Hearing Prof Michael McGowan enthusiastically respond to observations and questions and share his knowledge of the Northern cattle herds is something not to be missed.
In the afternoon, the Senior Extension Officer at the Bjelke-Petersen Research Station Damien O’Sullivan will speak about early weaning strategies for drought and local soil types. These decisions have been pivotal for producers during the recent dry time and will be important as we move into winter.
Queensland Biosecurity officer John Higgins will discuss on-farm biosecurity and animal health care plans. These are becoming increasingly important for all beef producers.
Jim Cross will show the effects of different weaning strategies used during this year’s dry season and successful ways to train weaners to ensure that low stress management practices can be implemented on farm.
For more information, contact Damien or John at DAFF in Kingaroy or (07) 4160-0700 or Jim on 0428-763-329, or download a brochure (1.9Mb PDF). RSVP by May 15 to (07) 4164-6149 or 0428-763-329.
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