One Call Could Boost Management Goals

AUSTRALIA - Workshops that can assist graziers to enhance the potential of grazing land productivity, finetune livestock nutrition management and develop breeding programs to achieve production targets are just a phone call away.

9 October 2009

2 minute read

Oceania

Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries beef extension officer Russ Tyler believes livestock producers should be taking advantage of the FarmReady Reimbursement Grants of up to $1500 a year to attend approved training courses.

Mr Tyler works with QPIF FutureBeef staff to improve farm management to increase productivity, sustainability and profitability.

Mr Tyler said there were state-wide opportunities for primary producers to attend regional workshops conducted by QPIF extension specialists to deliver MLA (Meat and Livestock Australia) EDGEnetwork training courses.

"To register interest in a particular course, just pick up the phone and call the QPIF Business Information Centre on 13 25 23," Mr Tyler said.

"The EDGEnetwork workshops covering GLM (Grazing Land Management), nutrition and breeding programs are specifically tailored to meet the widely variable management demands across a range of environments.

"GLM workshop packages are designed to assist producers to develop action plans for future improvement options.

"We want them to use their experience and knowledge to work though natural resource and production issues and then utilise every available management tool to target premium markets," Mr Tyler said.

"When we deliver the five-module format Nutrition EDGE package, producers are provided with the knowledge to gain optimum value from pasture and use of feed concentrates.

"Nutritional management opens up feed options to explore cost effective techniques to achieve targeted business outcomes through a better understanding of the ruminant digestive system and use of nutrients; factors influencing pasture quality and quantity; nutrient management influencing cattle performance; and identifying and managing mineral and vitamin intake and deficiencies."

Mr Tyler said the Breeding EDGE workshop helped producers to set a breeding objective that enabled them to improve and maintain the desirable traits of their herd and capitalise on genetic gains.

"All workshops use an interactive approach to build on participants´ knowledge and skills to allow them to evaluate and develop strategies that can be applied on-farm to maximise returns," he said.

Mr Tyler said either individuals or existing groups could take advantage of the FarmReady Reimbursement Grants but participants must receive pre-course approval to be eligible.