Getting Back in the Game

MANY farmers are braving the winter with their core breeding stock and will then have to decide how best to grow their herd in the spring.

Tomorrow the Local Land Services will bring in experts Dr Peter Gilchrist who specialises in meat science from the University of New England and Dr Jason Trompf who is a consultant in animal production systems from Latrobe University to help local farmers plan their herd recovery.

Sarah Giblin, senior land service agriculture extension officer, said the workshop has been well attended in other areas.

“There were about 60 farmers who went to the workshop in Merriwa recently and they said it was really helpful,” said Ms Giblin.

“We will be looking at the skills for herd recovery, skills to get them back into the game and the best way to go about it,” she said.

“Many farmers have their core breeders and are looking at if they buy a bull what is the best approach and what will help get them the offspring they want,” she said.

“For genetics we will look at the skills on how to select what you need, what the EVB’s (Estimated Breeding Values) are, what they mean and how they may or may not complement your breeding herd,” Sarah Giblin said.

Other topics covered will include:

• breeding and feeding to make more money
• breeding better heifers and cows
• improving heifer and cow nutrition
• developing a breeding goal

• When: 9am – 3:30pm
• Where: Turanville Road, Scone.
• Cost: $25 per person.
• RSVP: Sarah Giblin: 0409 785 172 or 02 6540 2400