Graziers compare farm production systems

Published 17 June 2016. Earlier this month, a dozen local graziers toured a range of properties in the Central West to gain an insight into various production systems...

Earlier this month, a dozen local graziers toured a range of properties in the Central West to gain an insight into various production systems.

Members of the Watershed Landcare Grazing Group ventured on a bus trip visiting properties that contrasted from a low input, native pasture based merino stud to a high input, large scale lamb production enterprise.

The focus of the two day bus trip was to explore different grazing enterprises.

Participants visited the properties of Matt and Kelly Mason, 'Westwood', Goolma; Chad and Lou Taylor, 'Mumblebone Merino Stud', Wellington; Nigel and Kate Kerin, 'Karinga Park', Yeoval; and Gus Hickman, 'Talinga', Woodstock.

“The trip provided a chance to see different country and production systems, inspiration from producers who are achieving great things from their livestock systems as well as promoting excellent discussion amongst participants.” said Claudia Wythes, Watershed Landcare Co-ordinator.

“The Central Tablelands LLS district vet, Nigel Gillan, joined the group for the first day and gave some good insights into animal health issues in different parts of the region and how the systems influence decisions producers face.” she continued.

The Grazing Group provides participants with support, mentoring, vibrant and interactive conversation and new ideas. The group comprises of local graziers with diverse operations, from breeding to trading, and everything in between.

The Watershed Landcare Grazing Group meet on-farm four times a year to discuss seasonal, production, marketing and management strategies and decisions and to explore topics of interest through guest speakers.

Want to find out more about the Grazing Group or our other special interest groups, the Mudgee Microscope Group or Women in Ag group?

Contact one of our Co-ordinators, Claudia Wythes on 0412 011 064 or by email: claudia.wythes@watershedlandcare.com.au or Agness Knapik on 0435 055 493 or by email: agnes@watershedlandcare.com.au.

This event was supported by Watershed Landcare through partial funding from the Australian Government's 25th Anniversary Landcare grants and is part of the NSW Government’s Local Landcare Coordinators Initiative, supported through the partnership of Local Land Services and Landcare NSW.