GROWING rural debt, a second failed wet season, grim autumn market prices, and ever decreasing terms of trade; it is a serious struggle for many graziers in the Gulf of Carpentaria to see a way forward.
Northern Gulf Resource Management Group (NGRMG) in collaboration with QDAFF Beef Team and Gulf Cattlemen’s Association are facilitating a Beef Industry Forum for Northern Gulf Graziers in Georgetown on June 26.
The featured guest speaker will be Dr Ian Braithwaite who is a leading cattle production vet working extensively with beef businesses across Northern Australia. Ian will cover a multitude of topics such as; moving forward from the beef crisis, breeder management systems to maximise rebreed rates, what drought management systems proved to be effective, and finding the profitable mix between breeders and dry cattle.
Other key speakers will include;
Rob Atkinson who will provide an update for graziers of North BEEF’s efforts into exploring beef processing options in Northern Queensland.
Northern Ag Services Australia, Alison Larard and the QDAFF Northern Beef Team. Alison, Joe Rolfe and Bernie English work together delivering the Savannah Plan - Beef Sense Project which supports grazing properties throughout the gulf region. The team will address the importance of good financial management to sustain the business, the importance of productivity improvements to keep pace with rising costs, how age of “turn off” can impact profitability, and assessing different trading options.
The State Agribusiness Manager for ANZ, Jeff Schrale will cover the importance of maintaining good relations with your lender and what you can do to get the best results for your grazing business.
QRAA Client Liaison Officer, Sam Spina will outline the suitability of the Drought Concessional Loans Scheme, the Farm Finance Concessional Loans Scheme, Primary Industries Productivity Enhancement Scheme, Emergency Water infrastructure Rebate, and Bovine Johne’s Assistance Scheme.
Chair of the Gulf Cattlemen’s Association, Barry Hughes will inform graziers about the transition from the Northern Gulf Graziers Group, the achievements of the organisation and take feedback from its constituents. Barry will also host a Q&A session at the end of the forum.
From NGRMG; Ricki Archer will highlight GIS mapping services available to graziers in the region, and Norelle Ryan will describe the minimum requirements that graziers have to do to comply with WH&S regulations.
