Major research projects designed to improve North Queensland cattle herds will present their latest findings at a field day at Lisgar Station, Gumlu in early April.
Robert and Donna Rea, the owners of Lisgar Station, have worked with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries researchers and extension officers to trial breeding techniques on their commercial herd for the past 13 years.
The field day is an opportunity for graziers to learn from the research and the paddock trials across Queensland and to see how genetics can improve the performance of their herd. It will cover technologies and practices that apply across breeds.
Results and research updates from the national and international multi-partner projects, ‘Next Gen’, ‘Smart Futures’, ‘Repronomics’ and the Beef CRC will be presented, along with practical application of genetic technologies from two Queensland properties. The afternoon session will include an inspection of Lisgar cattle in the yards, and Robert and Donna Rea will share their experiences.
The field day is funded under the Grazing Best Management Practice program.
The research update and producer application will be presented by a number of specialists and include information on growth, fertility, carcase traits, ultrasound scanning, semen quality, bull selection and managing pastures.
“Cattle herds and cattle returns are only as good as next year’s calves, and these are determined by a range of factors influencing the herd,” DAF senior extension officer Alan Laing said.
“The maximum benefit from application of genetic technologies are realised when best practice is applied across all aspects of the beef business.”
This field day will also be the last for Alan Laing, after 50 years of service to the beef industry.
At the end of the field day, for those that wish to stay on, Lisgar will host a social bbq to celebrate Alan’s achievements.
The Lisgar Field Day will be held on Tuesday April 4, from 8.15 am registration. Lunch and smokos for the day will be available to purchase for $20 per person with all proceeds to cancer support.
For further information, and to RSVP, contact Alan Laing on 0417 006 318 or Robert and Donna Rea on (07) 4784 8203 or 0438 848 203.
Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
