Beef producers are invited to register their interest in two masterclasses in herd and pasture management being hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and NQ Dry Tropics.
The masterclasses will be presented by Dr Ian Braithwaite, northern Australian cattle veterinarian and Bob Shepherd DAF senior beef extension officer.
The events will be held on October 30, at Spyglass Research Station near Charters Towers and November 2 at Yarmina Station, near Belyando crossing.
DAF beef extension officer Alice Bambling has been involved in organising the events and explained that beef producers had requested a day with Dr Ian Braithwaite to focus on breeder management.
“Dr Ian Braithwaite is a leading cattle production vet working extensively with beef businesses across northern Australia and his experience is very much in demand. Dr Braithwaite will present on best practice in controlled mating and improving reproductive performance of female cattle. He will also be available to answer grazier questions,” Ms Bambling said.
“The masterclass will bring together a cohort of producers in our region. A large number of these producers run continuous mated herds and are interested in knowing how to transition from a continuous, to a controlled mating system.
“There will also be demonstrations and information on managing the feed base for optimising carrying capacity. Well managed herds can achieve better productivity with less grazing pressure and have less impact on land condition, improving business viability and reef water quality.
“The masterclasses are part of a series of workshops, field days and other activities that are run through the Grazing Best Management Practice (BMP) program in the Burdekin region every year.
“The department is working closely with NQ Dry Tropics to promote Grazing BMP.”
Producers can find out more about the masterclasses by calling 4761 5150.