Seminar focuses on improving pasture fertilizer and water use efficiency
Press release
22 February 2008
A network of leading agriculture consultants, scientists, veterinarians and researchers from across Victoria will be joining forces at a one day seminar hosted by the Mackinnon Project to discuss improved fertilizer and grazing management solutions for Victoria’s sheep and beef producers.
“Fertilizer is the biggest input cost in a grazing enterprise,” said agriculture consultant, Lisa Warn from the Mackinnon Project. “With significant fertilizer price rises during 2007, and possible shortages during 2008, it is timely to review fertilizer programs and how to optimise returns from inputs.
“One of my colleagues, John Webb Ware will be discussing the return on investment from fertilizer application and the economic consequences if it is left off for varying time periods. Another key area that we will be highlighting is how producers can assess and manage the risk of losing nutrients to the environment. Raquel Waller from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Geelong will be presenting this talk.”
The one day event entitled ‘Managing Pasture Costs and Risks – Now and in the Future’ will also feature Reg Hill, research manager for Wrightson Seeds, who will present information on recent discoveries of pasture varieties with superior winter growth and ‘safe’ endophytes that enhance persistence of perennial ryegrass.
Dr Brendan Cullen and Dr Richard Eckard, from the University of Melbourne, will present their projections for what climate change might do to seasonal pasture growth; implications for fertilizer use and species choice, and agricultural options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
This important seminar is targeted at sheep and beef producers, but it will also be extremely beneficial for individuals in the fertilizer industry, pasture seed representatives and other advisers or consultants from this arena – everyone is welcome to attend. One of a regular series, the event is being held on Wednesday 19 March at the University’s Werribee campus from 9:45am through to 2:45pm.
To book a place please contact Mrs Pam Leslie by Friday 7 March on 03 9731 2225 / pjleslie@unimelb.edu.au or download the full agenda and registration form.
For further information please contact Andrea Jones, Marketing Manager, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Tel: 8344 7844 or email: ajone@unimelb.edu.au