Climate change answers tailored for Bathurst farmers

Local farmers will have the opportunity to hear from the experts at a NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) climate change forum to be held at the Bathurst RSL on Wednesday, August 27 from 7.00 to 10.00 pm.

NSW DPI Bathurst district horticulturist, Stephen Wade, said the forum would focus on what climate change could mean to local farmers and offer them information on how to adapt their farming practices.

"We may actually see benefits for local vegetable growers with an increase in the growing season and crop yields generated by warmer temperatures," Mr Wade said.

Livestock and pasture production will be a major focus of the forum with presentations by NSW DPI livestock officer, Ashley White and district agronomist, Bruce Clements.

Using climate change projections and CSIRO GrassGro™, Mr White, will provide detailed information about fodder budgets and stock carrying capacity for the Bathurst region.

Mr Clements will deliver complementary figures and predictions on pasture production.

"As temperature increases we may need to look at different species of temperate and tropical grasses which are already grown in other parts of the country," he said.

"We aim to address pasture survival issues and help producers overcome feed deficiencies - basically we’re looking for pastures which will persist."

NSW DPI irrigation officer, Mike Robbins, will discuss future water availability and ways to address increased evapotranspiration - the total amount of water lost into the atmosphere by evaporation and plants.

The forum will be opened by NSW DPI climate risk management project leader, Gary Allan, with information on climate change trends and predicted future temperatures for the Bathurst area.

Supper will be provided at the free forum and farmers are requested to RSVP by Monday, August 25 by contacting the Bathurst Agricultural Research and Advisory Station, (02) 6330 1200.

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