NSW DPI workshops support pork industry

Narrandera, Young, Dubbo and Lismore will host pork workshops this June as part of a NSW DPI initiative to support local pork producers.

A series of workshops planned by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) aims to support pork producers who intend to stay in the industry despite recent challenges.

Workshops will be held at the Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club on June 3, Young Services Club on June 4, Dubbo Railway Bowling Club on June 5, and Lismore Workers Club on June 17.

NSW DPI livestock officer, Jayce Morgan, said the workshops would encourage producers to think outside the box and share their ideas in an open forum.

"High grain costs combined with low pork prices have had a huge impact on the Australian pork industry in recent months," Ms Morgan said.

"With pork and feed prices beyond the control of many producers, these workshops will focus on positive action producers can undertake to limit losses in the current environment and maximise returns as pork margins improve."

The workshops will explore a range of options, including niche marketing, alternative production systems and improved production efficiencies.

According to Ms Morgan change is on the horizon and she urged producers to stay positive.

"The workshops will provide encouragement to producers keen to maintain a steady as she goes approach, as well as those who think they may be able to harness latent entrepreneurial skills," she said.

"We will be exploring new opportunities - there will always be market sectors which are sensitive to price, but there are also sectors looking to have a deeper relationship with the farmer and source of the commodities they purchase."

For more information or to RSVP (by May 28 for Narrandera, Young and Dubbo) contact Jayce Morgan, (02) 6349 9717 or jayce.morgan@dpi.nsw.gov.au