2004 Grassland Conference - information to make a difference

Around 300 producers, researchers and industry representatives are expected to converge on the North-West town of Gunnedah from July 27 to 29 for the 19th Annual Conference of The Grassland Society of NSW.

Built on the theme of 'Pastures in Farming Systems - Meet the Challenge', the 2004 conference will address the topical issue of whether it is best to integrate or separate pastures in farming systems.

Four local producers will state their case for separation or integration during a forum chaired by communication specialist Lyn Sykes, where the advantages and disadvantages of each will be outlined, and practical insights provided.

The annual conference is the ideal forum to exchange ideas and techniques and to hear from producers and researchers on a variety of topics related to the conference theme, with pre-conference and conference tours a highlight.

Conference convenor and NSW Agriculture's Gunnedah District Agronomist, Loretta Serafin, said the 2004 conference would be a rewarding experience.

The Gunnedah region has fantastic agricultural diversity and is renowned for its productive soils, favourable climate, high quality pastures and crops," Ms Serafin said.

"Therefore, it is the ideal location to question the way we are currently using pastures on our farms and indeed in our catchment, and to evaluate whether better options exist.

"It's a complex issue and one that involves determining which enterprise returns the greatest profit and the most desirable social and environmental outcomes."

Ms Serafin said speakers at this year's conference would focus on their on-farm experience or research, with participants taking home a set of conference proceedings for future reference.

Topics include 'Pastures have a key role in farming systems', 'Selecting the right pasture for your system', 'Soil health - what role do pastures play?', 'Livestock in the farming system', 'Cropping and pastures - the dollars tango', and 'Managing for top production and sustainability'.

Participants have the option of visiting NSW Agriculture's Tamworth Agricultural Institute during a pre-conference tour on Tuesday, July 27 and can select from three conference bus tours run on Wednesday, July 28.

A conference dinner will be held at the Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club on the Wednesday evening, featuring Lyn Sykes as the after-dinner speaker on the topic of 'Succession in farming'.

Registrations close on July 16.   A brochure with full details of speakers and topics, as well as the registration form, is available from NSW Agriculture's Gunnedah Office on 6741 8333.

Media contact: Loretta Serafin, NSW Agriculture Gunnedah, telephone (02) 6741 8366, mobile 0427 311 819

Issued by: Annette Cross, NSW Agriculture Tamworth, telephone (02) 6763 1243, mobile 0427 201 840