A NSW Government website

Department of Primary Industries

Pasture Testbed - Wollongbar

An ongoing field display for seed varietal companies.


Overview

The DPI Pastures Testbed is being established at the Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute. Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute (WPII) is a major research centre for NSW Department of Primary Industries, located on the NSW Far North Coast, and comprises four main sites; Wollongbar, Alstonville,  Pearces Creek and Duck Creek.

The Pastures Testbed site is an ongoing field display for seed varietal companies that can be supported for research insights, business development opportunities, industry and community field days and training and school education programs.

The Testbed site aims are to:

  • Demonstrate to producers the performance and value of pasture varietals suitable for the region;
  • Connect producers and demonstrate best practice pasture management;
  • Increase community and stakeholder engagement; and
  • Provide education and training.

The Testbed site offers great visibility for the public and easy access for industry and community stakeholders. It contains:

  • Six industry plots, (distributed across 1 hectare)
  • Red volcanic soil
  • Large project signage
  • Each plot separately fenced with company signage to identify the plot

The Testbed will open in 2022 and is calling for further companies to participate.


Key Contact

Nathan Kempshall
Senior Project Officer
nathan.kempshall@dpi.nsw.gov.au
0439 774 009
(02) 6626 1200

NSW Department of Primary Industries - Research Services
1243 Bruxner Hwy
Wollongbar
NSW 2477



Services and Opportunities

Commercial Partnering

Research Station Opportunities

Laboratory Services

Expression of interest

Expressions of Interest are open to seed companies to participate in the Pastures Testbed.

Expression of interest form


Guide to Testbed

The Testbed site services provided by the NSW DPI to participating companies, include:

  • Site common area maintenance, eg main pathway and entrance mowing, fences, fence line spraying
  • Communications, promotion and management of Industry demonstration days delivered by DPI and Local Land Services;
  • Provision of storage facilities;
  • Basic soil and water testing;
  • Advisory services by individual agreement

Costs are charged on an annual basis, tenure is a minimum of 2 years with an option of extension.

Expressions of Interest must be submitted via email to Nathan Kempshall, Senior Project Officer, WPII

Submissions, including varietals will be evaluated by a DPI Panel and probity checks will be undertaken. A formal agreement will be directly negotiated with the proponents with respect to their specific requirements.

A diagram showing the test bed layout at WPII

Visit the Testbed

Producers and other groups will be able to visit the Testbed. Please contact wollongbar.office@dpi.nsw.gov.au for more information about the next Producer or Open Day at WPII for visitors.