New Cattle School Opens its Doors

AUSTRALIA - School will be in for cattle producers from the Central Highlands and Western Downs-Maranoa areas keen to better understand the nutritional requirements of differing classes of cattle.

8 January 2008

2 minute read

Oceania

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries senior beef extension officer Kay Taylor said the three-day comprehensive but extremely practical Nutrition EDGE workshop enables producers to choose and use cost-effective, efficient feed solutions.

A Central Highlands workshop will be held February 12-14, followed by one for Western Downs-Maranoa on February 26-28. Additional workshops can be organised depending on demand.

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"This course really focuses on acquiring the knowledge to manage an animal's nutritional requirements to gain optimum value from pasture through to bought-in feed supplements"

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries senior beef extension officer Kay Taylor.

"This course really focuses on acquiring the knowledge to manage an animal's nutritional requirements to gain optimum value from pasture through to bought-in feed supplements," Ms Taylor said.

DPI&F has delivered 58 Nutrition EDGE workshops to 674 Queensland cattle producers who have strongly endorsed the education package that has enabled them to make nutrition and supplementation decisions with greater confidence and control.

"Our workshop format enables participants to address any given situation from feeding weaners through to turning off premium meatworks steers or selecting the most economic, balanced drought supplement for breeders.

"Just being able to interpret the labels on commercial feed products can open up options that suit the particular enterprise and provides best value for money," Ms Taylor said.

Workshops are presented in five modules that deal with the ruminant digestive system and nutrient requirements; understanding and managing the factors affecting the quantity and quality of pasture; assessing pasture quality, quantity, intake and feed budgeting; identifying and managing mineral and vitamin deficiencies; and exploring cost-effective techniques and feeding options to achieve targeted business outcomes.

On-going consultation is included.

Ms Taylor said that it appeared FarmBis would end on June 30 this year and all applications would need to be lodged before March 30. Eligible producers are urged to register for workshops and lodge applications early to secure the subsidised course fee and potential accommodation and travel subsidies.

Producers from outside the areas covered by these two workshops but who are keen to participate should express their interest as soon as possible.

Breeding EDGE workshops courses are also available during early 2008. This course is for people interested in furthering their understanding and application of cattle breeding, genetics, selection, reproduction and breeder management.