Increasing value, profits is focus of field day

Increasing the value and profitability of the WA cattle industry through improved production will be the focus of a forum and field day in Broome.

Hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Food, the event will be fronted by Northern Beef Futures (NBF).

The NBF is a four-year State Government program aimed at transforming the northern beef industry into a more prosperous, sustainable and resilient pastoral industry through market diversity and improved business models and supply chains.

NBF Broome operations manager Andrew Negline said the project was enabling WA pastoralists to work with experts to identify and implement changes to their business to increase the production and profitability of their cattle herd to meet export market demand.

“As part of this process, consultant and beef production veterinarian Ian Braithwaite will be guest speaker at the forum and will discuss reproductive performance and profitability,” Mr Negline said.

“Updates on NBF work to enable industry to develop integrated supply chains, attract investment and establish and expand export markets will also be presented.”

The forum will be held at the Mangrove Hotel on November 17 followed by a visit to Roebuck Plains Station the next day.

Dr Braithwaite will demonstrate ways to improve cattle production, including grazing management systems, understanding breeder and herd dynamics and other innovative techniques.

The field day will conclude at the Northern Beef Development Centre in Broome with a session on marketing livestock online, presented by Anna Speers, chief executive of AuctionsPlus.

A specific workshop targeting Indigenous cattle producers and stakeholders will also be held at Roebuck Plains Station.

The forum and field day are open to all pastoralists, members of the beef supply chain and other interested people.

To register contact Elaine Jolliffe on 9194 1488 or email elaine.jolliffe@agric.wa.gov.au