Dung beetles to reveal their secrets to pasture improvement
CLARENCE Valley and North Coast livestock producers will gather on the Lower Clarence later this month to see how dung beetles can improve their properties.
They have been invited to one of series of field days focused on the positive benefits of dung beetles, challenges presented by buffalo fly and the emerging issue of the disease pestivirus to held at Cloverdale, on the Lawrence Rd at Alumy Creek.
Field day organiser Julie Mousley from Clarence Landcare said the field day was shaping as one of their biggest and warned with the RSVP deadline tomorrow it was important to accept the invitation to attend.
Dung beetle expert Dr Bernard Doube from South Australia will be the key speaker and will have a range of display materials to demonstrate the effectiveness of the beetles and on hand in Australia and some exciting new species.
Pestivirus is the disease on every cattle producers mind at the moment, with many concerned about the possible impacts on their herd. LHPA vet Phil Kemsley will present the facts on Pestivirus and talk about how cattle producers can begin to look at tackling the problem.
To demonstrate another practical treatment for soil fertility, Rachelle Armstrong from NutriSoil whose philosophy is nutrition from pasture to plate will be on hand to talk about the potential benefits and application of vermiculture (worm cast) products for farm use.
"Aside from having such a great range of speakers on hand the Field Day will highlight the before and after story of the pasture renovations, strategic grazing and environmental improvements recently completed at Cloverdale said Ms Mousley.
RSVP
RSVP essential by tomorrow to Clarence Landcare on 6643 5009.
The half day session for the mid-Lower Clarence is to be held on Thursday, October 25 at Cloverdale, 445 Lawrence Road, Alumy Creek from 9am to 12.30pm.
Morning tea provided - bring a hat, gloves, sunscreen and chair.
For details of similar days being held at other North Coast locations this month please contact Jodie Gager - regional landcare facilitator 0438 744 598.
