Pain relief in cattle and DEXA carcass measuring technology will be in the spotlight at a free forum for Central Queensland farming families being held in Rockhampton next week.
AgForce Central Queensland Regional President John Baker said the ‘Managing Risk: Securing the Future’ forum at the Leichardt Hotel in Rockhampton on Friday 15 September would have a special focus on the latest agricultural research and development.
“There will be a range of topics discussed at the forum including new DEXA meat measuring technology, pasture dieback, pain relief in cattle, the use of drones, farm planning and business analysis, climate effects on production, and farm safety, to name just a few,” he said.
“We are particularly delighted to have Olympic gold medallist Libby Trickett speaking in her role as Queensland Mental Health Ambassador, as well as Agriculture and Fisheries Minister and local MP Bill Byrne who will talk about the future of agriculture.
“Meat and Livestock Australia’s Doug McNicholl and Central Queensland University Professor David Swain will talk about research and development, AgForce BMP Manager Steve Lacey will discuss the Grazing BMP program, and AgLive representatives will speak about farming in digital times.”
Mr Baker said the free forum was the fourth of five events being held under the State Government’s Community Drought Support Program.
“The prolonged and severe drought has taken an enormous financial, environmental and emotional toll on farming families right throughout Queensland,” he said.
“In Central Queensland, the Banana Shire is still drought declared, the Isaac Shire is partly drought declared while the Central Highlands only had its drought status revoked in May, so a lot of producers are still feeling the full effects of the drought or only just entering the recovery phase.
“The ‘Managing Risks: Securing the Future’ forum is aimed at providing farming families with the latest information about research and development, social support, and tips and tools to improve their business, and revitalise their health and wellbeing.”
The free forum will be followed by a Beef Dinner on the Friday night featuring rising country music singer/songwriter Ali S, who hails from Boulia.
For more details and to register for the ‘Managing Risks: Securing the Future’ forum in Rockhampton and the Beef Dinner following the forum, visit the Events page on the AgForce website – http://bit.ly/2xpy7as