NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) researcher, Matthew Newell, said the two-day event would take participants to inspect beef, sheep and dairy production systems, offer insights from local producers and showcase the latest research results.

“The focus is on developing a big picture approach, looking at filling feed gaps, identifying opportunities and exploring what the latest technology has to offer,” Mr Newell said.

“Producers will be keen to hear results from a joint DPI/Grains Research and Development Corporation project evaluating new long-season barley, oat, triticale and wheat varieties.

“These dual-purpose crops give mixed farming systems the ability to produce forage to fill feed gaps and can be harvested for grain.

“DPI’s research into perennial wheat, which has been bolstered with the injection of new lines from the United States, aims to fortify farming systems with new dual purpose crops.”

Research results from NSW DPI will cover:

·  Drone technology to monitor pasture quality and biomass -Dr Anthony Clark,

·  Lamb growth rate and meat quality - Dr David Hopkins

·  Potential benefits from pelvic assessments of Merino ewes - Dr Gordon Refshauge

·  Facts on fertilisers and soil treatments to boost pasture production - Neil Griffiths

Grassland Society president, David Harbison, said insights from local producers would provide food for thought.

“Livestock producers are adapting management strategies to meet feed demands in their animal production systems in variable climatic and market conditions,” Mr Harbison said.

“Grazing options for improved pasture and native species can help producers better meet feed demand and tailor production system to get the most from their resource base.”

The 30th Grassland Society of NSW conference will be held at the Cowra Services Club.

Any Forbes farmers wishing to attend the conference can view the full program and registration details available online, http://grasslandnsw.com.au/news/?page_id=7