One of Australia’s leading ruminant nutritionists, San Jolly, from Productive Nutrition, will lead a sheep nutrition discussion about using standing crops at an event at St Arnaud later this month.
Presentations will focus on the benefits of using standing crops for lamb production and how standing crops offer greater biomass and groundcover than annual pastures during spring and into summer.
Birchip Cropping Group’s livestock systems manager Alison Frischke said participants would learn about preferred cereal varieties for grazing, nutritional components of the crop, how to introduce animals and the grazing behaviour of sheep in tall crops.
‘‘We’ll also discuss how standing crops benefit paddock health by protecting soils from erosion by the elements, and from overgrazing by finishing animals faster so they can be marketed earlier,’’ she said.
‘‘Farmer experiences will be shared, and profitability demonstrated that highlights how using standing crops is a valuable, low-risk option for mixed farmers.’’
The discussion will be held on Thursday, March 21 at St Arnaud Sporting Club, 26 Dunstan St, St Arnaud, from 2pm. Entry cost is $20 and a barbecue will be provided.
■To register, phone Alison Frischke on 0429922787 or Colin Coates on 0427693329.
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