By Michael Roberts | posted on July 23, 2020
AN AGRICULTURAL research and development forum that was put on hold has now been given the green light to go ahead in October.
While a number of local events were cancelled once the pandemic hit home, preparations are in full swing again for Livestock ’20 Great Southern, co-hosted by Stirlings to Coast Farmers (SCF) and the WA Producers’ Co-operative (WAPC).
Held over two days from October 22-23, farmers from the Great Southern will have the chance to keep up to speed with the latest research and development and connect with local industry.
Practical demonstrations and displays will be on show at a West Kendenup farm on day one, followed by a producer’s forum at the Albany Entertainment Centre on day two.
Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan will be in Albany to speak at the event.
In a time when Australian farmers are facing more uncertainty than ever, WAPC CEO Christine Kershaw said ag workers would hear directly from other producers about how they are successfully managing a range of issues on farms.
“If a farmer comes they should be able to take something home with them straight away,” she said.
“It’s not all futuristic stuff. A lot of it is really practical.”
SCF CEO Nathan Dovey said breakout sessions throughout day two would allow producers to discuss modern challenges like water security and climate variability.
“People don’t always have the opportunity to come to something that’s close to them, it’s normally in Perth,” he said.
“For farmers in Albany it’s just too far and they miss out on some good content. We’re bringing high-quality content right here into town.”
Ms Kershaw said she wanted to remind Albany locals of the city’s farming roots.
“We need to raise the profile of farming in the town, it’s a bit city-centric,” she said.
“If I could have I would run some sheep down the main street.”
