2015 - Mixed Farming Systems of the Future
Farmers from across the Central West heard first hand about the latest innovations, future trends and opportunities in the cropping and livestock industries at the recent Agribusiness Today Forum – Mixed farming Systems of the Future held in Forbes.
More than 150 farmers and industry representatives attended the event on Thursday 13 August 2015 with topics ranging from tropical grasses in the central west, future technologies and climate scenarios. Insightful case studies were also presented on vertical integration in vegetable production from Ed Fagan, Mulyan and a Livestock Case Study from Tess Herbert, Gundamain Feedlot.
The Forum included a livestock and cropping Field Trip on the 14th August with 80 people visiting the Wirrinya Trial site to examine lime and stubble projects, cereal and canola trials and managing mice in crops. The group also visited Mattiske’s shearing shed and learnt about developing more efficient livestock management systems.
Feedback from the Forum and Field Trip has been extremely positive with the event heralded as a great opportunity to catch up with other farmers and gain valuable and practical information for use back on the farm.
Presentations
Diana Parsons – Challenges & Opportunities in mixed farming systems 1MG
Professor Drew Dawson – Mega trends and its impact on Agriculture 1MG
Robert Barker – Livestock Market Outlook 2MG
Tim Henry – Grains and oilseeds supply chain marketing 2MG
Dr Suzanne Boschma – Tropical grasses in mixed farming systems 11MG
Michael Cashen – Risk and adaptation to future climate scenarios 1MG
Professor Robert Costanza – Natural Capital and its Future role 7MG
Pip Job – Getting Improved Industry Engagement 312KB
Dr John Kirkegaard – Dual purpose crops to optimse productivity and profitability 5MG
Case Studies
Ed Fagan – Vertical Integration Case Study Mulyan Cowra NSW 1MG
Tess & Andrew Herbert – Livestock Case Study 2MG