Dry season, crime in spotlight

Farmers will get tips on how to make the most out of a tough dry season and avoid rural thefts at a pasture update in Stawell.

Perennial Pasture Systems farmer group and Grassland Society of Southern Australia are partnering to host the MLA Pasture Update at Stawell Town Hall on Wednesday next week.

Consultant Lisa Miller will present details of the new MLA Feedbase Adoption Projects, which are based on producer’s calls for pastures that persist and perform, healthy soils, less weeds and more feed, and more sub-clover.

Steve Cotton from Dynamic Ag will follow with a topical presentation on the dry season – what was learned and what can be done next time.

Simon Grant from Victoria Police’s stock theft and rural crime unit will discuss crime and the police response to such issues.

Acting Senior Sergeant Grant, who is based in Ararat, will emphasise the importance of identifying and reporting rural crime and outline some preventative measures farmers can take.

After a dinner break, Perennial Pasture Systems member Charlie de Fegely will facilitate a panel session on fertiliser strategies after a dry year.

Panellists Andrew Speirs, Meridian Ag; Lisa Miller, SFS; and Shane Dellavedova, Dellavedova Fertiliser Services, will answer questions relating to this year’s fertiliser plans and other issues of soil fertility.

Perennial Pasture Systems project manager Rob Shea said the event would benefit all landholders.

“It has been a tough year so the aim is to help producers finish off the dry season successfully,” he said.

The pasture update, at Stawell Entertainment Centre, will start at 4pm and costs $25 a person and includes afternoon tea and dinner.

People wanting more information can call Mr Shea on 0438 521 357.