DPIRD shed open for business at Newdegate Field Days

A snapshot of programs supporting the State’s primary industries will be on show at this week’s Newdegate Field Days.

Visitors are encouraged to get to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) display to find out more about research, development and biosecurity initiatives supporting farmers and regional landholders.

Katanning-based DPIRD veterinarian Judy Burson will be among two vets on hand at the animal biosecurity display to discuss steps that landholders can take to reduce the risk of emergency animal diseases on their property, as well as the subsidies available for investigating animal diseases.

“Visitors of all ages can enjoy the hands-on biosecurity activities including learning more about how to set up their chicken coop to protect their flock from avian influenza and have a chance to win a bird feeder,” Dr Burson said.

“The pig feed game is also a fun way to learn what foods to avoid leaving at a camping site, in the paddock or feeding to your pigs in order to prevent African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease being introduced to Australia.”

Producers will have the opportunity to talk to DPIRD staff about the national rollout of sheep and goat electronic identification (eID) and go in the draw to win a bag of eID tags.

Sheep research conducted at DPIRD’s Katanning Research Station will be on display, including trials exploring year-round green feed options for livestock and cutting-edge studies measuring feed intake and methane emissions.

Visitors can engage with interactive displays, including a quiz on lamb carcase grading and the latest technology in objective carcase measurement.

DPIRD officers will be available to speak with sheep producers, processors and supply chain businesses about grants now open under round one of the $40 million Supply Chain Capacity Program, funded by the Australian Government.

The department’s carbon farming team will be in attendance, with Round 3 of the Carbon for Farmers Voucher Program now open for applications.

“The team will be on hand to answer questions about the application process and whether integrating carbon farming might be an option for your business,” project officer Imogen Kotsoglo said.

Visitors will also be able access information to help landholders reduce emissions, adapt to climate change and build climate resilience.

The popular mapping section will return, allowing farmers to view their properties.

DPIRD research scientist Mark Sander said farmers could check and confirm their contact details so that in an emergency, DPIRD is able to contact them.

“Every farm checked will go into the draw to win a laminated aerial map of their property,” Mr Sander said.

The Fisheries Community Education team will be available to answer questions about recreational fishing rules and how to care for your catch.

The Newdegate Machinery Field Days runs from 3–4 September. DPIRD’s display is located in the exhibition shed at site 17, First Avenue, Newdegate Field Days site.