A packed program of research, technology and practical tools to support farm businesses across Western Australia is on offer in the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) shed at this year’s Wagin Woolorama.
Visitors can explore interactive displays and speak directly with DPIRD specialists across a range of areas, including livestock management advice, climate resilience, biosecurity and pest control.
Sheep producers will have the opportunity to learn about DPIRD’s research into feedbase solutions to reduce methane emissions, an area of growing importance for productivity and sustainability.
Livestock development officer Katherine Davies said for the latest in sheep management, DPIRD experts will be available to talk through condition scoring techniques, seasonal decision-support tools and other practical resources including confinement feeding and making the most of electronic identification (eID).
“The popular GreenFeed in-paddock methane-measuring machine returns this year with live demonstrations outside the shed, giving producers the opportunity to see the technology in action and learn about the links between feed on offer, productivity and methane,” Ms Davies said.
“Staff will also be on hand to discuss the worm vaccine lab research program, where there will be a chance to win free worm egg count tests. We are also offering free farm water testing for pH and salinity throughout the event.”
DPIRD’s livestock biosecurity team will be available to provide details on the rollout of eID for sheep and goats, including the extended Tag Incentive Payment scheme.
Visitors can talk to DPIRD veterinarians and take home on-farm biosecurity resources to help reduce the risk of emergency animal diseases entering their property, including foot-and-mouth disease, lumpy skin disease and avian influenza.
Principal field veterinary officer Anna Erickson said visitors to the DPIRD shed were invited to take part in a short ‘Spot the Biosecurity Risk’ quiz for a chance to win a power washer each day.
“The biosecurity quiz will highlight the daily activities of livestock farming that could allow an emergency animal disease or other disease onto the property and how to prevent it,” Dr Erickson said.
“With the ongoing spread of foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease in Indonesia and H5 avian influenza edging closer to Australia, there has never been a better time for WA producers to review their on-farm biosecurity.”
The WaterSmart Farms team will provide an overview and case studies of the projects, helping to find additional groundwater sources for farmers and agricultural industries.
DPIRD’s aquaculture team will be making its first appearance at the Woolorama, sharing updates on research and fish restocking programs in lakes and rivers across regional WA, while the Fisheries team will provide information on recreational fishing, rock fishing safety and the SharkSmart WA app.
DPIRD’s Carbon Farming & Bioenergy team will be ready to answer carbon farming-related questions and have a range of resources providing independent guidance to landholders considering carbon farming.
Farm owners will be encouraged to update their farm contact details at the popular DPIRD mapping display. Every farm checked will go in the draw to win a laminated A0 farm aerial map of their property.
The Wagin Woolorama runs 6 and 7 March, with the DPIRD display located at Site 626, Kitchener Street.
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