Sheep, cows and climate in the spotlight at Perth forum

Media release
‘Meaty Matters: Cows and Climate’ will be held on Tuesday 13 December at Crown Perth, with an option for participants to also connect online.
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Limousin cattle on green pasture in Brunswick

Livestock producers, scientists and interested stakeholders are encouraged to register for a Perth forum examining the role of livestock amid a changing climate.

‘Meaty Matters: Cows and Climate’ will be held on Tuesday 13 December at Crown Perth, with an option for participants to also connect online.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Primary Industries Development Deputy Director General Cec McConnell urged anyone with an interest in sustainable livestock farming for the future to register.

“The forum will bring together Australian and international experts in livestock, farming systems and methane/greenhouse gas calculations to discuss how livestock are a key part of the climate change solution,” Ms McConnell said.

“This event is aimed at engaging livestock producers, scientists and members of the public to increase understanding of the value of livestock in climate-positive agriculture.” 

Among the keynote speakers are Dr Terry McCosker, an internationally-acclaimed teacher who made several world-first discoveries in the 1980s in the fields of bull fertility, ruminant nutrition and pasture ecology.

Professor Graham Gardner, of Murdoch University, will bring a global perspective in his role on the steering committee of the Dublin Declaration, an international collaboration of scientists whose research contributes to balanced solutions for the future of animal agriculture.

Professor David R. Montgomery, Earth and Space Sciences, University of Washington, will connect virtually to discuss human nutrition and the value of pasture-fed livestock.

Other key speakers include animal scientist Professor Phil Vercoe of The University of Western Australia and Dr Brad Ridoutt from CSIRO. 

A panel discussion will end the day where methane science and consumer sentiments towards livestock and agriculture will be dissected.

For more information or to register, go to the department website www.agric.wa.gov.au/events/meaty-matters-cows-and-climate-forum

 

Picture caption: Limousin cattle eating in green pasture in the South West.