THE upcoming 2016 Cydectin Central West Beef Week will feature two days packed full of beef cattle stud open days, as producers throw their gates open for visitors to inspect any or all of the 18 studs involved.
All up, nine different breeds will be represented during the event, held on Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7.
Six new members will also participate, along with another dozen established members who will be welcoming visitors from across the region, catering for both stud and commercial beef interests.
Ten studs will open their doors from early morning on Friday, while nine will open all day Saturday.
Taking on the committee’s chairmanship for his first year is Wayne Petrie who conducts the Javid Square Meaters stud with wife, Jenny, in the Kangaroobie district north of Orange.
Mr Petrie said this was the third year their herd had opened for inspection and wished all members participating a most successful event, especially the new displays.
“We had absolutely tremendous success last year, being busy with inquiries while the follow-up was very good,” he said.
“Beef Week allowed us to get around and understand a lot more about the beef industry in our region.
“People who visit will arrive with a lot of questions and we are also seeking answers to our own questions, so an open day concept like this becomes an educational experience for the breeder and visitor.”
Mr Petrie said not only visitors got to look into breeding practices while on properties, they could also learn about pasture and stock grazing rotations and regimes.
“There’s a lot to learn about breeding, so take the opportunity to network during your visit.
“You can find out about joining, calving and other beneficial information which you may not utilise immediately, but keep in mind for future times on your own property.”
Speaking on behalf of major sponsor, Cydectin, Virbac Animal Health’s central west area manager, Ben Kidd, said his company believed Central West Beef Week was a great concept to back.
“The open days allow people to inspect a cross-section of breeds while visiting a number of different herds in a couple of days without having to phone and make appointments,” he said.
“It’s quite unique to be able to see top breeding stock in their own environment on-property in a casual atmosphere without the pressure of being at a public sale where you may be obliged to purchase.”
- For further information visit: www.centralwestbeefweek.com.au