With demand for cattle seemingly inexhaustible, the 2016 Beef forum held at the Graham Centre, Wagga Wagga was a timely chance for producers and industry specialists to assess the latest information relating to sustainable beef production.
Director, Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Professor Michael Friend, said current conditions mean “there has never been a better time to be in the beef business.”
However, despite strong prices, good season and continued high demand, Professor Friend sounded a note of caution.
“There is significant optimism across the industry,” he said.
“However, significant challenges exist, which if not addressed will threaten the future viability of the industry.”
Opening the seminar, Dr Nick Sangster from Meat and Livestock Australia spoke about programs being developed to support latest innovative practices needed to maintain Australian competitiveness in international markets.
Dr Alastair Smith, senior lecturer in ruminant health and production, CSU, Wagga Wagga, spoke on diseases which rob productivity and profitability in cattle herds, while cattle producer Andrew Nixon, presented a case study based upon his operation in the Crookwell district.
With high saleyard prices being underpinned by restockers, Holmes Sackett, Wagga Wagga, director John Francis talked about some of the principles relating to profitable trading of cattle.
He was followed by James Morse, a cattle producer in the Molong district, who contributed to the morning by explaining his experience of trading cattle, and balancing a breeding herd with a trading mob.
Others who spoke include Jed Metz from the Cattle Council of Australia, Associate Professor Scott Norman, Dr Shawn McGrath, Dr John Wilkins and Dr Robert Banks, all from DPI or CSU, Wagga Wagga,
