By Kim Woods
Sheep meat insights and innovative agricultural businesses will be outlined to stud and commercial producers at the annual Australian White Suffolk Association conference early next month.
The conference, to be held on February 2-4 at Aspect Tamar Valley Resort, Grindelwald, Tasmania, will draw delegates from NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.
The event will be open to commercial producers, industry stakeholders and the public who have registered to attend.
Landfall Farm Fresh principal Frank Archer will open the morning session on February 3, followed by a Tasmanian market update from Roberts Ltd livestock general manager Rafe Bell, and a presentation by Andrew Streeter, Coopers, on the Tasvax 8 vaccine.
An update on LAMBPLAN will be given by Sheep Genetics, Richard Miller will outline the sustainable and ethically sourced philosophy of Petuna Seafood and Dr Bruce Jackson will cover the ovine brucellosis-free accreditation scheme in Tasmania.
The Rural Bank’s Hannah Janson will speak on farm values and sheep meat insights, Struan and Monica Pearce, studstocksales.com, on stud promotion and marketing and Federal Member for Braddon Gavin Pearce will cover agriculture in Tasmania.
The sessions will be rounded off with tastings from the Delamere Winery.
The second day involves site visits to Heazelwood Seeds at Whitemore to see vegetable, cereal and pasture seeds packaged for export, followed by a poppy paddock inspection and concluding with a Boags Brewery tour.
The conference will wrap up with the annual general meeting and a dinner at the Aspect Tamar Valley Resort featuring guest speaker and champion axeman David Foster.
Conference committee member and Hagley producer Chris Badcock said the program was designed to be a mix of sheep related and innovative agricultural businesses to help people think outside the box and create discussion.
“They will be sharing insights on philosophy and marketing in their successful businesses,” Mr Badcock said.
He said drought and bushfires on the mainland had impacted delegate numbers this year.
“But, we are still expecting a fairly good roll-out.
“Most breeders had strong demand for White Suffolk rams throughout the selling season in Tasmania last year.
“Rams are going over first-cross ewes and a reasonable number over Merinos.”
Mr Badcock said there was continued demand for White Suffolk cross lambs from northern finishers and processors.
“The restockers like the White Suffolk sired lamb for its easy care attributes and clean points.”
