A NEW approach by Agriculture Victoria to bring the top industry experts to four locations including Mansfield across the state in lieu of the usual conference was well supported with high numbers of primary producers registering for the BetterBeef and BestWool/BestLamb Networks Roadshow 2025.
The Mansfield event at the local golf club on Wednesday, June 4 rounded out the series of roadshows with 146 people registering from across the north east and far away as Seymour and across the NSW border.
The previous roadshows began the end of May in Edenhope in the Wimmera, then Dunkeld in the Southern Grampians and Larder Park near Warragul in Gippsland.
Mansfield’s Alison Desmond, Agriculture Victoria Project Leader -BestWool/BestLamb, said in her introduction, planning had begun in January but given the current conditions the program had been adapted to better support farmers who are dealing with added pressures.
The beef and sheep networks boast 70 groups across Victoria which are able to “thrive” and lean on each other for advice and support.
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The new half-day format allowed primary producers to attend without spending an entire day off farm and in a closer location for the free event.
Each roadshow featured three guest speakers with a wealth of knowledge and the latest insights on pastures, livestock, and farm business management.
Each event used veterinarians that were local to the area.
Dr Anna Manning from Delatite Veterinary Services addressed attendees on the topic “Tough Stock in Tough Seasons, what every producer should know”.
With the dry season many producers are focused on feeding and what they should be doing.
Providing a comprehensive overview of how the rumen was “pivotal” to the health of the animal, Dr Manning looked at the common diseases associated with disruption to the rumen.
The rumen's diverse microbes ferment fibre-rich feed that mammals cannot digest.
It has microbial networks in its compartments to convert nutrients into energy and fatty acids.
“Significant energy change comes with lactation,” said Dr Manning.
She spoke about increasing feed and the right feed to adjust to what is coming.
Among diseases of concern were acidosis, pulpy kidney and bloat which was most common.
There was advice given how to address various ailments with different approaches in sheep and cattle.
The second speaker Cam Nicholson, director of Nicon Rural Services, a consulting business near Geelong, which works with the grazing and cropping industries, presented a two-part presentation on “Optimising Pasture Recovery”.
He covered pasture growth potential and options, calving/lambing considerations, supplementary feeding and spring strategies.
Mr Nicholson tailored his talk to be relevant to Mansfield district farmers.
Two of the drivers for grasses growth he said were soil temperature and soil moisture.
“We have no control over this unless under irrigation,” he said.
He discussed other pasture options and planning ahead.
One useful resource referenced was the government website https://vicdroughthub.org.au/
The final speaker was Dr Jason Trompf from Lambs Alive based at Greta near Wangaratta on “Bullet proofing your business against varying seasons”.
He looked at a review of farm system adaptability to challenges, how to enhance recovery and resilience.
As an agricultural consultant for more than 25 years, he has a strong livestock background and the ability to engage with producers in a practical way.
His engaging presentation was peppered with plenty of sporting analogies such as “defend and attack” to encourage those present to think about their game plan to deal with various challenges.
“Make sure your systems are designed to do what you want,” Dr Trompf said.
This includes being both productive and adaptive.
Under circumstances like this, he said, there is the need to shift the conversation beyond the words “We’ll all be rooned” as Hanrahan laments in the John O’Brien poem.
Dr Trompf shared strategies used by the top 20 farmers in the country over five years and how they were making a profit by taking a longer-term approach rather than relying on a one-year analysis.
Following the speakers there was an opportunity to ask them any questions which was produced some lively discussion.
The roadshow concluded with lunch and opportunity for further conversations and catchups.
Ms Desmond said overall there had been positive feedback from the surveys at each of the sessions.
Comments included “Great event.”
“Very good/positive at a time when we’re all feeling a bit low/tired.”
“Three excellent presenters – best BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef event I have attended.
“Liked the concept of several regional events.”
“I don’t think you could do it better.
"The best speakers in the business.
"Just wish more farmers attended to hear such experts share such valuable information”.
“Great workshop adapted to the current conditions with reminders on how to manage the challenges.”
This one probably sums it up best; “10 Practical things everyone can do after leaving the event”.
