Grassland conference will highlight farm investment potential. Picture – Craig Hinchliffe.

RETURNS from investments in pastures, fertilisers and improved livestock management will be highlighted at the Grassland Society of Southern Australia’s annual conference at Nagambie on September 6-7.

The 58th annual conference at Michelton Wines will outline the best ways to invest on-farm to capitalise on good livestock prices.

Local organising committee member Ron Harris said the Grassland Society was built on a long tradition of growing quality pastures and then utilising them efficiently to produce a product demanded by consumers.

“Most livestock producers are seeing good returns but the conference will remind us of the basics to profitable enterprises, such as higher stocking rate, a greater focus on pastures and generally investing more on improved pastures,” Mr Harris said.

The conference will feature guest speakers highlighting the returns farmers can expect from investing on-farm be it pastures, fertilisers or improved livestock management.

“Because of the higher prices for sheep and cattle, the pay-back period for improved pastures is now about four years, which is the shortest it has been for a fair while,” Mr Harris said.

“To get that payback you need to lift stocking rates.

“There are lots of pastures running 10 dry sheep equivalent (DSE) which could get up to 15 DSE.”

The conference will feature presentations from local practitioners and some of Australia’s best researchers. It will include half day bus trips to visit local farms and the Society’s Annual General meeting.

For all conference enquiries, call the GSSA Office on 1300 137 550, or email [email protected]