Dairy farmers in south-west Victoria will have the opportunity to learn more about their feeding system options at two upcoming workshops this week.
WestVic Dairy is hosting the two, separate one-day events which will be presented by Agriculture Victoria’s Scott McDonald. Mr McDonald is a Dairy and Livestock Development Specialist with an established reputation as one of Australia's leading technical experts on dairy feeding infrastructure and effluent system design.
The workshops will focus on the role of feedpads in a pasture-based dairy system, along with the different designs and associated costs that are available to farmers.
WestVic Dairy’s Peter Gaffy is facilitating the workshops,
“Feedpads can significantly reduce feed waste, as well as minimise pasture damage from pugging in winter and protect pasture residuals in summer. However, the capital required to install feeding infrastructure can be significant. At these workshops we will look at the cost versus benefit and the pros and cons of different options.
“Each day will also include a farm visit where we will look at a feeding system that is currently in use.
“We are looking forward to welcoming Scott to the south-west. It is a great opportunity for the region’s farmers to hear from an expert in this area. He has over 29 years’ experience and has written many publications on the subject,” Mr Gaffy said.
The workshops take place at the Naringal Hall on Wednesday 5th February and at the Simpson Recreation Reserve on Thursday 6th February. To register for either day call WestVic Dairy on 5557 1000.