Take the learning home with you

Lamb producer Georgie Burbury is the first producer chair of the Red Meat Updates Working Group. She and the group is currently organising this year’s MLA-sponsored Red Meat Update 2016, to be held at Launceston on 22 July 2016.

After studying agricultural science at the University of Tasmania, Georgie spent five years working in beef and lamb feedlots in eastern Australia. She has been back in Tasmania working on the family farm for several years and manages Eastfield’s lamb feedlot, which supplies lamb to domestic and international markets.  Georgie and her husband also run a mixed farming operation at Campbell Town.

Here we talk to Georgie about why producers should make sure they get along to this year's Red Meat Update, which has a focus on tools, resources and training opportunities producers can utilise when they get back to the farm or the office.

Q: As a producer, what do you look for in updates and events such as this and how did that help underpin your focus for this event?

Red Meat Updates has earned a reputation for being a forum where the state’s leading red meat producers can gain a snapshot of key industry research findings, resources and tools, training options and technological innovations. It is a day where producers, advisors, researchers and industry stakeholders come together to network and learn.  This is the expectation of industry and what we keep in mind when planning the next event.

In a new approach, for the 2016 event we have also ensured that the program has strong links to tools, resources and training activities.  It's well and good to come along and learn what is going on and to leave inspired ... but how do you go back to your business and make change as a result?

People can come along to Red Meat Updates and increase their awareness about many different things – what leading producers do to increase the resilience of their business, how changes to grazing management can boost pasture production and utilisation, new research findings and emerging technologies - but now they can take the next step, by having the opportunity to access relevant resources or to sign up to a training activity to help take their knowledge and skills to the next level.

Q: What else will be on offer?

It's a great place to catch up with people and meet other producers

There is no other forum in Tasmania where you will see such a large number of red meat producers in one place.

Q: Why is it important for producers to attend this year?

The seasonal conditions in the last year have been particularly challenging for grazing operations in Tasmania. We have seen records broken for cold winters and dry springs as well as extreme rainfall events. 

The theme for 2016 has been inspired by the learnings during this time and looking for ways we can work smarter, not just harder, to achieve our goals.

Register today at: https://redmeatupdates.com/