DPIRD set to showcase latest findings at Katanning Research Station

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is calling on all livestock producers, broadacre farmers and agribusinesses in the Great Southern to attend their showcase of the latest livestock, carbon emissions and land management research.

The research showcase will be held in conjunction with Great Southern Merino Sheepbreeders’ Association’s sheep show on Thursday, August 17 at the Katanning Leisure Centre, before a tour of the Katanning Research Station in the afternoon.

The morning program includes DPIRD’s chief scientist Dr Ben Biddulph discussing the importance of livestock in managing risks in broadacre farming systems.

Senior development officer Mandy Curnow will conduct a ‘Putting Carbon into Context’ presentation on the integration of carbon principles into every aspect of farming.

KRS has been researching ways to limit the carbon footprint left by the farming and agricultural industry and is planning to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Ms Curnow’s talk will highlight the 2030 Carbon Neutral plan and survey carbon emission-reducing methods put forward by DPIRD.

The tour of KRS will play a key role in this process with carbon measurement and understanding being a pillar of every research project currently in progress.

The latest results from the FEED365 project, which seeks the growth of year-round grazing options, will be discussed and aided by the tour of 48 trial sites of grasses, legumes, grazing crops and shrubs.

Lunch will be available for purchase through the Rabobank WA sheep expo and ram sale.

The day will conclude at 4pm at the Katanning Leisure Centre with a sundowner accompanied by a complimentary barbecue and drinks.