SBPA - 20 August Meeting Summary

Another fabulous gathering at Shoalhaven Council Chambers last Friday.

Attendances are hovering around 20 people and increasing which is fabulous.

Welcome to Rob and Pru Broughton from Broughton Vale to the Association.

Key points from the meeting :

• Chairman's Report. The SBPA participation at the Shoalhaven Food and Wine Fair 8/9 January 2011. The aim of this activity is to develop consumer awareness of the shoalhaven beef product.This is happening ahead of palpable demand from the local consumer market for quality locally produced beef. We are seeking volunteers for the activities required to make this successful : marketing, distribution network development, fair point-of-sale, food preparation, livestock management, manual labour ( not thespanish tennis player). Interested and committed ?  ..... Email chairman@shoalhavenbeef.asn.au
• Education Director. DII have met with SDBPA and proposed a fabulous 12 month outlook for  beef enterprise education outline for the Shoalhaven Region. This programme will be published separately for comment. support or other wise. Areas cover Startegic Farm Management, Beef Production Optimisation, Topper Fodder Production,  More Beef from Pastures programme. Enquiries secretary@shoalhavenbeef.asn.au
• Small Farm Network Opportunities. Andrew Britton  from Small Farms Network has indicated that there exists opportunities of up to $20,000 to support education, small farm projects and community awareness. The Secretary is working with Andrew to preapre this submission by this Friday 27 August. Contribution ? Email secretary@shoalhavenbeef.asn.au

Guest speakers - Optimising Beef production

We enjoyed a fabulously informative talk from Vicki Smart and Amanda Britton from DII Berry about the important aspects of calf production.

Key points :

• Nutrition and animal condition are key enablers ...
• Breeder Indications are key to targeting conception ...
• Optimise bull power ...
• AI concepts and issues ...
• Support products are available cost effectively to assist informed decision making

Overall optimal production is about informed decision making and good management & planning.

Vicki and Amanda welcome further enquiries and and farm visits. vicki.smart@industry.nsw.gov.au amanda.britton@industry.nsw.gov.au

Next Meeting  ... 17 September 2010