The department’s GreenFeed machine will be on display outside the DPIRD shed, accompanied by researchers from the Katanning Research Station and Albany who will explain how the machine works.
The cutting-edge machine measures greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from individual cows and sheep, allowing researchers to more accurately determine emissions in the paddock.
DPIRD’s Climate Resilience Program research scientist Umair Hassan Khan said when each animal visits the trailer, their electronic ear tag is read and an extraction fan automatically activated.
“The air is then analysed by the machine measuring methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen and hydrogen,” Dr Khan said.
“The machine offers researchers and livestock producers the opportunity to benchmark GHG emissions from WA grazing systems and to evaluate different feed types aimed at reducing methane emissions while maintaining animal and farm productivity.”
Sheep and goat producers can pick up information on the national rollout of sheep and goat electronic identification (eID).
DPIRD Sheep and Goat eID project manager Michael Britton said producers could discuss any issues, challenges or benefits they have experienced in transitioning toward an eID regime.
“With the requirement for any sheep and goats born from 1 January 2025 onward to be eID-tagged, we are looking forward to meeting producers at Woolorama to answer any questions they may have,” Mr Britton said.
“Visitors to the display with current property identification codes, or PICs, will be offered the chance to win one of three sets of 100 eID tags of their choice on each day of the show.”
Development officer Natalie Hogg said the seasonal information stand would offer free water testing to help producers assess the suitability of their water supply for stock.
“With large parts of the agricultural region having experienced drier than normal conditions, producers will be able to bring in water samples for salinity and pH testing,” Ms Hogg said.
“A rural support services directory will be available and sheep producers will be able to access detailed information on condition scoring and confinement feeding.”
For beekeepers, the bee biosecurity display will include a broad range of bee pest information and demonstrations on how to check hives, along with a raft of other general beekeeping requirements for WA.
The DPIRD Woolorama display will be at Site 626, Kitchener St, opposite the ram pavilion.
DPIRD is a proud sponsor of the 2024 Wagin Woolorama, which runs 8 and 9 March 2024.
Media contacts:
Jodie Thomson/Megan Broad, DPIRD media liaison (08) 9368 3937/3137
