DPIRD development officer Ashleigh Lydon said the latest sheep research and best practice husbandry would be on show.
“Visitors can find out more about the work being done on the sustainability traits project at the Katanning Research Station,” Ms Lydon said.
“The research aims to improve the feed conversion efficiency of sheep, which require less feed to produce more meat, as well as emit less methane and carbon dioxide.
“The work will underpin the addition of sustainability traits to Australian Sheep Breeding Values so farmers can select animals that achieve their breeding objectives.”
A methane measuring chamber will be brought from the Katanning facility for visitors to inspect in the department’s Dowerin shed.
There will also be a sheep and goat electronic identification (eID) display, with question and answer presentations about the move to the new system at 10am and 2pm daily. Visitors to the display have the chance to win an eID stick reader.
“We will also have model sheep with different condition scores to demonstrate how eID tags can be used to improve flock management,” Ms Lydon said.
The FutureSheep project, a four-year co-funded project between DPIRD and Meat and Livestock Australia, will also be showcased.
Project manager Kevin Foster said the project aimed to protect the profitability of Western Australian sheep production in response to increasing climate variability and greater demand to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from the sector.
Dr Foster said the initiative was working with producers to identify adaptations to climate change that are profitable, environmentally sustainable and targeted towards future market opportunities.
“We are looking at pasture and grain production, economic analysis and social implications of three case study farms in the Merredin, Wagin and Kojonup areas, under 2030 and 2050 projected climate scenarios,” he said.
“The economic analysis will compare current practices and possible climate adaptation strategies, such as the feedbase, farm systems and enterprise mix.”
The department’s carbon farming team members will be on hand to answer questions, while presentations are scheduled at 11am and 1pm daily in the DPIRD shed.
Visitors can also hear more about the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration, which brings together DPIRD, CSIRO, Grower Group Alliance and Curtin, Edith Cowan and Murdoch Universities, as well as the University of Western Australia.
The Collaboration brings a ‘Team WA’ approach to research and development and a unified vision to build research quality, capacity, careers and collaborations for future generations.
Biosecurity displays will include the latest information on good grains biosecurity practices, the Skeleton Weed Program and correct feed for pigs to prevent exotic diseases.
Free farm biosecurity signs will also be available.
Regional Digital Solutions team members will be on hand with information on completed and in-progress mobile and fixed wireless projects across WA.
The Dowerin Machinery Field Days will be held Wednesday and Thursday, 30-31 August 2023. The DPIRD shed is located along Uberin Street, Dowerin, which is included on the field day clipper bus route.
Picture caption: DPIRD staff will be on hand at the Dowerin Machinery Field Days to provide information and advice on a range of department initiatives.
