1. 10th World Merino Conference

Uruguay will host the 10th WORLD MERINO CONFERENCE to be held from 7th to 15th April 2018 in Uruguay, with tours visiting the major Merino studs in the country as well as show and judging, besides the Conference activities. This Conference is organised by the Uruguayan Merino Breeders Society with the support of the World Federation of Merino Breeders. The World Conference convenes every four years and one of the main objectives is to encourage the participation and massive networking of researchers, breeders and companies or institutions related to the breed as well as encourage the participation of students from different areas as they will be the future Merino breeders.

For more information see the Conference Website

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2. Wild Dog Mapping

WildDogScan is a free resource for landholders, the community and pest controllers to record and map sightings of wild dogs, their impacts, and control activities in their local area. This could include incidental sightings (one-off), or more regular data gathered over time. Information recorded can be used to document wild dog activity and identify potential hotspots and priority areas for wild dog control and to help coordinate on-ground control or actions to prevent the problems caused by wild dogs.
WildDogScan can be used online or via an app, available on both the Apple and GooglePlay stores. There are also other sites and apps for other species, such as feral cats, pigs and foxes.

Find out more

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3. Pregnancy scanning your ewes

Pregnancy scanning ewes can be a very useful tool for managing reproductive performance and making decisions around marketing and nutrition of your flock. Ben Banks from ‘Rivington’ Blackall has been scanning for about 9 years and scans 100,000 ewes per year. In a short video, Ben talks about the benefits of pregnancy scanning your ewes and how you can use the data you collect. Ben also gives some tips for those who are just starting out with scanning. Ben believes scanning is a ‘no brainer’ and everyone should be doing it to make more out of their sheep.

Watch the video here (3 mins 45 secs)

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4. Farm Management Grants

Farm Management Grants are now available to assist eligible Queensland primary producers or their relatives offset the costs of professional advice associated with succession planning. Costs eligible for the rebate include those for professional advice provided by suitably qualified professionals including for example, accountants, succession advisors or solicitors .

Rebates of up to 50 per cent of the amount paid for professional advice, to a maximum of $2,500 for each financial year of the scheme, are available. To receive a rebate for a financial year, an application must be received in that year and may include an application made before professional advice is received.

For more information and to apply visit the QRAA website

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5. Upcoming events

24 & 25 June, Wild dog workshop and marksmanship challenge, Raglan. To find out more click here.

5 July, Feeding for lamb survival Webinar (plus Sheep & cattle benchmarking groups expressions of interest). Click here to register, for more information contact Andrea Wiles at andrea.wiles@daf.qld.gov.au

10 – 14 July, Agribusiness short course, Roma. Click here for more information

18 & 19 July, MLA Business Edge Course, Roma. Click here for more information and to register

20, 21 & 24 July, Pest Animal Management and Chemical Training Workshops. For more information contact Damien Ferguson at admin@agforceprojects.org.au

27 July, AgForce Field Day, Charleville. For more information contact Vick Franklin, AgForce on 07 4654 3675 or franklinv@agforceqld.org.au

1 & 2 August, Grazing BMP Workshop, Blackall. To register, contact Kiri Broad on 0428 102 841 or kiri.broad@daf.qld.gov.au

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