INTEGRATING DUNG BEETLES TO MAXIMISE PASTURE PRODUCTION AND INCREASE FARM PROFITABILITY
/The latest research on how best to integrate dung beetles into pastures development will be the focus of two pasture improvement events coming up in the Northern Agricultural Region next week.
The ‘food for thought’ events are being run by NACC - in partnership with West-Koojan Gillingarra LCDC, Moore Catchment Council, and Mingenew Irwin Group - with funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme. The events will be held at Gillingarra Hall on Tuesday 31 March, and Mingenew Sports Club on 1 April 2015.
These events will bring together dung beetle expertise and farmer experience to discuss the latest research on dung beetles, as well as how best to use dung beetles to boost perennial pastures and improve farm profitability.
In Gillingarra, Dr John Feehan, Director of SoilCam and former CSIRO dung beetle specialist, will discuss the role of dung burial to maximise pasture production and reduce pest and parasites; while Mr John Leake of NyPa Australia will present an interactive discussion on the challenges and opportunities of adopting NyPa grass, the holistic best practice approach to maximize efficiency in pasture production system, and cost-analysis of NyPa grass.
In the second workshop, at Mingenew Sports Club on Wednesday 1 April, Dr Bernard Doube of Dung Beetles Solution Australia, will talk about the ecology of dung beetles and the roles they play in environmental and soil health; the role of dung beetles in mitigating the effects of climate change; and the role of dung burial by beetles in biocontrol of intestinal parasites. Other topics include the strategic use of chemicals and host immunity in the control of gut parasites, and the role of biochar as a promoter of soil and animal health.
“We are privileged to bring Dr John Feehan and Dr Bernard Doube to the region to share with members of our community their practical and innovative experience on dung beetles and the role beetles can play in improving soil health and mitigating the effects of climate change in the region,” said NACC’s Regional Landcare Facilitator Stanley Yokwe.
To register for the event or for more details, please contact Stanley Yokwe on 0428 649 775 or email Stanley.Yokwe@nacc.com.au.
The dung beetles workshops are delivered jointly by NACC, West-Koojan Gillngarra LCDC, Mingenew Irwin Group, and Moore Catchment Council with funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.