In this section:
SA livestock producers to learn how future climate change will affect them
A key group of national climate scientists, extension experts and livestock producers will meet in South Australia early next month to review research that supports producers to change practices in response to climate change.
Grass Gro outputs has allowed producers to see future affects on pasture performance, livestock, supplementary feed requirements, gross margins and other factors impacting on their enterprises.
Hosted by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) – Climate Applications Group, the SA meeting will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, 1-2 November at Serafino’s (old McLarens on the Lake), Kangarilla Rd, McLaren Vale.
This project ‘Adaptation to Climate Change in Southern Australian Livestock Industries’ is funded by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF).
SARDI Climate Applications Senior Research Scientist, Melissa Rebbeck said that tests using the Grass Gro model indicated that by 2030 the main impact of climate change to Australian livestock production is likely to be shortened growing seasons and increased climate variability.
“This has flow-on affects to livestock producers, in particular more variable gross margins,” Ms Rebbeck said.
“Adaptation options have been tested using the Grass Gro model. These commonly include a trading or breeding scheme, a pasture production focus, optimum calving or lambing times, optimum stocking rates and optimum pasture species mixes.
“To date these tested adaptation options have been presented to over 2000 producers Australia wide, most of whom will make changes to their grazing systems in response to the research. The key is to identify adaptation options that can improve farm profitability in both the short and long term.”
Producers will receive an update on the project’s progress and help researchers identify areas that require further research, including understanding the impacts of the Australian Government’s carbon farming initiative and how to incorporate the new policy into their decision making.
Caption
SARDI Climate Applications Senior Research Scientist, Melissa Rebbeck in climate battered country near Loxton in SA’s Riverland. (high resolution image 47.1 KB)
Please note:
Key climate scientists, extension experts and livestock producers will be available for comment at McLaren Vale from 2 pm onwards on Tuesday, November 1.
For further information beforehand contact Melissa Rebbeck 0427 273727 melissa.rebbeck@sa.gov.au or Terry Price SARDI Communications 8303 9433 / 0423 292867
