Climate will be a hot topic of conversation at the launch of South Coast Beef Producers Association’s Healthy Soils Project on February 24.
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Given the extreme weather conditions over the last week, the seminar will be warmly welcomed by farm operators.
Nowra had its wettest day for 2017 on February 8 recording 41.2 millimetres of rain and two days later on February 10 temperatures hit 42.6 degrees.
The Climate and Healthy Soils session at Shoalhaven Council Chambers is the first of several to be held throughout the year.
Guest speakers, Gary Allan from the Bureau of Meteorology will present the latest findings from the annual Australian Climate Change Conference and how these trends will impact South Coast weather patterns into the future.
“This will provide local land managers with a vital snapshot of the scientific evidence around our changing climate to help them prepare their properties, the soil and the amenities provided for livestock,” SCBPA executive officer Rob Stafford said.
“This is critical information which land managers can use to plan their approach to mitigate the effects of the changing climate on their businesses.
“The importance of this has been highlighted this century and in particular the last couple of years where up to 60 per cent of our annual rainfall has been received in three major weather events and significantly higher and more intense summer temperatures.”
Mr Stafford said fortunately no beef cattle deaths had been reported as a result of the recent heat wave.
“Cattle producers need to ensure safe, clean and secure water supplies and adequate shade for their animals going forward,” he said.
“Additionally, soils and pastures will need to adequately cope with these changing conditions to ensure productivity does not suffer.”
SCBPA will also hold their Annual General Meeting following the seminar.
“We’ve had a great year and as a result we have lots of good news to share with you so we would very much like to see all SCBPA members and many prospective members at our AGM,” Mr Stafford said.
“Please come along with your thoughts and ideas and bring a new or prospective member with you.”
The Climate and Healthy Soils seminar runs from 9.30am to 2pm and is free to SCBPA members.
RSVP is essential for catering purposes, please contact Linda Ayres on 0409 002 928 or email beef@southcoastbeef.asn.au.
The SCBPA AGM runs from 3-4pm. Attendees are invited to stay for drinks following the meeting.