BIGG tackles seasonal challenges

The Barossa Improved Grazing Group is focussing on helping producers consider these in its fourth annual conference ‘Thriving into the Future’, to be held later this month at Nuriootpa.

BIGG chair Graham Keynes says the tough conditions producers are experiencing means having a strong business across all areas is a necessity.

“In dry times more than ever it is vitally important to get every aspect your farming business right," he said.

“For this year’s conference we’ve taken that fact and have organised speakers from the range of perspectives to help make sure producers have all their bases covered.”

The conference speakers include Rural Directions' Simon Vogt on integrating cereals and livestock; veterinarian Catherine Harper on animal health and Ryan Walker speaking about using soil tests to improve production and reduce costs.

The conference will also feature advice and information from local agronomists and a presentation by grapegrower Adrian Hoffmann on the difficult decisions he has made to help his business thrive.

“Along with our expert speakers, another important aspect of our conference is understanding how other producers are handling the drought,” Mr Keynes said.

“We’ll have a panel of producers talking about what they’re doing on their farms, and the conference dinner is an opportunity to talk to other farmers and hear what is, and what isn’t, working for others.”