South West growers group calls on beef producers for new project

The new project, 'Filling the Autumn Feed Gap' is aimed at beef producers in the Lower South West region, and aims to demonstrate the potential of autumn grazed fodder crops to provide a lower cost and more productive alternative to supplement feeding with conserved fodder.

Growers Group chairman Ian Greenwood said it was great to see the project supported in the region.

"The focus will be on whether a successful autumn forage crop could allow beef producers in the region to meet weaner target weights and maintain stocking rates during that crucial late summer, early autumn period as well as providing a lower cost feed alternative to fodder conservation. We're excited to get started," he said.

The four-year project will see a strip trial demonstration site established in the first year where six to ten different autumn fodder varieties will be seeded to see how they perform.

Years two to four will see potential well-performing varieties selected and rolled out at five different farm sites across the Lower South West. The project will also include a number of field days throughout the four years as well as case studies and a producer project guide to provide an information hub for Lower South West growers on autumn fodder crops.

The group aims to support growers across both the Augusta Margaret River and Nannup Shires and is calling on beef producers who are interested in being part of the project to make contact.

"The LSWGG is open to all Lower South West producers, large and small, and to anyone else who is interested in primary production in the region."

For more information contact Joanna Wren via info@lswgrowersgroup.com.au or on 0408 584 006.