Expo is a learning experience

SEYMOUR Alternative Farming Expo event manager Susie Filleti said visitors often used the expo as a learning experience.

“If someone is thinking about trying a new farming venture they can come along to the expo and talk to people who have been there and done that and are happy to share their experiences,” she said.

Jill Noble and Gary Tie have been coming to the expo for more than 10 years and will be presenting two farm lectures.

In Seven Sheep Essentials they will talk about effective use of pasture and how sheep can control weeds and act as environmental monitors.
They will also demonstrate how technology can help sheep farming and introduce people to useful apps.

Five Business Skills for Farming Success is aimed at people who are new to farming.

“When starting out, people often concentrate on the practical side of farming,” Ms Noble said.

“We will be talking about sales and marketing, financial aspects of the business and strategic planning.”

The expo will also feature lectures and presentations from Agriculture Victoria.

“The experts from Agriculture Victoria come along to keep farmers up-to-date with new thinking and government systems relevant to the industry,” Ms Filleti said.

“This year they will be covering topics such as preparing for the next dry season, the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS), rights and responsibilities on farm biosecurity and preparations for livestock and horses in bushfires.”

Local cattle managers will also share their expertise in several farm lectures.

Each day there will be a lecture on Cattle Production Basics, which will be aimed at attendees who are interested in getting involved with cattle production.

This will give people an introduction to the basic procedures involved in running a small cattle herd.

Cattle Reproduction and Calving Management will explain the normal calving process, what can go wrong and when the vet needs to be called.

Other topics covered will include farm insurance, fruit fly traps, weed control and pasture improvement, Boer goats, alpacas, worm farms for waste management and beekeeping in backyards.

All talks are about 45 minutes and will be in the Farm Lectures marquee and Learning Hub.

A full timetable is included in the official event guide or the website.
A full listing of site-holders and a program of events is available in the official event guide, which is in today’s edition of the North Central Review.

The Seymour Alternative Farming Expo will be at Kings Park, Seymour, from February 15 to 17. For more information or to buy tickets online and save 17 per cent off the gate price, visit: www.seymourexpo.com.au