Producers across southern Australia will have the opportunity to strengthen their livestock management skills this April, with a new hands-on training initiative delivered through the SA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub.
The Enhanced Livestock Management Bootcamp, to be held on 22–23 April in Keith, will bring together leading industry advisors and progressive producers for an intensive 1.5-day workshop focused on feed, nutrition and decision-making.
Dr Penny Schulz, Livestock Technical Specialist Adoption Officer with the SA Drought Hub, said the program responds directly to the increasing challenges faced by livestock producers in variable seasonal conditions.
“Producers are dealing with more complex and uncertain environments when it comes to feed supply, livestock nutrition and business decisions,” Dr Schulz said.
“This bootcamp is designed to provide practical, evidence-based tools that producers can apply immediately to improve resilience and productivity on their farms.”
The pilot workshop will cover three key areas: optimising the feedbase, improving nutrition and feed management, and strengthening decision-making and risk management.
Participants will learn how to better match feed supply with livestock requirements, understand pasture growth and grazing systems, and apply decision frameworks to manage seasonal risk and stocking rates.
“This is not just theory, it’s about giving producers confidence to make timely, informed decisions,” Dr Schulz said.
“They’ll walk away with strategies to improve feed utilisation, manage dry periods and make more proactive business decisions.”
The bootcamp will be delivered by highly regarded advisors Felicity Turner (Turner Agri Services), Deb Scammell (Talking Livestock) and Cam Nicholson (Nicon Rural), who collectively bring decades of experience working with livestock enterprises across southern Australia.
“This is a unique opportunity to learn directly from some of the most respected livestock advisors in the country,” Dr Schulz said.
“We’ve designed it as an interactive, small-group experience so participants can really engage, ask questions and apply the concepts to their own situations.”
The event is part of the Enhanced Livestock Management Project and will pilot new learning modules currently under development.
Places are limited to 20 producers, with participation free and all catering included, including a group dinner at the Keith Hotel.
Dr Schulz encouraged early to mid-career beef and sheep producers to register.
“We’re particularly targeting progressive producers who are looking to strengthen their production systems and future-proof their businesses,” she said.
“This is about building capability, confidence and resilience in our livestock sector.”
The workshop will be held at the Keith Institute Meeting Room, running from 9:00am–5:00pm on day one, followed by dinner, and 8:00am–1:00pm on day two, with lunch provided.
Registration is essential: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/enhanced-livestock-management-bootcamp-feed-fodder-decision-making-tickets-1985224657391?aff=oddtdtcreator
This program is proudly supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, through the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SA Drought Hub), the Sheep Industry Fund and Adelaide University.
For media interviews contact:
Belinda Cay, SA Drought Hub communications M: 0423 295 576
