News

May field days for Small Landholders

Media release : 29th April 2008

The Department of Agriculture and Food will host two introductory workshops during May to assist small landholders in the Avon area in managing their properties.

Development officer Jodie Bowling said the workshops would cover a range of issues commonly experienced by small landholders who were often new to the rural environment.

The workshops are a part of the widely acclaimed series of events generated through DAFWA’s Small Landholder Information Service.

Ms Bowling said they provided an ideal way for landholders to source ideas and contacts to make managing their property fun and rewarding without many of the headaches that can present themselves.

Key topics will include reducing fire risks, the pleasures and responsibilities of keeping animals, tree planting preparation and management, salinity management, weed and pest control, and alternative crop and livestock options.

The workshops will feature speakers from various organisations including the Department of Agriculture and Food, Meat and Livestock Australia, the Alpaca Association and local shires.

Ms Bowling said information presented at the workshops would help small landholders with developing sustainable property management plans for their properties.

“I urge all small landholders to attend one of the May workshops to become more familiar with the responsibilities in owning a small rural property, and to better understand how their decisions can affect their own or neighbouring properties,” she said.

The Small Landholder Introductory Field Days will be held from 9am to 3pm on 17 May at the Department of Agriculture and Food’s Avondale Farm on Waterhatch Road in Beverley, and on 24 May at CSIRO’s Yalenbee Farm, on Berry Brow Road (just off Great Eastern Highway) in Bakers Hill.

“We are holding the workshops on-farm, and remind participants to think about farm biosecurity. For instance, please don’t wear the boots you just wore in your own sheep pen,” Ms Bowling said.

Small landholders interested in attending should register as soon as possible by phoning Jodie Bowling on 9690 2252.

Media Contacts

Jodie Bowling	9690 2252, Mob 0434 357 393
Katrina Bonser/Lisa Bertram, media liaison	9368 3937/9368 3325