Many Victorian farms have steep hills with native grass pastures. The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and landholders have been working together to develop ways to better manage these pastures through research such as the Ararat Steep Hills Project and that from Rutherglen Research Institute.

The field day will focus on native grasses in relation to identification; pasture management using deferred and rotational grazing, fertiliser rates and their impact on pasture composition, effects of ground cover on water and nutrient runoff, and the economic returns and biodiversity benefits of steep hill management. Also whole farm planning principles will be presented utilising aerial photography.

Speakers:

Meredith Mitchell, Native Grasses Research Scientist, DPI Rutherglen

Zhongnan Nie, Pastures Research Scientist, DPI Hamilton

Jim Crosthwaite, Manager of the Farm Business & Biodiversity Project, DSE Melbourne

Kristy Youman, Soil Health Officer, DPI Wodonga

Local Walwa farmers, to host the afternoon farm visits

Structure of Field Day

•   9.30 - 12.15 - Presentations at the Walwa Golf Club
• 12.15 -  1.00 - Lunch at the Walwa Golf Club

•              1.00 -  3.00 - Farm visits

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