Visitors to Wagin Woolorama are reminded to stop by the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) shed to access the latest information about livestock, grains and agribusiness.
DAFWA’s Katanning manager Keith Ohlsen said Woolorama provided a unique opportunity for visitors to get the latest information in the agriculture and food sector.
“A key purpose of the display is to build awareness of the ways that the department supports farm business and industry success,” Mr Ohlsen said.
“We invite anyone with a question about their farm business operation, the season ahead, land management or biosecurity, to come to the DAFWA Shed and tap into our knowledge and resources.”
Preparedness for emergency animal disease will be a focus of the department’s biosecurity display at this year’s Woolorama, in particular increasing awareness of what a national livestock standstill is, who it would affect and why it is important to cooperate with a standstill.
“The display will also highlight the importance of being aware of the signs and the need for speedy reporting of emergency diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza and Hendra virus,” Mr Ohlsen said.
Sheep producers can find out more about programs including Lifetime Ewe Management training, Sheep’s Back network, Ram Select and Making More From Sheep. They can also find out more about the More Sheep 100%+ Club and nominate themselves or someone else.
For grain growers, department officers will be on hand to demonstrate online support available to assist them with cropping decisions including accessing the latest in weather information, crop diagnostics and pest information and reporting.
Visitors can also complete a quick survey on the training needs of growers and agronomists to be in the running to win a Nexus 7 tablet.
A display comparing pest threats with native organisms which can be mistaken for them will be on offer courtesy of DAFWA’s Pest and Disease Information Service.
“This is just a sample of what’s on offer from the department during Wagin Woolorama,” Mr Ohlsen said. “I encourage everyone to pop into the DAFWA Shed and have a chat and let us help support your success.”
The Department of Agriculture and Food Shed is located at Site 626 on Kitchener Street at Wagin Woolorama, on 7-8 March 2014.
Media contacts: Jodie Thomson, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937