BIGG Communications Intern and University of Adelaide student, Jasmin Ireland, shares her experience attending the Perennial Pasture Systems 2024 Conference in Ararat, Victoria:
As an Agricultural Science student who is hoping to one day venture into the world of farm management, the conference offered valuable insights and practical strategies that I am excited to implement into my professional journey.
One of my favourite sessions from the conference was Steve Cotton, from Dynamic Ags talk, “Livestock Management when the seasons don’t give what we want”. Steve emphasized the importance of setting seasonal trigger points and clear objectives where key decisions can be made if KPIs aren’t made. He encouraged us to be more confident in our decision making, reminding us that making a decision is better than not making any at all. His advice left a lasting impact on the audience, encouraging participants to be more confident in making changes in their own enterprises and personal careers.
As someone who is still learning a lot about pasture systems in agriculture, Alister Moorhead’s presentation, “Speed Dating Your Plants” provided a comedic approach to developing knowledge on the benefits of each species. This session focussed on how different types of pastures compete for nutrients and moisture and how some form natural relationships with one another. For example, a highly productive perennial ryegrass isn’t always the best partner for compatibility in the short term. Meanwhile, a tall fescue may be slow to get going, but it forms good relationships with legumes and herbs. However, it doesn’t work well when partnered with other grasses as it can be too competitive.
Following the PPS 2024 Conference, we had the unique opportunity to have a tour of local producers Wayne Burtons production system. It was great to put my newly developed knowledge of pasture production into practice as we looked over various pasture combinations. While we were there, a scientist was also running trials for red-legged earth mites. She taught us about how they use the vacuums to count the numbers of bugs. She also emphasized just how much damage red-legged earth mites can cause to pasture and crop production systems. It was fascinating to hear about just how many farms are being impacted by infestations without the farmers knowledge!
Leaving the PPS 2024 Conference, I feel more equipped and inspired to implement this new knowledge as I begin my career as a professional in the agricultural industry. The conference reignited my passion for networking and communication within the industry. I believe the strategies and insights gained with play a pivotal role as I navigate the various challenges and opportunities which lie ahead within the agricultural sector. I would like to extend a huge thank you to Tamara Zerk from the SA Drought Hub, Tim Prance from Grasslands Society of Southern Australia, the AW Howard Trust Student Bursary and the Perennial Pasture Systems Group for equipping me with the tools and support which made attending the 2024 PPS Conference possible and allowed me to make the most of this amazing event.
Tim Prance, Chair:GSSA flanked by AW Howard Trust Student Bursary recipients and University of Adelaide 3rd year students, Jasmin Ireland, and Malachi Wex at the Perennial Pasture Systems Conference at Arrarat, Victoria.