Koonunga Agricultural Bureau Meeting: AGM & Crop Reports
2024-06-05 19:30 (Australia/Adelaide) | Ebenezer Community Centre
Koonunga Agricultural Bureau Meeting: AGM & Crop Reports
Ebenezer Community Centre
Contact: Brenton Mengerson, Secretary, 0409 282708.

Livestock strategies for the next 100 days
2024-06-27 14:00 - 17:30 | Angaston Bowling Club, Newcastle Street, Angaston, South Australia, Australia
With a challenging start to the season hear from topic experts on developing strategies going forward including:

Felicity Turner, Turner Agribusiness: Looking after your livestock and feedbase – the importance of decision making tools to forecast and make decisions.
Deb Scammell, Talking Livestock: Early weaning lambs & calves – when and how?

Ken Solly: Coping better with dry times.
Mary Chirgwin: Vaccine coverage in dry times.

Followed by dinner and drinks.
RSVP Monday 24 June: Deb Scammell 0407 790 622, deb@talkinglivestock.com.au

Koonunga Agricultural Bureau Meeting: Annual social & guest speaker Tim Lynas
2024-07-03 19:30 | Ebenezer Community Centre
Koonunga Agricultural Bureau Meeting: Annual social and guest speaker Tim Lynas.
Ebenezer Community Centre.
Contact: Brenton Mengerson, Secretary, 0409 282708.

Angaston Agricultural Bureau meeting
2024-09-10 19:30 | Barossa Vets
Join us for a visit to Barossa Vets.
All welcome, please RSVP to Secretary Mark Grossman (phone number below).

BIGG Annual General Meeting
2024-10-17 17:00 - 19:30 | Stockwell Hotel
5pm start, followed by dinner.
All Welcome!
Enquires, RSVPs and Board Nominations to:
Alexi Kentish, Executive Officer
alexi.kentish@biggroup.org.au

Drought Resilient Pasture Legumes Trial site visit
2024-10-18 09:00 - 09:40 | Barossa Angus, 55 Dawson Road, Mount Crawford, South Australia, Australia
University of Adelaide researchers (Hannah Griffiths, Tshewang Dorji) will showcase and discuss the results of a trial evaluating drought resilient pasture legumes.
• View the performance of serradellas compared to clover and medics on sandy soils
• See the effect of grazing on these species
• Learn how the feed quality of these species stack up
RSVP:
Brett Nietschke: brett.nietschke@biggroup.org.au or 0432 804 389

Coopers Farm Supplies Pasture Demo Day
2024-10-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Coopers Pasture Plots, 3211 Eden Valley Road, Mt Pleasant
View annual, perennial, and multi-species pasture options and learn about soil health.
Contact: Adam Krahnert, Coopers Farm Supplies.
8568 2611, enquiries@coopersmp.com.au

BIGG Pasture Walk
2024-10-24 14:00 - 17:00
Join researchers, seed industry leaders, and local farmers to learn about:
• New and upcoming ryegrass lines.
• Grazing brassicas for lamb production.
• Options for multi-species perennial pastures.
RSVP: brett.nietschke@biggroup.org.au or 0432 804 389
Download the flyer for more information.

BIGG AGM
2024-11-14 18:00 - 19:00
New Date!
RSVPs & Board Nominations to alexi.kentish@biggroup.org.au
Venue TBC.

BIGG Annual Conference 'Moving Towards Greener Pastures'
2025-02-13 12:30 - 22:00 | Lambert Estate, Angaston, 55 Long Gully Road, Angaston, SA, Australia
Gather and connect with the Barossa livestock community whilst being inspired and informed by a lineup of prominent speakers including:
Keynote speaker ALLAN PARKER OAM, renowned neuroscientist
‘How to improve you and every other human interaction’.
PAUL MCGORMAN, Kangaroo Island farmer and 2024 Nuffield Scholar
‘Agricultural drones from a farmer’s perspective’.
MARK INGLIS, Thomas Foods International
‘AU we are in the box seat. Who else is going to supply it?’
SARAH WEAVER, University of Adelaide
‘Next generation wool harvesting’.
Other conference highlights include:
Dinner with presentation from GREG CAMPBELL, former S.Kidman & Co Chief Executive
‘Strategy and culture in the later Kidman years’.
Q&A farmer panel facilitated by Talking Livestock’s Deb Scammell on the topic ‘Livestock farming through challenges and into the future’.
Trade displays – learn more about local services and providers.
BIGG project updates.

Register your attendance at the conference by becoming a BIGG Member.

Allan Parker OAM Regional Brain Reset Tour Workshop
2025-02-14 10:00 - 16:00 | Lambert Estate, Angaston, 55 Long Gully Road, Angaston, SA, Australia
An additional opportunity to learn from Allan is available to BIGG members following the conference at his Brain Reset Tour Workshop:
Allan Parker OAM Regional SA Brain Reset Tour – Friday 14 February (Lambert Estate, Angaston)
The Regional Brain Reset Tour is a workshop designed to discover the secrets of resetting our brain, enhancing our mental wellbeing, and improving the quality of our life by having greater control over our stress levels.
What you will learn:

Five steps to a brain reset
Managing pressure and tension
Understanding the brain
Calming conversations
The facts and myths of brain food and exercise

Thanks to the AgRi-Silience program, BIGG members can attend the workshop for FREE!!

BIGG members can claim reimbursement by registering for the workshop via the link below and invoicing BIGG for the cost of the workshop with proof of purchase.
Download Workshop Flyer
Register for Workshop

BIGG Water Innovations Site Visit
2025-03-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Warren and Barbara Fargher, 82 Seven Steps Road, Flaxman Valley, SA, Australia
This site visit will explore the practical insight into how Warren and Barbara Fargher manage water security more efficiently and sustainably utilising both the Hydrosmart and Farmbot remote cellular tank level monitor device.
A Hydrosmart representative will be onsite to assist with answering any questions.

Time
Topic
Presenter

2pm
Welcome & introduction
Jane Evans
BIGG Technical Facilitator

2.10pm
Site visit to Warren and Barbara’ remote cellular Farmbot tank level monitor.
Warren and Barbara Fargher
Site hosts

2.30 – 3.30pm
Water quality regulation and monitoring innovations for your property, Farmbot Cellular Tank Level Monitor & Hydrosmart.
Jane Evans
Warren and Barbara Fargher
Hydrosmart Representative

3.30pm
Afternoon tea.

4pm
CLOSE

FREE to attend for BIGG members and non-members.
Please RSVP by Monday 17th March to jane.evans@biggroup.org.au/ 0412 500 752

eID for Productivity and Profitability Workshop (Kapunda)
2025-04-10 07:30 - 13:00 | Kapunda Football Club, Baker Street, Kapunda, SA, 5373, Australia
Join AWI Extension SA (formerly Sheep Connect SA) for a Workshop on how eID can improve your Productivity and Profitability, with guest speakers Mark Ferguson (neXtgen Agri) and · Michelle Cousins (Cousins Merino Services).
Presentations include:
· Using eID for profit and productivity – Mark Ferguson (neXtgen Agri)
· Selecting the right eID equipment and tags for your enterprise – Michelle Cousins (Cousins Merino Services)
· Farmer case studies
· Developing a plan for success – Michelle Cousins and Mark Ferguson
· Data management – Michelle Cousins
· PIRSA and Livestock SA eID update
Trade displays and demonstrations from:
· eID equipment providers
· eID tag manufacturers
Register via link below.
Breakfast from 7.30am and lunch provided.
Event supported by:
AWI Extension SA
South Australian Sheep Industry Fund
Department of Primary Industries and Regions, eID Advantage Program
Livestock SA

eID Tech Group Session featuring Achieve Ag's Nathan Scott
2025-05-29 12:00 - 17:00 | Vine Inn, Nuriootpa
Session includes:

Practical use of eID to pick the best stock.
Common issues and how to overcome them easily.
Data use and what should we be looking at as we rebuild numbers.
‘Another late break’ Q & A.

FREE to attend – Lunch provided
Register your interest by 26 May to:
Deb Scammell 0407 790 622
deb@talkinglivestock.com.au
Download Flyer

BIGG eID ADVANTAGE PRODUCER GROUP
2025-08-14 13:00 - 17:00 | Angaston Bowling Club, Newcastle Street, Angaston, South Australia, Australia
SESSION 1: featuring Cousins Merino Services’ Michelle Cousins
SESSION INCLUDES (lunch on arrival):

Equipment and tags and common issues.
Managing data.
Excel tools to assist with data management.

Register your interest by 11 August to:
Deb Scammell 0407790622
deb@talkinglivestock.com.au
About the eID advantage producer group:
Over the next 12 months, the group will meet for 3-4 information sessions and farm visits to learn more about the use of eID technology, including group data collection and analysis.
Download Event Flyer

Pesti Virus Workshop
2025-10-22 09:30 - 15:30 | Springton Hall, 20-26 Miller St, Springton, SA, Australia
BIGG’s upcoming workshop on Pesti Virus is a not to be missed event for all cattle producers!
The free workshop will include presentations from Veterinarians and Pesti Virus experts Dr Enoch Bergman and Dr Michael McGowan, trade displays and more.
REGISTER TO ATTEND

BIGG AGM
2025-10-30 18:00 - 20:30 | Wanera Wine Bar, 65 Murray Street, Angaston, SA, 5353, Australia
Join us to celebrate the year that was, connect with other BIGG members or nominate to join the Board for 2025/26.
RSVP & Board nominations due Wednesday 29th October to Pete Mitchell, BIGG Chairperson – 0411 435 906 or email mitchell_pj@hotmail.com
Download AGM Agenda
Download 2024 AGM Minutes
The Annual Report and Financial Reports will be available at the AGM.

Drought Resilient Pasture Legumes Trial Visit
2025-11-04 10:30 - 12:30 | Barossa Angus, 55 Dawson Road, Mount Crawford, South Australia, Australia
Join University of Adelaide researchers as they showcase and discuss the results from the drought resilient pasture legumes trial.
With persistent drier conditions it is increasingly important to select pasture legume species to improve on farm climate resilience:

View the performance of serradellas compared to clover and medics on sandy soils.
See the effect of grazing on these species.
Learn how the feed quality of each species stack-up.

Click here to register to attend.
Enquiries to:
Dr Tshewang Dorji, University of Adelaide
Email. tshewang.dorji@adelaide.edu.au
Phone. 0449224611

BIGG Pasture Walk
2025-11-17 14:00 - 15:00 | 20 Hutton Vale Road, Angaston, 20 Hutton Vale Road, Angaston, SA, Australia
Join us for a ‘short-sharp’ pasture walk showcasing upcoming and commercial pasture varieties.
Hear from Craig Davis (Crop Consulting Services) and Tim Prance (T Prance Rural Consulting) who will walk you through the Pasture Trial Network trials assessing various ryegrass (annual and Italian) and sub-clovers. Craig will discuss how upcoming lines are performing vs commercial ryegrass (including Tetila, Prodigy, Fuze) and sub-clover (including Narrikup, Trikkala, Campeda, Mintaro) varieties.
Brett Nietschke (BIGG Technical Facilitator) will also provide a short update on BIGG’s two long-term pasture trial projects:

Perennial based multi-species pastures

Pasture recovery through deferred grazing

This session offers a great opportunity to see local trial results firsthand and discuss practical insights with industry experts.

FREE to attend. RSVP to: brett.nietschke@biggroup.org.au or 0432 804 389

BIGG Annual Conference
2026-02-19 12:30 - 20:00 | Lambert Estate, Angaston, 55 Long Gully Road, Angaston, SA, Australia
Join livestock producers, agribusiness and industry supporters from across the Barossa and surrounds for the Barossa Improved Grazing Group (BIGG) Annual Conference.
With the theme Thrive Together: Pastures, Livestock and Farmers, the conference brings together leading experts, local insights and inspiring stories to support resilient, future-focused farming systems. Hear from keynote speakers Dr Peter Hayman on practical climate science for livestock production, Olympic marathon runner Jess Stenson on lessons from the long run, and Barossa wine personality Jane Ferrari.
The program also features University of Adelaide researchers, ag technology insights, industry updates, BIGG project highlights and trade displays — all designed to inform, connect and inspire.

BIGG specifically acknowledges and thanks the 2026 Conference sponsors: Livestock SA Sheep Industry Fund, SA Drought Hub, Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board, and Meat and Livestock Australia.
