Latest News & Resources
Farmers gain valuable insights on BIGG Containment Ewe Tour
Forty-five farmers from across the Barossa, Mid North and Adelaide Hills attended the Barossa Improved Grazing Group (BIGG) Containment Ewe Tour on Wednesday 4th March at various locations around the Barossa Valley.
BIGG Celebration and AGM
The Barossa Improved Grazing Group has continued its growth, establishing itself as a trusted group within the farming community, by appointing a new Board at its first AGM as an incorporated body on Wednesday 18th September.
Thriving into the Future Presentations
BIGG’s 4th annual conference, Thriving into the Future was held at the Nuriootpa Sports & Function Centre on Thursday 21 March 2019. Producers shared their experiences and strategies for coping with tough times, demonstrating a positive attitude and readiness to make necessary changes in their businesses.
BIGG tackles seasonal challenges
LIVESTOCK producers are being encouraged to view their farming operations from a range of perspectives, including livestock, land, business and people, as part of a way to deal with challenging conditions.
Barossa farmers learn to thrive into the future
THRIVING in challenging conditions requires livestock producers to look at their farms from a range of perspectives including livestock, land, business and people. The Barossa Improved Grazing Group (BIGG) is focussing on helping producers consider these perspectives in their fourth annual conference ‘Thriving into the Future’
Next generation arrives – agricultural school based apprenticeship
Moculta mixed farmer and principal of Bunyara Merino and Poll Merino stud, Ian Koch is currently hosting two Nuriootpa High School students as part of their agricultural school based apprenticeship.
Bruce Hancock – Fellow of the Australian Society of Animal Production
In July 2018, long time BIGG supporter and mentor, Bruce Hancock (Senior Livestock Consultant, PIRSA-Rural Solutions SA) was bestowed as a Fellow of the Australian Society of Animal Production. Bruce received this prestigious award at the society’s biennial conference in Wagga Wagga, for his tireless commitment to developing the livestock industry and mentoring the next generation. Bruce received the award from ASAP President, Phil Hynd.
Ag Ex Grower Group Award
The highly valued Ag Ex Alliance Grower Group Award, sponsored by Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA), went to Barossa Improved Grazing Group (BIGG) for putting forward an educational proposal to benefit their members, the local and broader agricultural communities.
Livestock containment areas, more than a drought measure
Paddock feed is becoming limited in many areas of the Barossa due to a drier than average summer and recent hot weather, leaving livestock producers looking for alternative options for feeding their stock.
The Barossa Improved Grazing Group (BIGG) have created a video guide with livestock consultant Hamish Dickson to help producers design and manage an effective containment lot.
Resilience focus for Barossa conference
SOIL health is key to improving the resilience of grazing businesses, according to agroecologist and soil fertility specialist David Hardwick.
Mr Hardwick says more and more people are coming to realise the importance of soil function for sustainability and resilience to climate change.
Mr Hardwick, who will speak at the Barossa Improved Grazing Group’s Building Resilience Conference on Thursday, February 22, says top soil is the second most important asset in any farm business, second only to people.