Great Southern region cattle group flagged

A new producer-driven Great Southern cattle group could be formed to focus on region-specific challenges to improving local production.

The roughly 1100 cattle producers in the region are being asked to give their thoughts on the viability of a new group which would address production and resource management.

The initial stages of the group’s formation is being looked at by local beef producers and representatives from the Oyster Harbour Catchment Group, Harvey Beef Gate 2 Plate Challenge, Bovitech Veterinary Services and Clear South Project Management.

A survey was launched this week to test the waters.

Kalgan beef producer and chairman of the Harvey Beef Gate 2 Plate Challenge, Jarrod Carroll, said the initiative was designed to fill a long-term gap identified by local farmers. “We have conducted a number of informal consultations with growers from across the region to gauge interest on a local group forming, and it’s there,” he said.

“This survey will give us more information and will also inform us of where the current focus should be and assist with current and future project development and delivery to meet our local needs.

“Producers are wanting to see more local information and are willing to share. We want to develop the forum to bring the support and information that is relevant to our region, that we need to tackle the challenges we have on our properties and in our businesses.”

Harvey Beef Gate 2 Plate co-ordinator and group working member Sheena Smith said there was no point starting a group and assuming you knew what producers needed.

“This will identify if there is a need and what that need is,” she said. “There have already been some sites identified where producers are doing some great investigations.

“These producers are so willing to share their knowledge and experience to others.

“The problem is there is no platform to do this at the moment.”

Growers can take the survey by visiting surveymonkey.com/r/SouthernBeef.

The survey runs until May 29.