If you have ever wondered about the paddock potential of native pastures and would like to find out more, then you should attend a free information session being held at the Serpentine Hall on Thursday 22 March.

Hosted by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA), and in response to feedback from local farmers, the event will run from 9.30am to 2.30pm and focus on the potential of using native grasses for agricultural production.

Mr Joel Spry who manages the North Central CMA’s - Adopting Sustainable Farming Practices project, (funded through the Caring for our Country Initiative) said more and more farmers are considering the locally suited, flexible and resilient, native pastures in response to changing weather patterns.

“Tim Barden from Ko-Warra Native Grasses and well known native grass expert Eris O’Brien will present on the day covering topics such as establishment, management, grazing for production, feed and forage value, weed control, reducing fire hazard, winter and summer active species and undersowing with traditional species such as lucerne.”

Mr. Spry said a grass identification session will also be held and farmers attending can bring bagged samples that they are keen to identify.

The information sessions will feature brief presentations from agency staff detailing projects that are happening in the local region with a focus on sustainable farming and conservation.

"A local site tour (participants to make their own way) will follow the presentations which will provide an opportunity to see first hand the progress of a local trial site as well as another session for questions” said Mr. Spry.

The North Central CMA’s Box Gum Grassy Woodlands project and the Wedderburn Conservation Management Network project ‘Kooyoora Connections’ are supporting the event which includes a free morning tea and BBQ lunch catered by local clubs.

To register your attendance, RSVP to the North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124 or by email, info@nccma.vic.gov.au  by 20 March 2012. 

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info [at] nccma.vic.gov.au