Falklands : Farmers' Week Begins with Excellent Technical Lectures
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 12.07.2006 (Article Archived on 26.07.2006)
Farmers, Week in the Falklands features presentations from South Africa and Australia.
FARMERS’ WEEK BEGINS WITH EXCELLENT TECHNICAL LECTURES
By J. Brock (FINN)
Farmers’ Week in the Falklands began at the Town Hall in Stanley with an introduction by Director of Agriculture and Mineral Resources, Mrs Phylis Rendell, who welcomed farmers as well as speakers to the Falklands and to the series of meetings.
Mr. Barry Armstrong, from South Africa, gave a lecture about group breeding and management of sheep and cattle farms, with emphasis on how it was done in his country. While a member and instrumental in the Lowestoffe Merino Sheep Group, Fenfield Beef Improvement Group and Federation of South African Group breeders, the Eastern Dohne Central Nucleus (EDCN) is of newer interest in the Falklands. He discussed how these groups were set up and explained the benefits and results of breeding objectives. He also went into the commitment and obligations that the proper management of sheep and cattle entailed and set forward scenarios in financial management as well. He concluded with the benefits and pitfalls of sheep and cattle group breeding and management.
After lunch there was a presentation and discussion about Group Breeding Schemes and their relevance to the Falklands.
Tim and Karen Wright from Australia presented a lecture on grazing management – a case study ‘Lana’ Station. After a brief introduction about their holistic approach and philosophy on biodiversity, they described the history of the farm and how they invested everything and struggled for their first profit. They gave excellent advice about how to reduce farm inputs as well as improving plant productivity. This was linked to animal performance and improved profitability. Tim and Karen Wright are keen on working with nature in a holistic approach to everything they do on their farm and stressed that their ten principles by in large are successful they take a lot of work and commitment but they may not work for everyone.
Prior to closing for the day there was a presentation of posters about Falkland Islands Managed grazing case studies from Kingsford Valley, Wineglass Station, White Rock, Elephant Beach, Horseshoe Bay, West Lagoons, Swan Inlet and Bold Cove.
In the evening H. E. the Governor Mr. Pearce hosted a reception for the farmers in Government House.
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