In the lead up to the cooler weather (do you like the way I’m being positive about a change in the weather), we are fortunate to have several workshops in our area that have a focus on pasture preparation and business protection.

If you are planning to sow new pastures this year and would like to hear more about new pasture species, the Central West Local Land Services are holding nine workshops over the next couple of weeks.

In our area, workshops are being held in Eugowra and Forbes. The workshops only run for three hours and will have specialists in the field on hand to provide information about options to renovate your existing pasture. Sounds exciting doesn’t it?

The workshops are free and will provide presentations from several speakers including Dr Belinda Hackney, from Central West Local Land Services who will be presenting information on pasture legumes and crop-pasture rotation options; John Piltz from NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) on fodder and forage crop options; pasture specialist, Frank McCrae, speaking on lucerne and perennial grass options; and Neil Ballard, from Global Pasture Consultants on managing pastures and nitrogen in rotations.

To register, please contact Chris Robinson on 0447 636 129 or email chris.robinson@lls.nsw.gov.au

There are also workshops being held at Dunedoo, Tooraweenah, Condobolin, Bathurst, West Wyalong, Temora and Trangie. These workshops are free, but you do need to register.

This project is supported by Central West Local Land Services through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme and Catchment Action NSW.

The DPI also have the ‘Eight Steps to Successful Perennial Pasture Establishment’ tab on their website. It might seem like going back to school to do something that you have done for years, but it is interesting how sometimes you can read something and start to think about what you are doing from a new perspective, so have a look. I will have the link on our website blog.

NSW Farmers and Prime Super presents a new free workshop bringing a NSW Farmers in-house Industrial Relations specialist to explain how you can protect your business through best practice employment relations practices, along with superannuation and insurance experts to help with your business’ superannuation and insurance obligations.

Understand the latest issues around employing staff and engaging contractors and how to avoid the pitfalls and make the process easier and less complicated.

Ask your employment, superannuation and insurance questions directly to experts in the field. Speakers include Cassandra Low, Industrial Relations Advisor for NSW Farmers; Scott Boyle, Regional Manager for Prime Super; and a representative from WFI Insurance.

Some of the topics that will be covered include: employing new or existing staff, engaging contractors; assistances that is available with industrial relations; employee superannuation made easy; income protection, life insurance and alternative off-farm investment opportunities; getting appropriate insurance cover. Afternoon tea/morning tea provided courtesy of Prime Super.

Other workshops are also being held at Cooma, Goulbourn, Young and Cowra.

For all of the young farmers out there (young is classified as 18 – 35 year olds) the Young Farmer Business Project presents a free workshop Getting Started Bank Ready Workshop to be held at Eugowra on Thursday, 23 February between 6 – 9pm. These workshops have a focus on helping young farmers to gain knowledge and skills to improve social and business resilience, manage risk, execute effective plans and make decisions that ensure the viability of an agricultural business.

For further information, follow the links on our website blog at centralwestlachlanlandcare.org or on facebook or ring 02 6862 4914. Until next week, happy Landcaring!