28 August 2014 Spotlight shines on industry research Research focussing on the ruminant feedbase, stubble and weed and disease management will be the focus of this year’s Graham Centre Cropping and Pasture Systems Field Forum. Researchers from Charles Sturt University and the NSW Department of Primary Industries will present their trials and results to farmers, advisers and students. Graham Centre Director Professor Deirdre Lemerle encouraged growers and industry representatives to attend the Field Forum. "The Graham Centre Cropping and Pasture Systems Field Forum provides an opportunity for growers to meet and network with industry experts to further build and expand their knowledge base, assisting them to overcome the challenges facing agriculture and farm businesses in today’s changing climate.” Following the successful format in 2013, the Centre will again host two Q & A panel sessions addressing ‘Farming with stubble’ and ‘Livestock and the feedbase’. The ‘Farming with stubble’ session will address the management of weeds, diseases and pests, while the ‘Livestock and the feedbase’ session will discuss strategies for managing risk, matching livestock requirements with the feedbase and managing biosecurity. Dr Tony Fischer, CSIRO will officially open the forum at 10.45am and launch the Centre’s recent publication ‘Long‐chain omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in ruminant nutrition: benefits to animals and humans’. The publication written by Dr Edward Clayton, NSW DPI, summaries several possible health benefits of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in ruminants and humans, and outlines the effects of different production systems on the content of beneficial fatty acids in meat. “We are looking forward to some good discussion and debate at the forum and in the future, about the constraints and opportunities facing our production systems,” Professor Lemerle said. The Cropping and Pasture Systems Field Forum will be held on 3 September, 2014, 8.30am ‐1.15pm, at the Graham Centre Field Site, Corner Coolamon and Prices Roads. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. To RSVP please email [email protected] or call 02 6933 4402. ‐ends‐ For interviews and photos contact Toni Nugent, Industry Partnerships and Communications Manager, Mobile: 0418 974 775. The Graham Centre is a research alliance between Charles Sturt University and NSW Department of Primary Industries.