Last Thursday 25th May, 29 women from all over the western district braved the cold to attend the animal production and feed budgeting workshop held at Chatsworth House.

The day began with Lisa Miller, SFS giving an insight into the benefits of feed budgeting and how these calculations work in your farm plan to assist in decision making. Next, Sarah Whinney, Chatsworth House Pastoral provided background  information about the farm, as well as an insight into the direction they are taking their business.

Followed by a tour of the farm, looking at several of the pasture paddocks on the property while the rains held off. These pastures were used as a hands on learning tool for the group to understand Feed On Offer(FOO) and interpreting the pasture quality and quantity.

Upon returning inside to the fire, and enjoying lunch, it was time to get into the calculations as Lisa stepped the group through how to construct a feed budget for any scenario.

To round out the day Sarah and Tom gave some additional insight into the carbon work that they are doing on the property and answered any remaining questions.  Many thanks  to Sarah and Tom Whinney from Chatsworth House Pastoral for opening their home and farm for this event.

The Women on Farm events are supported by Glenelg Hopkins CMA, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare program and are open to all. For more information on the next event Carbon Emissions & More on Feed Planning at South Mokanger on the 22nd of June, click here…

Or join the Glenelg Hopkins Rural Womens Facebook group here…

By Grace Evans, SFS Senior Research & Extension

Images:  Farm tour at Chatsworth House Pastoral, Women on Farms Group discussing livestock containment, pastures, & containment area.