Graziers invited to learn about dung beetle management
28 March 2018
Dung beetles play a critical role in sustainable livestock production
Tweed Shire Council and Tweed Landcare Inc are offering a free workshop for graziers to refine their dung beetle identification and management skills.
Council’s Program Leader – Sustainable Agriculture Eli Szandala said dung beetles play a critical role in any sustainable livestock production system.
“By transporting dung below ground, these beetles can improve soil structure and fertility that leads to reduced nutrient and soil runoff into waterways and improved pasture productivity,” said Mr Szandala.
“There are also benefits for animal welfare by reducing pest fly populations and greenhouse gas emissions by improving the carbon sequestering capacity of agricultural soils.
“The workshop will help local graziers to better manage their dung beetle populations for the benefit of both their farm productivity as well as the wider community.”
Dr Bernard Doube from Dung Beetle Solutions Australia will provide participants with hands-on skills in beetle identification and monitoring techniques and the best advice on beetle-friendly chemical controls for livestock.
He will also speak about the latest on national initiatives to utilise dung beetles to increase farm productivity and profitability.
North Coast Local Land Services district veterinarian Dr Phil Kemsley will also be on hand to discuss practical control strategies for buffalo fly and the role of dung beetles for managing animal health.
Mr Szandala said it has been an exceptionally bad season for buffalo fly which emphasises the need to work on long-term solutions to reduce breeding habitat.
“Optimising our existing dung beetle populations by using beetle-friendly products and timing applications can make a big difference to buffalo fly,” Mr Szandala said.
Southern Cross University researchers will also present findings from a recent dung beetle survey project in the Tweed which investigated dung beetle species distribution and the effects of various chemical controls on beetle populations.
The workshop will be held at Limpinwood Hall on Thursday 12 April from 10.30am.
Bookings are essential and can be made by calling (02) 6670 2599 or emailing eszandala@tweed.nsw.gov.au.
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Caption: Dung beetles