Around 50 producers and stakeholders from the South and North Burnett and Wide Bay region came together in Mundubbera for the Nutrition Fundamentals Field Day, held at the Beeron Country Club. With a well-received venue and catering, the day created space for on-ground learning, practical discussion, and sharing what’s working across the region.
Practice change in action: multi-species systems and on-farm “biology”
The first session, presented by Michelle and Boyd, focused on the practice changes they’ve implemented through the Future Drought Fund program over the past ~3 years. They spoke about integrating multi-species cropping across both their grazing enterprise and a pecan orchard, and how these changes have supported improvements in both grazing outcomes and orchard production.
A key theme was the role of introducing “biology” into farm systems — including soil and livestock — and how these approaches can contribute to longer-term productivity and resilience when paired with consistent management.
Beef nutrition and performance: focusing on the biggest levers
Next, Désirée Jackson unpacked the cost of production in beef, highlighting the “low-hanging fruit” that can make a real difference to the bottom line - including fertility, mortality, and turn-off.
Désirée also covered practical supplementation decision-making, such as when to supplement phosphorus versus urea-based feeds, and why timing matters. One of the standout moments was a live rumen dissection, walking through the four compartments and explaining their functions - a clear reminder that strong production outcomes depend on what’s happening inside the animal every day.
A particularly practical takeaway discussed was the importance of roughage on rumen activity, including the impact that even short periods without roughage (for example during yard time) can have on performance and efficiency.
Rumen health and feed efficiency: probiotics in practice
The final presentation was delivered by Andrew Doljanin, who spoke about probiotic supplements designed to support rumen function, increase microbial diversity, and improve feed efficiency. Andrew shared case study examples, including reported improvements in dry feed intake and calving outcomes, and also donated a weaner probiotic pack as a lucky door prize on the day.
A strong local outcome
Overall, the event was a valuable opportunity to bring together producers, experts, and the broader network supporting the Future Drought Fund program - with attendees reporting very positive feedback.
Delivered through the SQNNSW Innovation Hub with funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, this field day is part of a shared commitment to strengthening drought preparedness through practical knowledge, local partnerships and measurable on-ground outcomes.
The SQNNSW Innovation Hub receives funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. This complimentary field day is made possible through The Empowering Adaptive Graziers in the Burnett Mary, delivered by the Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG), part of the $6 million Grazing Practice Change Program funded through the Queensland Government's Queensland Reef Water Quality.