Hosted by Holbrook Landcare the event titled Marketing and Your Farming System will be held on June 3 at Holbrook Shire Hall from 9am to 3.30pm.

The theme comes as a result of feedback from members about the big issues for the next 10 years livestock prices, price variability and balancing business and environment in the farming system.

Holbrook Landcare executive officer Dale Stringer said the forum would provide a perspective from both global and regional market influences, drawing upon examples from innovative farmers, and encouraging discussion on the opportunities and challenges of choosing markets to suit various farming systems.

Mr Stringer said he was delighted to have Mick Keogh, executive director of Australian Farm Institute, as the forum’s opening speaker. 

“Mick has been involved in research into a wide range of issues impacting on the agricultural sector in Australia and internationally, and with family farming locally, he has a good understanding of the challenges we face in this region,” he said.

Also speaking at the forum are Georgina Gubbins, managing director of Maneroo, a specialist beef and lamb producer near Haywood in western Victoria; Derek and Kirrily Blomfield from Quirindi NSW, who are the 2014 NSW Farmers of the Year; and Mark Inglis, JBS Farm Assurance and Supply Chain Manager.

Holbrook sheep seedstock producer Tom Bull will share his experience in marketing development for Lambpro, a family owned and run business near Holbrook.

“Like all meat industries the challenge for lamb to remain viable is to balance the needs of the consumer with the profit drivers of all sectors of the industry,” Mr Bull said.

For more details visit the Holbrook Landcare website at www.holbrooklandcare.org.au or contact Dale Stringer (02) 6036 3181.