Local primary producers and grazing business operators are being invited to gain practical, paddock-based insights at the 2026 Gippsland Spring Field Day, taking place at the Gippsland Agriculture Research Farm in Bairnsdale on Thursday, October 8.
Centred around the theme “From the Ground Up,” the event will bring together regional farmers, agronomists, researchers, and industry specialists to explore strategies for boosting feed growth, strengthening pasture persistence, improving soil management and refining livestock decision-making.
Organised by the Gippsland Agricultural Group, the comprehensive one-day event features 11 dedicated practical sessions covering topics tailored specifically to Gippsland grazing businesses, including pasture establishment, soil acidity, African Lovegrass management, animal health planning, and livestock structural assessment.
Designed with flexible attendance in mind, individual sessions will run across five repeated time slots throughout the day, allowing participants to build a customised itinerary around their specific farming priorities. Each workshop block comprises a 20-minute presentation followed by a 20-minute Q&A and discussion period.
The event program kicks off at 9am and features presentations from industry professionals and local specialists, including Fiona Baker, Peter Ronalds, Lisa Miller, Nicole Frost, Chris Alenson, Trevor Caithness, Michelle Shugg, and Dave Gamble, alongside representatives from TAFE.
Session topics scheduled throughout the morning and afternoon include:
– Pastures 365 – Green Grass All Year Round: Examining new trial sites and perennial pasture options to deliver reliable year-round feed.
– Right Plant, Right Paddock: Practical guidance on matching pasture species to specific soil types and farming systems.
– Cracking the Code – Soil Acidity: Insights into long-term lime trials and strategies for elevating soil pH levels.
– Beneath Your Boots – Soil Health & Biology: Hands-on soil testing focused on nutrient interactions and biological indicators.
– Built to Last – Heifer & Bull Structure: Assessing structural traits in breeding stock to improve long-term herd performance.
– Feed for Thought – Quality Feed Testing: Live comparisons of silage samples to guide smarter feeding strategies.
– Taking Back the Paddock – African Lovegrass: Reviewing practical control measures for one of East Gippsland’s most persistent weed issues.
– Best of Both Worlds – Grain & Graze: Optimising dual-purpose grain and grazing systems for farm productivity.
– What’s in the Ground – Cereal Variety Trial Update: Progress reports on wheat and barley variety trials underway at the research farm.
– Planning Ahead – Animal Health Calendars: Proactive livestock health scheduling tailored for beef and sheep operations.
– Growing Your Future – Pathways into Agriculture: Outlining training, employment, and career development opportunities across the regional agricultural sector.
– A two-hour break from 12pm to 2pm will provide attendees with time to network with peers, speak directly with presenters, and inspect trial sites across the research facility.
The field day will run from 8am to 5pm at the Gippsland Agriculture Research Farm, located at 345 Bengworden Road, Bairnsdale. Registration details and ticket information are available online via Humanitix.
