Silage Takes Center Stage at Beef Australia 2024: Insights and innovations for livestock producers

Modern silage production was firmly in the spotlight at this year’s Beef Australia, with hundreds of beef producers from throughout Australia visiting the Lallemand Animal Nutrition stand.

Lallemand Animal Nutrition mounted a major display at the event in partnership with CLAAS Harvest Centre, Davey Group, Eagle Direct, Fodderlink, Pacific Seeds, RotoMix and a number of silage contractors.

Managing Director, Alex Turney, says there has been a marked increase in interest about the role of silage in ‘future proofing’ extensive livestock operations. “Many livestock producers can see the benefit of silage but they are unsure how to go about it,” he says.

“Our site was specifically designed to help them along that journey.

“Our seminar program throughout the week was extremely well-received, while the ‘sundowner’ sessions each afternoon gave everyone a chance informally learn how to grow, store and feed silage from experts in their field. We are extremely grateful to our trade partners, who were able to provide livestock producers with a 360-degree view of modern silage production.”

Commercial beef producers, Sandy and Jamie McCartney, were also on hand to share their experience with silage over the past three years. The McCartneys run about 3500 highgrade Brahman cattle across 12,000 hectares of owned and leased land based around ‘Bucca Station’, 25 km north of Bundaberg. The enterprise turns off about 1,000 steers, surplus heifers and cull cows for the EU and MSA-graded domestic markets each year. The introduction of a silage-based weaner feeding program is helping the McCartneys to ensure their cattle attain feedlot weights at less than 24 months of age.

Beef Australia organisers are hailing this year’s event as the most successful event staged, with more than 120,000 people passing through the gates of Rockhampton Showground during a week-long celebration of all things beef.

The next Beef Australia is 2-8 May 2027 in Rockhampton.