Notching up a century is a milestone event, and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) plans to celebrate 100 years in the South Burnett in style!
On 6 October 2016 the Kingaroy Research Station, managed by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, will open its doors to the public for a rare look behind the scenes of one of Queensland’s successful agricultural research facilities.
Members of the public are invited to tour the research station including meeting local scientists and inspecting research facilities and the latest chickpea and wheat field trials.
Peter Want, district experimentalist said the Kingaroy Research Station had played a critical role over the years working with producers to improve their productivity.
“The research station is well known for its cutting edge research in plant breeding, plant nutrition, weed control, pathology and entomology.
“DAF has been conducting research in Kingaroy since 1916, and in 1975 the current research station opened in its present location,” he said.
“In the 1940’s our research staff played a key role in the establishment of the peanut industry in Kingaroy and also contributed to the development of modern soil conservation techniques such as contour banking and grassed waterways.
“Research at the station has also focused on a variety of fibre, grain and pulse crops studying nutrition, agronomy and insect management strategies.
“Over the years, research at the station has changed to meet the needs of local producers and consumer demand.
“Early agricultural research in Kingaroy focused on dairy innovations such as improved milking techniques, pastures and dairy cattle breeds.
“Our research staff have also worked closely with pig and beef producers addressing husbandry issues and in the case of beef cattle, improving cattle tick control.”
The South Burnett region is one of Queensland’s agriculture epicentres and the Kingaroy Research Station aims to advance Queensland’s agricultural research, forestry products, biosecurity, fresh water fisheries and natural resources.
To mark the 100 year anniversary, the research station will be open to the public on the morning of 6 October 2016.