NTCA conference guests will have the opportunity to get out in the field to learn and explore during a tour on Thursday, March 28, featuring stops at the Beatrice Hill Research Station and the Berrimah Export Yards.
NTCA business development officer - diversification, Rohan Leach said the tour group will investigate the Sentinel herd at Beatrice Hill Research Station and the biosecurity measures in place there, then visit the Berrimah Export Yards for a tour of the facilities.
Mr Leach said the tour group will be learning primarily about the Sentinel herd at Beatrice Hill.
"The 2600ha Beatrice Hill farm is used to develop management practices for cattle and buffalo production systems including continued, sustainable utilisation of floodplains," he said.
"Cattle projects include the National Arbovirus Monitoring Program and the farm is also home to one of the Sentinel cattle herds.
"Other programs include a comparison of breeder herd efficiencies of composite and Brahman breeder cattle. Australia’s only buffalo research program is also based there."
The tour group will investigate the Sentinel herd at Beatrice Hill Research Station and the biosecurity measures in place there, then visit the Berrimah Export Yards for a tour of the facilities.
- NTCA business development officer - diversification, Rohan Leach.
Delegates will then spend close to 45 minutes exploring the Berrimah Export Yards, and NT Live Exporters Association (NTLEA) CEO, Will Evans will give a presentation on the facility.
Mr Leach said the site, which has undergone significant upgrades after receiving a $5m grant from the state government, was officially opened on August 31, 2018 and has a holding capacity of close to 4000 head of cattle.
"The two new Entegra Razorback sheds allow for optimum airflow to decrease heat and humidity and keep cattle cool and calm during hotter months and sheltered from rain in the wet season.
"With 400,000 to 500,000 head of cattle exported from Darwin port annually, and 80,000 to 90,000 of these going through the old Berrimah facility, it's a timely investment from the Northern Territory Government.
"Owned by the NTLEA and managed by Brendan Lewis of Berrimah Livestock; animal welfare; quarantine protocols and timeliness of boat loading were the focus during the yards design and construction."
- For enquiries call Rohan Leach on 0427 755 843 or email bdo@ntca.org.au