MEDIA RELEASE: Export hay grower update comes to Balaklava

MEDIA RELEASE: Export hay grower update comes to Balaklava

Export hay growers in the Balaklava region of South Australia and anyone with an interest in the export hay industry, are invited to an AFIA hay grower update at the Balaklava football club on Tuesday 16 April. AFIA Industry Development Manager Caitlin Scholfield “The AFIA grower update is a great opportunity to learn about making quality hay for export and to catch up with other people in the industry”.

“The district has good access to hay export plants, and the market outlook seems positive, making now a great time to learn more about growing export hay”.

Local exporter JT Johnsons will be attending the event; Purchasing Manager Rob Deikman said “The export oaten hay market is a consistent market with reasonably stable prices. Hay is also another tool for growers to control ryegrass problems in paddocks”.

“Oat hay production can provide a substantial gross margin and contribute to improved cash flow and total farm profit. I encourage local growers who are involved or keen to learn more about export hay to come along next Tuesday”.

The grower update is sponsored by the Australian Exporters Company (AEXCO), a company that specialises in commercialisation of Australian bred oaten hay varieties. Executive Officer of AEXCO Denis McGrath said “AFIA’s grower update at Balaklava is a great opportunity for hay growers, hay exporters and other members of the fodder industry to network as well as be updated on the latest information in the hay export industry” Mr McGrath said.

The AFIA export hay grower update at Balaklava is part of a series of grower updates nationally, to be hosted by AFIA this year. The event will feature a presentation from Mick Faulkner on how to make quality hay for export, there will also be an export market insight as well as an update on the developments in oat seed breeding programs.

The speakers on the day are:

  • Making quality hay for export, Mick Faulkner
  • Oat Breeding Programs & AEXCO Update, Peter McCormack, SARDI, and Denis McGrath, AEXCO
  • Export Market insight, Ray Mahoney, Balco
  • AFIA Industry Update Caitlin Scholfield, AFIA

Commencing at 10.30am and concluding at 2pm the event is free for AFIA members and $10 for non AFIA members. A BBQ lunch will be provided thanks to event sponsor AEXCO.

Please RSVP to Caitlin Scholfield on 0417 962 991 for catering purposes only.

For further information on the AFIA grower update at Balaklava or any other AFIA events please contact the AFIA office on 03 9530 2199 or [email protected].