14/05/2018

The potential use of dung beetles to improve waterways in our region will be explored at a free public seminar at council this week.

Head researcher Dr Shaun Forgie of Dung Beetle Innovations and Landcare Research will present the seminar on May 17.

Nationally sheep, cattle and horses produce over 100 million tonnes of dung per year. If not carefully managed it results in nutrient runoff into streams and rivers, while the dung that remains on pastures can cause stock infections or impact pastoral growth.

Research nationally and abroad has shown the humble dung beetle is a practical, sustainable and cost-effective way to mitigate the impacts of farming on the environment.

Council has facilitated research into the use of dung beetles to improve our region’s waterways, starting with the seminar.

Principal science advisor Murry Cave says the seminar will be of particular interest to pastoral farmers and land managers looking to improve pastoral quality and manage nutrient run-off from their farms.

The seminar will be held at Council starting at 1pm.

ENDS

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