Experience the 'Top End' productions systems and attractions by joining one of our carefully curated tours on Friday, 25 August.  

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Full Day Field Trip: Beef the NT Way

La Belle Downs

Depart Darwin at 7.00 am; Return to Darwin by 5.00 pm.  Lunch, morning and afternoon tea provided.

Stretching from the western boundary of Litchfield National Park to the waters of Anson Bay on the Timor Sea, La Belle Downs covers close to 1000 square kilometres. Stunning floodplains encompass 70 percent of the holding, with rocky high country, woodlands and improved pasture making up the rest. La Belle was cut off a neighbouring property in the 1960s and has since been owned by a number of well-known characters over its relatively short history, including the Townsend family, Peter Camm, R.M Williams and now, AACo.

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During our visit to La Belle, Michael Johnson (Head of Pastoral Operations), and Daniel Chapman (AACo’s Rangeland Manager), will share the benefits and challenges of managing cattle and grazing pressure on floodplain country, and how the unique ecosystem fits in AACo’s vertically integrated production system. We will also have the opportunity to hear how, as a publicly traded company, AACo feels strongly about positively contributing to environmental sustainability and stewardship and the projects they are undertaking to do so.

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 The La Belle management team are also participating in a new project, Crops for Cattle in conjunction with the Northern Territory Department for Industry, Tourism and Trade.  The aim of the project is to investigate feeding weaner cattle high quality forages, grown and harvested locally, with the anticipation of improving growth and reducing time to slaughter/export. Field tour attendees get a first-hand opportunity to witness the northern NT beef industry diversify its forage species availability as carefully considered clearing permits are approved and pioneer crops are harvested.

 

Enjoy lunch and a swim at the Rock Hole, Litchfield National Park.  Then it is on to Eva Valley Meats and witness how they produce cattle differently.  Eva Valley Meats’ beef is the only source of Northern Territory beef available in Darwin.

Then it is back to Darwin.

Cost: $120 +GST

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Half Day Field Trip: Buffalo and Barra

Beatrice Hill Research Farm and Humpty Doo Barramundi Farm

Depart Darwin at 7.00 am.  Return to Darwin by 1.30 pm

At Beatrice Hill Research Farm, field trip attendees will get a chance to experience some NT floodplain country and see Riverine buffalo up close. While taking in their massive size, long eyelashes and quirky noises, those present will hear about their introduction to Australia, the rich history of the NT buffalo industry and the new buffalo welfare project. Hear the history, the challenges, the opportunities, and the way forward commercially for these magnificent beasts.

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The floodplains of the NT provide an opportunity for ‘finishing’ livestock before being exported to overseas markets, providing high quality forage when the diet quality in the rest of the rangelands is suboptimal at best. However, with unique ecosystems, brings unique grazing management challenges. At Beatrice Hill we will hear from researchers and farm managers as they describe how they overcome these challenges, such as ‘grass droughts’ during the wet season and getting cattle to consume lick to address deficiencies when regular licks just aren’t hitting the mark.  Another challenge is buffalo flies and other biting insects that are prevalent on the floodplains and have an impact on production.  There are ongoing fly tag trials to look at efficacy, return on investment and behaviour changes in cattle on the floodplains.

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The key driver of profitability of beef herds in northern Australia is fertility. However, who said that NT beef herds need to be grey and need to be Brahman? While at Beatrice Hill, field tour attendees will learn about the incredibly fertile, moderately framed, multi coloured Tropical Composite herd. Bred from a strong desire to improve profitability of northern beef herds based on performance, market access and genetic heritability.

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Humpty Doo Barramundi is a 100% Australian family owned and operated farm located halfway between Darwin and Kakadu National Park.  Since 1993, the 5th generation NT family have nurtured premium saltwater Barramundi on the family farm alongside the majestic Adelaide River in Australia's remote Northern Territory - the spiritual home of the Barramundi. 

Early investment in Barramundi growth has seen the development of technologically advanced hatchery processes and fingerling nurseries, leading to a healthier, happier Barramundi.  Humpty Doo Barramundi were one of the first Barramundi farms to be certified under the Australian Sustainable Barramundi Farming program in 2014.  The sustainability certification went global with Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification in 2017. The BAP program is a holistic approach to sustainable aquaculture including environmental responsibility, social responsibility, food safety, animal welfare and traceability.  The fish feed is also sustainable. It is made in Australia by Ridley and backed by Global Gap and FeedSafe accreditation.

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To get to where it is now, the farm has undergone a continuous improvement process of research, trial and error, and passion from the unique team of people which has led to recognition as a premium producer of a great quality Barramundi.  The annual harvest has grown from 300 kilograms in the first year of sales to over 3000 tonnes of Barramundi per year and will continue to grow into a world leading barramundi farm by utilising technological advancement along with increased opportunities for training and employment in Northern Australia in aquaculture, one of the world’s fastest growing industries.

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The farm has rigorous environmental systems, reducing water discharge to almost nil through the award-winning saltwater wetland system. The wetland system uses natural grasses to clean the water for recirculation through the farm, delivering optimum quality water for high quality Barramundi while protecting the unique environment.  The farm is committed to the community, supporting trainee chefs, the hospitality industry and future generations of fishers and farmers through sustainable aquaculture practice.

Cost: $80 + GST

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