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In this issue:
Program UpdatePlease follow this link to have a look at our updated program. Keynote Speaker UpdateChange of Keynote Speaker for Theme 2Due to unforseen circumstances Dr Achim Dobermann will no longer be presenting at the congress but we are delighted to confirm Dr Mario Herrero.Dr Mario Herrero
Dr Mario Herrero is a senior agro-ecological systems analyst with more than 15 years experience working on strategic livestock-livelihoods and the environment research projects in Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe. He leads ILRI's Sustainable Livestock Futures Group where he manages over 15 staff and an annual budget of US$4 million. A known team player with an extensive network of partners and donors, he works in the areas of livestock and global change, climate change (impacts, adaptation and mitigation), development of scenarios of livestock and livelihoods futures, multi-scale integrated assessment, sustainable development pathways for livestock systems, ex-ante impact assessment of livestock interventions and investment opportunities, and others. A further Keynote Speaker is confirmed for Theme 1Richard Heath
Richard Heath is a grain grower on the Liverpool Plains south of Gunnedah, NSW. Richard's family has been farming the property Pine Cliff since 1928 and have been at the forefront of conservation agriculture as the concept has developed over time. The most recent recognition of this was the awarding of the Brownhill Cup for Conservation Agriculture to the Heath Family in 2006. Richard was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship in 2003 which he used to study new technology for the measurement and application of nitrogen fertilizers to crops. Richard has been involved in grains research and development since he moved back to the farm and for the last six years has held a position on the Northern Panel of the Grains Research and Development Cooperation. Post Congress Tour Update30 Sept - 2 Oct 2011
Tour plans are well advanced, and we have enough participants to ensure the tour goes ahead. We made some minor changes to the advertised program, but the emphasis has not changed - more sustainable, commercial cropping systems, applying the best science and technology in different environments. This will include long-term no-till rainfed cropping, reduced tillage intensive cropping, research offices, processing plants - and a little bit of tourism. Tour leader, Dr Don Yule, led the team responsible for the on-farm development of Controlled Traffic Farming as a more productive and sustainable no-till cropping system. The tour will focus on use of this technology to improve cropping systems, in a region where farms are facing external stress from mining and natural disasters, (high rainfall, floods, following years of drought). Visits will be to farms with controlled traffic, reduced or no tillage, designed layouts, flexible rotations, GPS guidance and good record keeping. The differences in approach between industries will be a highlight when visiting two vegetable farms, three contrasting grain farms, and one farm growing sugar cane, pineapples and soybeans with recycled water. In addition we will have two discussions at regional research offices, and brief visits to a carrot processing plant and sugar mill (with harvest in full swing). 
We will see a wide range of approaches to improved farming systems, a lot of innovative machinery, a lot of south east Queensland, and how farmers have responded to floods and an extremely wet summer when our systems are more drought focussed. We will hear about the issues and threats resulting from mining development, and a new approach called Strategic Cropping Land. The tour program also tries to complement and avoid overlap with other Congress activities- the Field Day and Workshops. We have overnight stops at Dalby and the Maryborough region, and on the final day some real tourism -lunch in Noosa, (probably in the surf club on the beach), before going on to Australia Zoo. Some participants have already said they will return to Noosa, but the bus will head to Brisbane aiming to reach the airport by 6pm. There is some flexibility in the program to accommodate participants interests, and unfavourable weather - but September is usually dry, with pleasant spring temperatures) Those who have registered for the tour will hear from us shortly about arrangements for payment, with costs still as originally advertised (Aud$900 single, Aud$800 twin share). We still have space for a few more participants! Congress Dinner - Wednesday 28 SeptemberThe Congress Dinner is included in the cost of your registration and takes place at the University of Queensland Gatton Campus at the end of your field day visit. This will be a great opportunity to unwind at the end of a stimulating day, enjoy good food socialising with colleagues and new friends whilst enjoying traditional Australian entertainment. Registration is still openRegistrations are still open for the 5th World Congress of Conservation Agriculture incorporating 3rd Farming Systems Design Conference. When you register for the World Congress on Conservation Agriculture, the full registration fee includes:
Click here to register
Venue and LocationThe VenueThe World Congress for Conservation Agriculture 2011 will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, which is conveniently located, near the heart of the city at Southbank. The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre is a world-class purpose-built venue renowned for its operational and service excellence. The LocationBrisbane is one of Australia's most liveable cities and offers experiences for everyone. With its enviable subtropical climate, first-rate cultural and sporting venues, extensive parks, walkways and bikeways, Brisbane is a vibrant, diverse outdoors-oriented city. South-east Queensland also offers beaches, islands, rainforest retreats and wine trails - all within easy commuting distance, making the September 2011 conference even more attractive to interstate and overseas delegates. Foundation Sponsors
Contact UsGeneral Enquiries5th WCCA 5 & 3rd FSD Secretariat PO Box 3599 Ph: +61 (0) 7 3255 1002 SpamIf you do not wish to receive any further email information about 5th World Congress of Conservation Agriculture incorporating 3rd Farming Systems Design Conference, click here and let us know. Send to a friendIf you know of a colleague who will benefit from receiving WCCA2011 updates, please forward this newsletter to them. |
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