Grasslands, one of the primary industry's oldest conferences, is returning to Tauranga next month for the first time since 1961.

Ballance Agrinutrients research and development manager, and member of the organising committee for the New Zealand Grassland Association Conference, Warwick Catto.

Warwick Catto, of the Taurangaorganising committee, says the conference that begins on November 4 is the 75^th since the New Zealand Grassland Association was formed in 1931.

That conferences are 'to enhance pastoral agriculture through providing a forum for communication of science, technology and knowledge”, says Warwick.

Up to 300 delegates of scientists, farmers and agribusiness consultants are expected to attend the four-day conference, which includes field trips to two farms, will be addressed by speakers who are expert in their fields of research.

'All the papers presented at the Grasslands conferences have been peer reviewed, so those attending can be assured the information is of a high standard,” say Warwick.

'For farmers, the conference is an opportunity to hear from and talk to leading researchers and consultants and ask questions relevant to their farms. For consultants and scientists, it's a chance to talk to farmers, visit local farms; and to gain an understanding of how relevant their research is.”

The conferences alternate between the North and South islands with Warwick being instrumental in bringing the event to Bay of Plenty.

The aim of the conference is to facilitate discussion on grassland farming, and to promote the value of research and its application, says Warwick, who believes the formation of NZGA in 1931 marked a turning point for New Zealand agriculture.

'It was around that period that New Zealand decided not to follow the European model of farming, which included bringing in feed for livestock, and instead concentrate on a legume-based pastoral system.

'That principle endures today and this country's grass-based farming system has enabled New Zealand to competitively produce top quality primary produce for export to the world.”

Warwick says because the NZGA membership includes a wide range of scientists, consultants, agribusiness people and farmers, it is truly 'fuelled by science and tempered by experience”.

Speakers will cover a wide range of topics from farming in the Tauranga Harbour catchment, to a case study on farming without nitrogen for nine years, to mixed pastures for dairy farms; and research into a novel device fitted to cows' tails to automatically apply a nitrogen inhibitor to their urine.

Managing insect pests, a study into the effects of gibberellic acid applied in autumn, and another into endophyte enhancement of drought tolerance; are also topics to be covered.

On Tuesday afternoon delegates will visit a Kaimai hill country sheep and beef farm; and on Wednesday a dairy farm at Maketu, when Warwick says active discussion will be encouraged into how both properties could further improve their already high performance.

At the conference dinner on Wednesday night, the NZGA will present two awards for excellence in grassland farming to Bay of Plenty farming enterprises.

The winners will be what judges describe as 'profitable grassland-based business” run for at least five years on the property with an innovative approach, using the latest grassland technology effectively; and having a good degree of sustainability in the enterprise and a strong responsibility for environmental matters.

Communication skills and passing on good grassland farming skills to others in the region are also part of the judging criteria.

Registrations for the conference are open now and can be made by visiting: www.grassland.org.nz