Hear from the Watson family as well as UNE's Dr Rhiannon Smith at this event which will explore the role bugs, birds and bats can play in boosting farm performance.

You'll learn about the latest research and data, resulting from the long-term monitoring of beneficial animal species and their impact on crops.

This field day is being held at "Kilmarnock", a 4500ha property comprising irrigated and dryland cotton, wheat, chickpeas and canola. Owned by Andrew and Heike Watson, part of "Kilmarnock" is protected by a Voluntary Conservation Agreement.

This event will:

• Explain how beneficial insects, birds and bats can boost production on farms of all sizes, including high-value cropping enterprises.
• Outline the environmentally positive farming innovations being used by the Watsons, and their impact on the financial sustainability of "Kilmarnock".
• Share ideas on attracting beneficial animal species, and how to create and maintain native vegetation on farms.

Guest speaker: Dr Rhiannon Smith, UNE School of Environmental and Rural Science

Date: Monday 4 July

Time: 10am (morning tea on arrival) with field day from 10.30am to 1pm (followed by lunch)

BYO: Fold-up chair, enclosed shoes and jacket (as the weather may be cool).

This event is part of the Partnering in Private Land Conservation Project, a joint initiative delivered by Landcare NSW and the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust.