Renewed growth for Leucaena Network
05 April 2018
It’s been an exciting start to 2018 for the Leucaena Network. Not only has their website undergone a complete overhaul, but they’ve also welcomed a new executive officer in Bron Christensen.
The Leucaena Network is a grassfed beef producer group comprising of leucaena growers, service providers, industry representatives and researchers. It provides assistance to the beef industry (leucaena producers in particular) through timely information, qualified advice, research projects and networking opportunities.
Here Friday Feedback speaks with Bron about the Leucaena Network and their priorities for 2018.
How has the website refresh made it easier for industry to find out more about leucaena?
Our aim is to make the website the first port of call for ‘all things leucaena’. The public site is continually being updated with new information for those interested in the leucaena industry and the 'members only' site is being populated with valuable tools, research papers and specific information to assist new and existing producers.
What about social media?
We have a new Facebook page where producers can get quick updates, as well as a 'members only' group where members can chat online about their planting experiences, seek feedback from fellow members or purchase/sell leucaena equipment or services. Involvement in these pages is growing and we hope to see them develop as a valuable industry networking tool.
Are there any big plans for the Leucaena Network in 2018?
It's shaping up to be activity-filled and outcomes-focused. It will include:
- Beef Australia 2018
We’ll have a stand at Beef Australia 2018 with Leucaena Chop. Dr Chris Lambrides and Dr Hayley Giles of University of Queensland will present on the sterile leucaena project and Stuart Buck of Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to present on new developments in leucaena as part of the speaker sessions.
- Sterile leucaena progress
The Network is excited to join MLA, University of Queensland and University of Western Australia in the long-term research project for a sterile leucaena variety which will open up leucaena as a grazing system throughout Australia and overseas.
- Redlands road testing
The new psyllid-resistant variety ‘Redlands’ is a focus this year and we’ve established trials with six producers in north Queensland. These trials will provide the industry with valuable information on best practice establishment for leucaena, as well as results on the efficacy of Redlands as psyllid-resistant.
More information
Bron Christensen
Email for more information
