ATTENTION TURF QUEENSLAND/TURF AUSTRALIA MEMBER INVITATION

Further to our previous Turf Queensland Turf Alerts advising the dates of the scheduled ‘Workshops in Regional Centres’ the following invitation will provide more information on what is occurring and what you need to bring with you. Don’t be afraid to bring a staff member with you as this is a major “Business Tool” to help your enterprise.

As you would be aware Turf Queensland developed an economic sustainability tool entitled ”Turf Cost Calculator ” some time back. This tool is targeted at providing the turf farmer with a accurate turf grass cost at the farm gate depending on species.

In partnership with Turf Queensland, Turf Australia has developed a national program for rollout in each state entitled “Staying in the Green ” targeting profitability of the turf farm. This is the same Cost Calculator tool rebadged.

Turf Queensland/Turf Australia is contacting you to invite you and advise of an opportunity heading your way that will provide education and training in the understanding, use and benefit of this economic tool “Staying in the Green ” .. Please take the opportunity to attend this important training session as it will assist and improve your business. The developer and designer of the tool Mr. Bill Johnson the Principal Agricultural Economist for the Queensland Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, who you have met previously when the tool was first developed, will be presenting and undertaking the individual training for the turf producer. You are encouraged to bring with you the relevant people who are involved in the development of this tool on a daily basis, a laptop and USB with relevant account detail to ensure understanding and continuity for sustainability.

It is also recommended that if possible you have a run through of the Turf Cost Calculator from the Turf Queensland website prior to the meeting to familiarise yourself with the tool. This will also provide background on what information to bring. If you need help with this please contact Turf Queensland.

Initially we will be rolling this out for our regional producers in North Queensland (south-east Queensland will follow) with sessions planned in each centre as follows:

• CAIRNS – Monday, 19 May 2014  – 9am-3pm. at DAFFQ 21 Redden Street.
• TOWNSVILLE – Wednesday 21 of May 2014  – 9am-3pm. at the Metropole Hotel (81 Palmer Street)
•  MACKAY – Friday, 23 May 2014.  – 9am-3pm. at the Government offices at 30 Tennyson Street (2^nd Floor National Parks & Wildlife Service conference room)

This important turf production economic tool will the following answers to questions from the turf grower and help you understand your turf costs of production:

• What price do I need to sell my turf for so that I make a profit?
• Where can I reduce my business costs?
• Which varieties will give me the best return?
• What is the minimum amount I should charge for delivering turf?
• How much do I need to charge for installing turf?

Don’t miss out on this important occasion and lock these days in your diary. Please confirm your attendance at the various venues to Turf Queensland for handouts and catering purposes.

For further information please contact Turf Queensland on info@qtpa.com.au or Ph: 0407131025.