Industry experts shared animal health, feeding and management advice and an overview of livestock markets.

ABC Radio's Country Hour was broadcast live across the state from the event at Scone TAFE and Upper Hunter landholders had the chance to chat with key note speakers.

LLS District Vet, Jim Kerr opened the program impressing the importance of monitoring animal health and welfare and keeping vaccination and health care programs up to date.

Rabobank Tamworth manager, Bernie Munro updated producers on the international livestock market and long-term expectations for domestic and export supply and demand.

Bill Hoffman of Hoffman Beef Consulting encouraged farmers to plan, prepare and pay close attention to livestock management in dry weather periods, impressing the benefits of looking closely at cost of production figures, feed costings and livestock selling options.

A timely reminder of the plants potentially poisonous to livestock was delivered by LLS senior land services officer, Sarah Giblin while Rural Financial Counsellor, Fiona Meade went through assistance available to the farming community through Rural Assistance Authority programs and Centrelink.

A busload of local growers then headed to Dartbrook for lunch and a tour of AusWest Seeds pasture trials featuring an exclusion fencing display by Waratah's Daniel Crisp and James Kennedy.

AusWest Seeds' Frank McRae discussed temperate pasture varieties and establishment and Dow AgroSciences, Jon Dadd updated the gathering on new and improved herbicides for pasture and crop systems.