They are just some of the questions that will be closely examined at next month's two day Grasslands Conference in Gunnedah.

The major topic for the biennial conference is a 'renewed focus on livestock systems for resilience - the swing back to forages', and pasture specialist research leader Lester McCormick said the conference will explore the upsides and downsides of that swing, and the changing environment.

"Farmers who have made the change will speak, and we will also have some consultants to talk about the issues and concerns," he said.

"Producers will produce whatever puts them on a winner, so we will also hear from a range of producers who have made a decision that has supported them through drought - one that has decided to completely de-stock all together."

The conference will also involve two tours of local properties and producers, including a Carol property which has recently made the change from cotton to cattle, as well as a visit to the University of Sydney Plant Breeding Institute in Narrabri.

"Producers talking to other producers can be pretty powerful stuff - both personally and professionally," Mr McCormick said.

"It is a good opportunity to meet some like minded farmers, learn about current pasture technologies, trends, species, grazing management and response by animals, as well as the response to the changing climate."

"Hopefully we can bring a bit of benefit to the Gunnedah community over the two days as well because they are doing it tough."

The Grasslands Conference is being held on July 3 and 4, with tickets available on the Grassland Society of NSW website.