Producers can get the latest on sheep research, on-farm innovation and biosecurity at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) shed at this year’s Wagin Woolorama.
Experts will be on hand to share insights, answer questions and showcase cutting-edge tools.
Prime lamb cuts will be on display to highlight the importance of carcase quality measurements under Meat the Market, a joint project with Meat and Livestock Australia.
Research scientist Claire Payne said the four-year program includes producers, processors and research bodies, with the aim to improve carcase compliance with market specifications.
“Ultimately this program will enable producers to produce high quality and high value sheepmeat for the future, ensuring continual genetic gain,” she said.
Seasonal information and tools, along with free water testing for salinity and pH will once again be available for sheep producers.
Research officer John Paul Collins said the team would demonstrate how the Saltland Genie web-based tool could help determine whether the water sample was within the safe drinking levels for different classes of livestock.
“Saltland Genie is an online tool which brings together decision making tools, case studies, industry research and resources into one place to help find the best management solution for saline land,” Mr Collins said.
“Staff will also be on hand to discuss a range of techniques being used at Katanning Research Station to rehabilitate salt-affected land as part of a broader plan to become carbon neutral and offset carbon emissions from the property.”
Members of the WaterSmart Farms project team will be available to discuss on-farm water supply options, demonstrate new water planning tools and deliver improved water security in a variable climate.
With electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats now entering the first stage of its mandatory implementation, DPIRD staff will be on site to help answer questions about their legal requirements.
“There will be an opportunity to learn how to undertake eID NLIS transfers and see, first-hand, how eID will help to improve traceability practices in the State,” project manager Michael Britton said.
Visitors can also test their emergency animal disease knowledge and take away information to help improve their on-farm biosecurity.
Local DPIRD veterinarians will be on-hand to answer livestock disease queries and provide information about subsidised veterinary investigations, as well as sheep diseases such as Johne’s disease and ovine brucellosis.
Information on poultry biosecurity will also be available to support bird owners to reduce the risk of avian influenza occurring in their flocks.
The display will cover a wide range of other topics, from research into lowering greenhouse emissions and sequestering carbon on-farm, to regional telecommunications, skeleton weed control and recreational and commercial fishing.
The Wagin Woolorama runs 7 and 8 March, with the DPIRD display located at Site 626, Kitchener St, opposite the ram pavilion.
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