Sheep producers can get the latest information and advice from industry experts on how best to plan and navigate the months ahead to optimise their business at an online webinar.
The free one-hour Tackling Tough Times webinars will be over two days on 8 and 9 April, hosted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) Extension WA.
DPIRD development officer Katherine Davies said the lunch-time webinars would provide information on sheep management strategies for coming months.
“The webinar will help producers with scenario planning, as we come off a long dry summer and head into the autumn period,” she said.
“These sessions will harness useful industry and on farm information to assist producers with developing plans, including supplementary and confinement feeding, water management, refining breeding strategy, and market insights to aid decision making, with the aim of putting together lots of pieces to help paint a bigger picture.”
The webinars will include time to ask questions of each presenter, plus the option to ask questions throughout with the chat function.
The Monday session will provide a seasonal update and climate outlook from DPIRD research scientist Ian Foster, as well as neXtgen Agri CEO Mark Ferguson outlining opportunities to identify high performing animals and selection strategies.
Terry Melrose from the Regional Mens Health Initiative will address the importance of mental health in decision making on farm.
The Livestock Collective’s Holly Ludeman will provide an update on the latest activities and initiatives they are undertaking.
The Tuesday session includes an update on the wool market from Greg Tilbrook, AWN’s Wool and Livestock State Manager.
DPIRD research scientist Richard George will provide an update on the WaterSmart Farms program and the latest desalination and water catchment information.
Respected consultant John Young, from Farming Systems Analysis Service, will outline strategies and tactics to plan for the season ahead, while Facey Group’s Agricultural Research and Extension Coordinator Kaitlyn Anderson and sheep producer, Audrey Bird, will discuss confinement feeding.
AWI Extension WA’s project manager Georgia Pugh will also give an overview of upcoming local events.
To register to attend the Tackling Tough Times webinar on Monday, 8 and Tuesday, 9 April 2024 visit www.agric.wa.gov.au/season2024.
The webinar will be recorded and posted online after the event on the same webpage.
