Sheep's Back
A new era in profitable sheep production
The Sheep's Back is an AWI funded program that aims to deliver increased profitability to the sheep enterprise through greater understanding of the relevant profit drivers.
This extension model has been designed by people who know sheep and the information has been distilled from years of consulting and practical experience in the paddock and office. The program will have a group base and is modelled on previous successful group extension programs.
More about the program
| Program information | Details |
| Locations |
Throughout sheep production areas across WA |
| Number of groups involved |
Up to 15 producer groups involving 250 producers. |
| Benefits |
This course is about identifying and demonstrating the key profit drivers of the sheep enterprise, establishing from the group what is stopping them from maximising these profit drivers, then addressing those problems. |
| Costs |
The cost to participating farmers will be $950+GST, however The Sheep's Back has attained Farm Bis accreditation, which means a 50% discount to the grower, thus the actual cost is $475+GST. If a second person from the operation attends then they shall receive a further 50% discount. |
| Delivery |
The course is designed to be delivered to groups of approximately 15 growers. It is made up of nine modules, all delivered by specialist presenters.
Stage 1 (Days 1 & 2)
The first two days of the program deal with delivery of four modules. These modules represent compulsory aspects of the course. Upon completion of these modules producers will:
- Identify the need to change.
- Develop an "I want", "I can", "I will", attitude
- Identify the level of change they are comfortable with.
- Development of their own and their business's confidence to move ahead.
- Understanding that the risks involved are manageable.
- Develop an exit strategy.
- Commit to increasing productivity.
Stage 2 (Day 3)
The second stage deals with one module, that of benchmarking. In this module we do more than just present a set of figures, we deliver analysis and skills to use benchmarking as an effective management tool. Benchmarking is an integral part of the change process. It allows the farmer to answer the key questions:
- Where are you now?
- Where do you want to go?
- How will you get there?
Continued benchmarking then allows the farm business to monitor the implementation of profitable change in that part of the enterprise. The focus will be on using the group figures to promote discussion and individual analysis of areas of weakness.
Stage 3 (Days 4 - 7) Spread over 1.5 years
The third stage will use the results from the benchmarking and group discussions to set in place the remaining components of the course. There will be four group defined modules that will be delivered during this stage that will be selected from a choice of approximately ten.
For example; If the group determines that improving grazing management will assist them in increasing productivity then we can organise to deliver the relevant module. If we are not experts in an area, then we can organise someone who is. Another option may be to take a tour of another area .There is a fair amount of flexibility involved in these modules. |
Related links
Resources
Contact
Edward Riggall
Project Co-ordinator
Tel (08) 9736 1583
Fax (08) 9736 1245
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