Media Release
Leading Sheep targets Queensland woolgrower profitability
2 March 2005
Queensland sheep producers are being encouraged to take part in a new woolgrower extension program designed to help improve farm management and on-farm production, and ultimately business profitability.
The Leading Sheep program, an initiative of Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) in partnership with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (QDPIF) and supported by AgForce, was launched in Blackall today by Queensland State Primary Industries Minister Henry Palaszczuk.
Speaking at the launch, AWI Deputy-CEO Les Targ said programs like Leading Sheep were a key way in which AWI supported the adoption of research and development outcomes on-farm.
"Leading Sheep has been developed specifically to suit the needs of Queensland sheep producers and help them improve the profitability of their sheep enterprises," Mr Targ said.
Leading Sheep will involve four regional groups - Central West around Longreach, South West around Cunnamulla, South around St George and South East around Inglewood - with each region looking at issues and business topics most relevant to their local area.
It is expected that up to 150 producers in each region will become involved in Leading Sheep during the next three years.
"Embracing innovation and change is essential in business these days or you risk being left behind. Woolgrowers are no exception and the Leading Sheep program will provide support for producers looking to do that," Mr Targ said.
AWI is providing $1 million funding for the project over the next three years while QDPIF will provide $1.4 million through in-kind support.
Areas to be covered vary between regions but include feral dog and fox control strategies, genetic selection, natural resource management and integrated parasite management.
The Leading Sheep program will complement AWI's Bestprac grower group network that already operates in the pastoral zones across Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland.
Queensland sheep producers interested in becoming involved in Leading Sheep should contact project manager Geoff Knights at QDPIF on phone (07) 4620 8121.
Ends.
Media contact: AWI Education and Adoption Program Manager, Paul Comyn - 0413 117 724
Released by:
AWI Program Manager, Communications, Megan Ball, Tel: (02) 8295 3102