Producer demonstration sites
MLA’s Producer Demonstration Sites (PDS) program aims to increase the rate of adoption of key management practices and technologies that improve business profitability, productivity and sustainability. This is achieved through supporting livestock producers working in peer to peer groups to pursue new skills, knowledge and management practices applicable to their own commercial livestock production systems.
The key outcome of a PDS is adoption of the demonstrated management practices resulting in improved business performance.
Funding
Under the recently enhanced framework, there are two funding options available to producer groups wishing to participate in the PDS program, Levy and Co Contributor. Projects timelines range from a minimum of two years, up to maximum of six years.
Producer groups wishing to engage in Levy PDS project can apply for up to $25,000 per year, for the length of the project.
For those groups wishing to engage in Co-contributor PDS project can apply for up to $50,000 per year (plus access fee), for the length of the project. Co-contributor projects require producer investment (cash) in the project, which is matched by the MLA Donor Company (MDC). Funding for these projects is split as follows:
- 50% Levy
- 25% Producer cash contribution
- 25% MDC
- 8% access fee (of total project value)
Groups will require a facilitator, experienced in group coordination and extension, monitoring and evaluation of on-farm practice change and communication and reporting, to oversee the demonstration.
How to apply
MLA calls for preliminary applications for PDS project related to improving sheep and beef cattle enterprises business profitability, productivity and sustainability on an annual basis. Preliminary applications for the 2021-22 PDS project call are NOW OPEN.
The 2021-22 PDS annual project call key dates:
| Stage | Supporting documentation |
Date |
|---|---|---|
|
Preliminary applications in response to terms of reference for PDS projects close.
|
PDS Preliminary Application Guidelines Co-Contributor Preliminary Application Co-Contributor –Source of Funds Declaration Modern Slavery Due Diligence – MLA Supply Chain questionnaire |
Open: 1 April 2021. Close: 12 May 2021. |
|
Successful and unsuccessful preliminary applicants notified |
|
2 July 2021 |
|
Successful preliminary applicants to submit full applications via email to pds@mla.com.au, cc to miracledog@bigpond.com |
Close: 31 July 2020 |
|
|
Successful & unsuccessful full applicants notified |
|
17 September 2021 |
|
New producer Demonstration Site projects commence subject to MLA approval processes and consultants acceptance of standard MLA terms and conditions. |
|
October - December 2021 |
Webinar: MLA Producer Demonstration Site program
Recorded: 10 March 2021
MLA Producer Demonstration Site (PDS) Project Manager Hilary Connors, alongside PDS Coordinators Russell Pattinson and Maria Thompson, provide an overview of MLA’s PDS program and how to set yourself up for success in the upcoming PDS call – this is open to producers, consultants, facilitators and anyone who may be interested in running or participating in a PDS.
This webinar will cover:
- An overview of the PDS program
- Different funding mechanisms
- What is involved throughout the lifetime of the project
- Resources available to establish a proposal and undertake a project
- Key outcomes for success
- Hear from an existing PDS project participant and how it has worked for them.
Producer Demonstration Site project reporting
All PDS projects are required to report on progress at 6 monthly intervals, and to submit a final report when the project is complete. An annual teleconference will be held between MLA, MLA PDS Coordinator, Producer Group chair and PDS facilitator to review progress.
