PDS: Demonstrating the Value of Genetics – Live

Summary

Sheep producers in Central West NSW are set to benefit from an exciting new Producer Demonstration Site (PDS) project aimed at unlocking the productivity, profitability, and sustainability gains that come from smarter genetic selection. Led by For Flocks Sake Pty Ltd in partnership with Meat & Livestock Australia, this hands-on initiative will showcase the real-world impact of using sires with high Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) compared to those with lower percentile rankings for key traits such as post-weaning weight.

The project will work with 10 core producers and engage over 100 observers to demonstrate best-practice breeding strategies, including pre-joining assessments, scanning for multiples, and pain relief at lamb marking. By comparing growth rates, carcass yields, and economic returns between high and low ASBV sires, producers will see clear evidence of the value genetic tools bring to their bottom line.

With the Central West being one of Australia’s largest sheep-producing regions, improving adoption of ASBV-based breeding objectives represents a major opportunity. Beyond productivity gains, better genetics mean faster turn-off, reduced resource use, and stronger business resilience—delivering benefits for both profitability and sustainability.

Through field days, workshops, webinars, and practical resources, this project will make genetics tangible and accessible for producers. By 2028, the goal is for 80% of core participants and half of observers to confidently use ASBVs in ram selection and breeding plans. Together, we’re building a future where informed genetic decisions drive stronger, more profitable sheep enterprises.

Objectives

By 2028 in the central West of NSW engaging 10 core producers and 100 observer producers the project will:

1. Demonstrate the benefit of using Australian Sheep Breeding values utilizing rams with high (top 25%) and Low (80th percentile) values for post weaning weight based on percentile band tables.

2. A simple cost and benefit analysis will be undertaken demonstrating positive return on investment and higher growth rates utilising rams with higher growth ASBVS 

3. Demonstrate and document best practice for prejoining exams for ewe and rams, joining length, scanning for multiples and management, regular internal parasite monitoring, the use of pain relief in lamb marking and in field weighing data assessment compiling industry resources 

4. 80% of core producers and 50% of observer producer with have improved knowledge, skills and confidence in using and understanding Australian Sheep Breeding Values

5. 80% of core producers and 50% of will intend to adopt the usage of ASBVs for ram selection and setting breeding objectives 

6. The results of the PDS will be widely disseminated with target extension and adoption activities including Field days, Case studies, webinars and social media posts to maximise regional and national reach. Standard Operation Procedures manual with be created collating all industry resources and sign posting to further extension activities