National Co-ordinator Grass Seed program

Summary

Winning Against Seeds is a core element of the National Grass Seeds Action Plan (NGSAP). The Winning Against Seeds extension and communications program aims to address the rising cost of grass seed contamination to the whole lamb supply chain.
Contracts were finalised for the position of Interim National Coordinator (E.LSM.1403) in August 2103 and for the National Coordinator (E.LSM.1408) position in April 2014.
Principal outcomes/actions of the National Coordinator relative to the programs 8 point extension and communications strategy to date include:Chaired/convened 4National Grass Seed Leadership Group (NGSLG) meetingsAssisted with the development of Communications program and activities (industry contacts/media releases/articles/program awareness, video's etc)Preliminary development of resource requirements and materials with MINTRAC and selected processors; compiled preliminary funding submission (AMPC) to support development of in plant grass seed assessment and recording resources;Producer engagement through media releases/articles; 25 producer meetings/workshops (578), 6 Industry Representative/Conference presentations (125); 3  Pilot Producer Skill Development workshops (33) since July 2013No Complimentary R&D undertakenDeveloped GS Action Plan workshop resources, calendars and management and agronomic/chemical strategies for prevention and management of seedy lambs
Geoff Duddy resigned from the National Coordinator position on August 15, 2014 due to time constraints (linked in part to additional business commitments).