P.PSH.0877 - DAWFA Capacity Building for the Western Australian Sheep Industry Value Chain
In 2021, high prices for sheepmeat and wool resulted in a renewed interest in the industry. Prior to this, the number of sheep in Western Australia was on a steady decline and producers did not have confidence in the industry.
| Project start date: | 14 June 2017 |
| Project end date: | 17 May 2021 |
| Publication date: | 30 April 2024 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Sheep |
| Relevant regions: | Western Australia |
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Summary
The WA sheep industry needs suitably trained professionals to support growth and transformation of the sheep industry. This project will offer scholarships for 6 Honours and 4 Honours, Masters and PhD scholarships for WA Universities in five areas:
1. Assessment of the impact on the WA sheep industry of outcomes from the project Market and Consumer Insights to Drive Food Value Chain Innovation and Growth.
2. Use of economic modelling (MIDAS) to explore opportunities to add value along the supply chain, and improve decision making using new business models.
3. Barriers to the adoption of new business models in the sheep industry.
4. Business opportunities for development of long-term trade with Asian markets, taking into account findings from the Asian Market Success project.
5. Desk-top studies on adaptive enterprises and grazing management strategies to the changing rainfall patterns of south-western Australia.
Objectives
The SIBI Scholarships program was designed to support and encourage individuals who wish to pursue further study by addressing key industry questions relevant to the sheep industry supply chain in WA. Overall the program was about building capacity and giving the student an appreciation and awareness of the industry. An immediate industry-ready outcome from any research study is not essential. To establish an effective application process underpinned by signed off University – DPIRD Agreements (legal) where approved student payments proceed efficiently and where new sheep industry research outcomes are achieved.
Key findings
Outcomes:
- dedicated export supply chains to offer the level and consistency of returns needed
- increased on-farm productivity of market-preferred products
- better business performance through increased business and production skills
- increased investment due to increased confidence and more attractive business models
- establishment of the human and physical resources to support success in the industry.
Benefits to industry
The project is about building capacity in the sheep industry through giving students an appreciation and awareness of the industry supply chain, the opportunities it offers for careers, and establishing career pathways. The scholarships themselves will lead towards industry-ready solutions and outcomes. The project also builds capacity in the research institutions towards future research in a broader range of sheep supply chain topics, such as agri-business and other disciplines as well as the agricultural and animal sciences.
More information
| Project manager: | Joshua Whelan |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | University of Western Australia |
