L.FAP.1910 - Livestock Advisor Updates 2018-2023
374 people attended nine Livestock Advisor Update events between 2019–2022 with an average value of 8.7/10 for participants.
| Project start date: | 01 November 2018 |
| Project end date: | 24 August 2023 |
| Publication date: | 30 April 2024 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Lamb |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
The MLA Livestock Advisor Updates (LAU) project commenced in 2018, with the first year of event delivery in 2019. The aim of the project was to provide technical information and networking opportunities to livestock industry advisors, through the delivery of regionally tailored workshops (in northern, southern and western Australia), and webinars.
Objectives
The objectives of the LAU program were to:
1. Increase the awareness of livestock industry influencers (advisors and pioneering producers) about the latest R&D outputs from MLA investments.
2. Increase the knowledge of livestock industry influencers about MLA tools and resources, and how they can add value to their own businesses and the businesses of the producers they work with.
3. To develop the skills of industry influencers in using MLA tools and resources and enable them to integrate them into the services they offer to producers.
4. To signpost industry influencers to MLA RD&E programs and the opportunities to get involved.
5. To increase participation of advisors in MLA adoption programs (e.g. PGS and PDS).
Key findings
Nine LAU events were delivered in total between July 2019 and November 2022, three in each of the three regions. A total of thirteen webinars were delivered between 2020 to 2022. Over the life of the program, 374 people participated in LAU workshops, and the average score for satisfaction with the event was 8.5/10 and the average score for value of attending an event was 8.7/10. For the webinar series a total of 330 people attended and the average score for satisfaction was 8.5/10 and the average score for value of attending being 8.3/10.
A database of 230 (at the time of submission of this final report) individuals was established, along with social media platforms that now have 314 (Twitter followers) and 473 members (Facebook group).
Benefits to industry
Livestock advisors, in the form of public extension officers, private consultants, agronomists, resellers, stock agents, veterinarians and researchers have a critical role to play in promoting research and development outputs and practical tools to their producer networks, and enabling adoption and practice change. As the direct link between MLA and advisors, the LAU project supported MLA to achieve its goals outlined in the Strategic Plan 2025, where success is:
• Producers have the capability to adopt R&D outcomes that directly improve their productivity and profitability.
• Improved market specification compliance across defined quality, animal health and other value-based pricing dimensions.
• Objective measures of animal welfare for live export, feedlot and extensive production systems implemented, with an increase in practice change.
• Progress towards net zero carbon emissions goal by 2030.
• Strengthened perception of Australian production practices, across domestic and international markets.
MLA action
MLA to continue investment into the livestock advisor space and continue to deliver against the Livestock Advisor Updates brand.
Future research
Continued delivery of the LAU project is highly recommended. The program has resulted in the establishment of a connected network, with advisors engaging with the program for high quality professional development relevant to the red meat industry, and peer to peer networking and learning. Through social media channels, the network is now approaching the level of being self-perpetuating, with members from across Australia sharing updates about tools and resources, key industry issues, professional development opportunities and employment opportunities. Ongoing investment from MLA to allow national coordination of the project, sitting fees for working group members, and budget for event delivery, will assist in further building the knowledge and skills of livestock advisors, to enable them to improve the sustainability and profitability of their clients’ businesses.
More information
| Project manager: | Keely Kovacevic |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | Pinion Advisory Trust |
