P.PSH.1256 - Improving the Productivity and Profitability of South Australia’s Red Meat and Wool Industries project
Did you know a total of 1,789 participants, including 1,294 producers and 367 service providers were directly engaged in Program events/activities. Indirect engagement and learning opportunities included online resources (17,136 downloads)
| Project start date: | 14 June 2020 |
| Project end date: | 29 December 2023 |
| Publication date: | 14 November 2023 |
| Project status: | In progress |
| Livestock species: | Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Lamb |
| Relevant regions: | South Australia |
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Download Report
(5.8 MB)
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Summary
This project was delivered over a 3-year period from 2019-20 to 2022-23 and aimed to build business resilience and contribute to improving productivity and profitability for this sector through engagement of sheep and cattle producers in an extension/adoption focused Program.
Objectives
The objectives for the Program were to assist producers to build business resilience through increased business acumen and skills, the use of technology for data-based decision making, and improved production efficiency. Participants produced a Business and Technology Action Plan outlining goals and actions specific to the needs of their business to drive on-farm change.
Key findings
The Program has contributed to improving productivity and profitability for the South Australian red meat and wool sectors through delivery of a successful extension/adoption program for livestock producers and their advisors. Participation has increased awareness, knowledge, understanding and confidence in key areas of business acumen and PLM technology. These producers feel able to and intent on enacting practice change, and in many cases have already begun to do so. Of the 41 producers interviewed through facilitated discussions, 36.6% reported improved profitability and 53.7% reported improved productivity.
Benefits to industry
High levels of engagement and participation in the Program have resulted in increased implementation of eID and data-based precision livestock management practices. Increased implementation of eID in the areas of nutrition, animal health and genetics that lower the cost of production and increase productivity should lead to increased output and profit among sheep and cattle producers and increased skills in business acumen should result in more resilient businesses.
MLA action
MLA using the outcomes of this project to inform new investments, create adoption material or create new opportunities for industry. To ensure the networks established through this Program are not lost, but rather continue to build, ensuring long-lasting practice change and a greater positive impact (productivity and profitability) in the individual livestock businesses and the broader industry, contributing towards a strong, resilient red, meat and wool sector.
Future research
It is recommended that future Programs include the following elements:
• Provide follow up sessions with attendees of LEP (or similar) to assist with ‘barriers to implementation’ of their Plan, the opportunity to review and update their Plan and keep momentum and motivation in implementing their plan
• Continue to support the Community of Practice formed through this Program
• Where producer practice change is anticipated, having advisors that have the knowledge and skills to help facilitate change in livestock businesses
• Demonstration of AgTech in ‘commercial’ settings on both producers’ properties and research properties where the value proposition of AgTech can be validated and how it is used in data-based decision making.
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For more information Contact Project Manager: Andrew Morelli |
