L.ADP.2029 - BWFW coordination, review and delivery 2020-2025

Summary

BredWell FedWell (BWFW) is a national extension program delivered by Meat & Livestock Australia to improve livestock productivity and profitability through improved breeding and feeding management. BWFW workshops introduce producers to the practical application of breeding objectives, genetic selection tools and nutrition management across the livestock production cycle.

Objectives

The objectives of the project were to:

•    review and redevelop workshop content and materials;
•    recruit and train workshop deliverers;
•    coordinate delivery of BWFW workshops for beef and sheep producers;
•    promote workshops and support engagement with producers and hosts;
•    implement a monitoring, evaluation and reporting (MER) framework; and
•    explore longer-term learning opportunities aligned with BWFW.

Key findings

The project resulted in a substantial redevelopment of the BWFW program including revised workshop structure, update and standardised content, development of manual and resources, implementation of revised MER framework and establishment of a national network of trained delivers.

Under the project, 11 workshops were delivered based on the original workshop style. After the review and redevelopment of the program, three pilots were held and then thirty-five workshops were conducted following the updated style.

Participant feedback demonstrated strong outcomes for the program, including:

•    an average satisfaction rating of 9.0 out of 10;
•    an average value rating of 8.8 out of 10;
•    99% of participants indicating they would recommend the workshop;
•    88% of participants indicated they would change a practice as a result of the workshop; and
•    77% of participants indicated their knowledge had changed as a result of the workshop.

Benefits to industry

The revitalised BWFW program provides producers with practical tools to improve livestock productivity and profitability through better breeding and feeding decisions. Evaluation results indicate that participation increases producer knowledge and encourages adoption of management practices related to genetic selection, breeding objectives and livestock nutrition.

MLA action

MLA will continue to invest in the coordination and delivery of the BWFW Program.

Future research

Future program development should continue to ensure alignment with other MLA adoption programs and maintain a clear focus on delivering practical, research-based guidance relevant to commercial livestock enterprises.