Sheep industry representatives are reminded the primary research and extension event of the year, the Sheep Updates, will be held next week in Perth.
The 2014 Sheep Updates has a theme of ‘Breeding better sheep’ and will cover the latest research and tools, and discussion on current production and industry issues surrounding the use of genetics.
The day is designed for agribusiness as well as breeders and producers interested in lifting their knowledge of genetics.
Department of Agriculture and Food Acting Sheep Leader Mandy Curnow said sheep producers needed to think carefully about their breeding strategy or risk being left behind.
“Advisors to producers need to be up-to-date with the latest information in order to provide the best support for growing our industry,” Ms Curnow said.
“The focus of the presentations will be on understanding the implications of research and the application of the genetic tools.
“Department senior research officer Johan Greeff will cover the latest results from genetic research in Western Australia, and Kojonup economic analyst John Young will present his analysis on the contribution of better genetics to the bottom line.
“The session on tools will include a practical exercise on using genetic data to assess the value of rams.
“Luke Stephen of Sheep Genetics will explain how to use ASBVs and indexes in the paddock while Stephen Lee of the University of Adelaide will explain the new SNP chip, Poll gene and parentage tests.”
Ms Curnow said experiences in using genetic measurements and ASBVs would be shared by breeder Brett Jones from Ejanding Stud, Dowerin and producer Bindi Murray from Woodanilling.
The future of genetics research in the new Sheep CRC will be presented by James Rowe.
Keynote speaker James Kynge, Principal of FT China Confidential at the Financial Times, will touch on the influence of China and how the Western Australian sheep industry could secure a future in this market.
The Sheep Updates will be held at the University Club, the University of Western Australia on 30 July 2014 from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.
Register by Friday 25 July by emailing anne.jones@agric.wa.gov.au or call the Department of Agriculture and Food on (0)8 9892 8529.
More information about the Sheep Updates is available on the website here.
Media contact: Jodie Thomson/Dionne Tindale, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937