MLA’s Sheep Genetics program goes from strength to strength
The Australian sheep flock is continuing to experience genetic gain driven by ongoing improvements in the Sheep Genetics program, as revealed in a new report released by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).
Genetic progress continued to increase in 2023–24 with an average of 4% genetic gain across the three main analyses: Merinseclect, Lambplan and Kidplan. This progress is linked directly to improvements in on-farm productivity, profitability and sustainability, with this information detailed further within the Sheep Genetics Annual Outcomes Report for 2023-2024.
According to Manager for Sheep Genetics at MLA, Peta Bradley, the increase in genetic gain is a testament to the Sheep Genetic clients focus on genetic progress and associated recording.
“Sheep Genetics has continued to work closely with ram producers to increase the number of animals included in the genetic evaluations while also driving genetic progress,” Ms Bradley said.
“An enabler of this genetic gain has been the world leading evaluations delivered by Sheep Genetics and driven through the R&D of the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) at the University of New England.”
New resources for ewe pregnancy scanning released
Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) have released a range of new resources to help producers scan and manage pregnant ewes.
The new resources are the result of a multi-year co-investment between MLA and AWI aimed to improve lamb survival and reproductive rates in the Australian sheep flock through better adoption of pregnancy scanning. The background research was completed by The University of Adelaide and included many industry consultants in the project team.
In 2018, an MLA-funded survey of Australian sheep producers determined that 69 per cent of respondents did not pregnancy scan their ewe flocks for litter size.
According to Project Manager for Sheep and Goat Productivity at MLA, Dr Daniel Forwood, this limits a producer’s capacity to maximise lamb and ewe survival.
“Pregnancy scanning is a vital tool for improving sheep reproductive performance. It enables identification of litter size early in pregnancy, so that multiple-bearing ewes can be differentially managed to meet recommended condition score targets and increase survival,” Dr Forwood said.
Beef Australia announces leadership changes with new Chairman and Board of Directors appointed
Beef Australia today announced the appointment of a new Chairman and Board of Directors, following the company’s 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Rockhampton.
Beef Australia’s members elected Cameron Hewitt and Wendy Mayne as new Directors, and re-elected current Directors Claire Mactaggart and Russell Hughes.
Following member elections, the Board of Directors appointed Adelaide McDonald as Chair of Beef Australia.
Beef Australia’s Chair Adelaide McDonald said she was honoured to have been selected by Directors to lead the team for Beef2027.
“On behalf of Beef Australia’s new Board of Directors and the wider team I would like to thank Bryce and Richard for their unwavering commitment and dedication to delivering successful Beef Australia events over the years,” Ms McDonald said.
National saleyard survey results released for 2024
Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) has today released the results of the National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) 2023–2024 Saleyard Survey.
According to NLRS Operations Manager for MLA, Stephanie Pitt, the survey, reported voluntarily for the financial year, aims to inform industry of saleyard throughput across all states, except the Northern Territory.
“In the 2024 financial year, there were just over 18.5 million transactions made across sheep and cattle, an increase of 2.1 million livestock compared to the previous financial year,” Ms Pitt said.
“There were significant increases of livestock transacted across the country, with the largest percentage changes seen in Tasmanian cattle (28.6 per cent), South Australian cattle (27.6 per cent) and Victorian cattle (26.5 per cent).
“The biggest changes in sheep were seen in Victorian sheep (+14.8 per cent), New South Wales sheep (+14.7 per cent) and Western Australian sheep (+11 per cent).
“Cattle throughput in Western Australia and Queensland fell in the financial year, falling 3.4 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively.”
Aussie avocado growers’ favourite Christmas recipes
All year Aussie avocado growers work hard to tend their orchards to ensure that their trees are healthy, that they flower successfully and produce quality avocados. It has been a tough year for growers but despite this they have successfully delivered their avocados from the paddock to the plate and Aussie avocados are great value this Christmas. Avocados Australia encourages Aussies to buy Aussie avocados this Christmas and enjoy the nutritious, creamy texture and taste.
Avocado growers know their avocados better than anyone, so we asked some growers for their favourite avocado recipes. What did they say? You can’t beat fresh avocado in salads, but simple recipes are also the best!
A single serve of avocado (half a medium avocado or 75g) contains healthy fats, fibre, B vitamins and potassium. Given that avocado also boosts the nutrition of other healthy foods it should be an essential item on everyone’s Christmas shopping list and an ingredient used every day.
North Queensland avocado grower Michael Coulson from Coolio Farms likes a good avocado smoothie or chilli and honey avocado on toast.
“For those wanting healthy Christmas recipes you can’t go past a good avocado smoothie recipe to start the day with fresh Aussie avocado, vanilla yoghurt, ice, banana and the addition of honey and almonds,” said Michael.
