On-Farm / Wool Production Proposals

On-farm projects that focus on: sustainable production, sheep productivity and animal health and welfare are most likely to be of interest to AWI.

Use the On-farm proposal template (Word 267Kb) Please note: applications closed 31 August 2006. 2007 dates will be published when available.

Key Goals for 2006-2007 include:

Sustainable Production Systems

  • Pastures Australia, a partnership of five Research and Development Corporations, will implement a new approach to support pasture plant breeding, focussing on increased commercial use of existing cultivars, more commercial sector involvement, clearer evaluation of performance of different cultivars;
  • Implement a new NRM strategy with emphasis on delivery of Land Water and Wool products, improving saltland agronomy, rabbit and weed control, and developing a practical Environmental Assurance program for wool producers;
  • Complete and release an economic analysis of Lifetime Wool project benefits;
  • Test and demonstrate improved productivity of low input pasture systems with benefits for animal production and natural resource management (Evergraze project collaboration with MLA and Salinity CRC);
  • Implement new pastoral zone strategy with emphasis on evaluation of alternative breeds and finishing systems, practical revegetation techniques, environmental monitoring, improved rabbits and weed control, supporting pastoralist group network activities; and
  • With MLA, develop new Best Management Package for sheep and wool production and plan delivery strategy via state producer networks and other means.

Sheep Productivity Program

  • Develop and enact extension plan for Sheep Genetics (SG) to increase participation by breeders
  • Develop SG service levels with a view to build capacity to support breeders
  • Maintain support for genetic benchmarking activities such as Sire Evaluation and bloodline comparisons;
  • Continue work on integration of gene markers into breeding values in SGA;
  • As phenotype collection in the gene mapping project at Falkiner Memorial Field Station approaches completion, commence genotyping and statistical analysis;
  • Continue progress of Sheep Genomics program as informed by mid-term review;
  • Complete review of sheep reproduction extension messages, economic analysis and R&D needs; and
  • Instigate investigation and demonstration of optimum breeding/production systems for dual purpose (wool/meat) enterprises based on merino sheep.

Animal Health and Welfare Program

  • Broad scale, commercial proof testing and transfer to commercial partner(s) of mulesing alternatives;
  • Support the implementation of National Mulesing Accreditation Program;
  • Increased emphasis on research, monitoring and extension programs associated with wool chemical residues;
  • Completion and evaluation of Integrated Parasite Management project with next phase initiated if promising;
  • Commercialise new diagnostic tests for lice, footrot and worms;
  • Initiate registration and commercialisation of new fox bait;
  • Second phase of GINTIP sub program investigates potential new drench targets; and 
  • Potential for new vaccines against annual ryegrass toxicity  and footrot investigated.

It is strongly recommended that you contact the relevant Program Manger before submitting a project proposal. Please note,AWI funds for research projects in the on-farm sector are already heavily committed and there will be very limited capacity for new project investments.

 

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