Domestic Lamb

Free SA Sheepmeat Forum to seek producer feedback

Terry Sim, August 18, 2014

A producer feedback session will be a key part of the South Australian Sheepmeat Forum at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy Campus next week.

Livestock SA president, Richard Halliday, said the August 29 forum will be held directly following the Livestock SA AGM at 10am and the tour of the Roseworthy Campus at 11am.

“One of the key objectives for Livestock SA and Sheepmeat Council is to hear directly from producers.

“At the end of the forum there will be an open question and answer session which will allow for SA producers to engage in discussion, ask questions and provide feedback and ideas to the national body, Sheepmeat Council,” Mr Halliday said.

Free forum to focus on industry confidence

The free forum will focus on confidence in the Australian lamb industry and Sheepmeat Council of Australia chief executive Dr Kat Ferme will also outline planning for the industry’s future during her presentation at the forum.

The 2014 mid-year update of the sheep industry projections released by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) last week, suggests the outlook for the Australian lamb industry continues to look positive, with producer confidence built on strong export demand and a robust Australian market.

Dr Ferme said rebuilding the flock will be invaluable to keep up lamb and mutton supply.

”We need to maintain market access and be able to supply those markets as well.

“All producers are invited to attend the SA Sheepmeat Producer Forum where an exciting afternoon of presentations will include the supply and demand outlook, on-farm research outcomes, as well as hearing directly from the processor Thomas Foods International and Elders Live Exports,” she said.

“This forum will be an opportunity for information exchange.

“We aim to provide information to producers but we’re really keen to hear directly from them on what challenges and opportunities are both on-farm and at an industry level,” Dr Ferme said.

Key sessions include market outlook and industry direction

Key sessions at the forum will include Dr Kat Ferme giving an overview of the sheepmeat industry, levy investments, key priority areas and planning for the future of the sheepmeat industry.

Mr Halliday will provide a brief outline of Livestock SA and the key priority areas for the SA sheep industry.

MLA’s market specialist for North America and Middle East- North Africa, Robert Barker, will provide an overview of Australia’s sheep supply outlook, and how this fits into global demand.

MLA’s sheep research and development project manager, Richard Apps, will provide an overview of MLA’s sheep on-farm research areas, and discuss the need to be an early adopter of innovation and the opportunities this provides for profitable farm businesses.

Thomas Foods International’s lamb supply chain co-ordinator, Dr David Rutley, will present the company’s whole-of-chain approach to ensure their products meet customer and consumer expectations.

Elders livestock sales manager – South Australia, Damien Webb, will present on the live export trade and the role of Elders. The open feedback section will be facilitated by local producer Penny Schulz.

RSVP: By August 22, 2014 via email [email protected], phone 02 6269 5610 or online www.sheepmeatcouncil.com.au

 

 

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