AN online initiative aimed at implementing key sheep and wool production research findings on farms has been launched by Australian Wool Innovation.

With limited face-to-face wool grower engagement opportunities in much of 2020, the AWI Change Makers ten-part video series was launched today, with the first instalment focusing on lambing mob size.

AWI Change Makers is centred on sheep reproduction topics, from ram health to preparing and managing ewes for joining, pregnancy and lambing and through to weaning management. The second instalment will be about lamb weaning management.

Leading livestock consultant, Nathan Scott of Achieve Ag Solutions, Victoria, is recording the AWI Change Makers series from home and will provide producers with timely, technical management tips.

Nathan is keen to see the launch of the series which focuses on outcomes growers can use on-farm now.

He said the series aimed to deliver the best and most practical outcomes of various research from around the country.

“And not just new research projects but also some of the older research that has sat idly on the shelf, to a degree.

“It’s packaging it in an easily accessible, easily digestible and practical way.”

Mr Scott said Change Makers is a great initiative from AWI to provide research outcomes to growers in a really quick and accessible format.

“The lack of opportunities for producers to get together and engage with industry at the moment is a real challenge.

“The AWI Change Makers series is designed to start conversations for producers as we bring them information and help them identify opportunities for change,” he said.

Mr Scott said there had been a lot of effort put into research extension.

“I suspect it is time for a new approach.

“We know that people and the way they exchange information is changing, so everything in our lives now it is more about shorter, sharper, ‘give me the answers’.

“That’s why I can see that this is going to be a fairly valuable series of videos, because that is exactly what it is designed to – ‘what does it mean to me on my farm and how can I implement it tomorrow?”

Mob size can influence lambing rates

AWI said with lambing happening across many parts of the country it is important for producers to consider their lambing mob size. Mob size can have a significant impact on lambing rates, particularly in your twin mobs. Join Nathan Scott as he outlines why mob size matters, practical management tips and what you can do in AWI Change Makers Episode 1: Lambing mob size. For more info go to www.wool.com/mobsize.

To find the videos when released, go online to www.wool.com/awichangemakers or give AWI a follow on our social media platforms below to ensure you stay up-to-date as we demonstrate a range of practical ways growers can influence sheep reproduction with the latest research and tools informed by AWI-funded research, development and extension outcomes.

To follow AWI’s social media go to Facebook @AustralianWoolInnovation, Twitter @woolinnovation and Instagram @beyondthebale.