LIVESTOCK SA’s new partnership with University of Adelaide will help align the university’s livestock research with sheep and beef industry needs in South Australia.

The partnership to develop and implement the South Australian Sheep Industry Blueprint – a plan to boost the sector’s value, innovation and employment and training opportunities – was announced by SA Minister for Agriculture Leon Bignell this week.

Consultation with all industry stakeholders on blueprint development will begin later this month at various events around the state.

Mr Bignell said the State Government welcomed the industry’s plan to increase its revenue while driving international competitiveness.

“The State Government is very determined to help the industry realise these goals and we have provided $140,000 towards the blueprint.

“The blueprint also fits with the State Government’s economic priorities – by exporting a premium product to a global market, growing the industry and creating jobs and innovation,” Mr Bignell said.

Five-year agreement will start with sheep then include cattle

Livestock SA board member and Blueprint Working Group chairman Allan Piggott said the five-year agreement, supported by SA producers through the Sheep Industry Fund, will start with the sheep industry plan before progressing to cattle.

“This partnership with the University of Adelaide’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at the Roseworthy campus was a logical fit because both organisations have a similar interest in the continued growth and success of the livestock industry,” he said.

Mr Piggott says the industry will be consulted on the blueprint’s aims and objectives, which will then be implemented to deliver industry growth, from its current $1.48 billion value to $1.8 billion.

The agreement includes the Livestock SA-University of Adelaide jointly-funded appointment to the University of a Blueprint Manager to drive the development of the industry. Head of the University’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Professor Wayne Hein, said the new partnership with Livestock SA would help ensure the University’s livestock research was aligned with industry needs for the improvement of sheep and beef production in South Australia.

“The university will be working closely with the livestock industry in the state to promote growth and development through the adoption of the latest scientific knowledge and advances.

“We are proud to be able to focus our expertise in animal production research in this way to secure the sustainability and growth of the industry,” Professor Hein said.

Blueprint manager will coordinate consultation phase

The recent appointment of blueprint manager Dr Stephen Lee will be supported through State Government funding and the University’s JS Davies bequest, adding to the recent university appointment of Professor John Williams as the JS Davies Research Chair. Professor Williams has worked with Livestock SA to realise the partnership.

Mr Piggott said Dr Lee will coordinate the next phase of the blueprint’s development, with the working group, which includes state-wide consultation with producers and other industry stakeholders.

“Stephen has extensive experience in applied research, technical extension and private sector work in product development and commercialisation.

“We are certain his skills will be an asset as the blueprint is developed and implemented.”

Consultation with all industry stakeholders will begin later this month at:

Minnipa Agricultural Centre, Tuesday, September 29, 7.30-10pm

Cleve Hotel, Wednesday, September 30, 7.30-10pm

Burra Sports Complex, Friday, October 2, 9-11.30am

Murray Bridge Community Club, Tuesday, October 6, 7.30-10pm

Lucindale Memorial Hall, Wednesday, October 7, 7.30-10pm.

More information: http://www.livestocksa.org.au/pages/blueprint.php

Sources: Livestock SA and University of Adelaide.