STRONG opportunities to boost Western Australia’s sheep industry will be highlighted at the Agribusiness Sheep Updates 2016 event next month.

The Department of Agriculture and Food’s premier sheep event is expected to bring together representatives across the industry to inspire business success.

Registrations are now open for the Agribusiness Sheep Updates 2016 which will feature industry leaders to discuss their business experiences and explore future opportunities for the Western Australian sheep industry.

Department sheep industry leader Bruce Mullan said the Sheep Updates provided an opportunity for producers, processors, exporters and researchers to share information to help build the state’s wool and sheep meat industries.

“This year we are focusing on ‘Sharpening the WA sheep business’ and have gathered inspiring agribusiness experts to share their experiences that led to significant business success,” Dr Mullan said.

Australian Farm Institute Executive Director Mick Keogh will discuss global trends in the sheep industry and Dorper Lamb’s Graeme Howie will discuss his business – from urban lamb vans to export contracts.

Other key topics include: managing risk through investment diversification; transitioning family farm business to diversified agricultural business; and profitability of sheep enterprises compared to cropping enterprises.

There will also be presentations on the economics of getting back into sheep and price benchmarks for out-of-season lamb.

Dr Mullan said Western Australian sheep meat exports had grown considerably in the past four years and market intelligence showed rising demand and values for both sheep meat and wool.

“The opportunities for those in the WA sheep industry are strong – and this is a good time to come together to focus on business growth and development so we have the capacity to maintain and build supply,” he said.

Sheep Updates are being delivered by the department’s Sheep Industry Business Innovation project, made possible by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.

Agribusiness Sheep Updates 2016 will be held on Tuesday August 30 2016 at the UWA Club, Crawley Perth. For further information or to register for the event, go to the Sheep Updates page on the department website.