Enjoying a recent walk-the-chain experience in China was Mr Chen Xibin of Heilongjiang Grand Farm, Christine Pitt of Meat & Livestock Australia, Peter Cody of V. & V. Walsh and Tim Macamara of Giovi.

A UNIQUE opportunity to learn about the intricacies of the sheep meat value chain is being offered to tertiary students and recent graduates in a free five-day course in Western Australia.

The Sheep Meat Value Chain Training Program will feature University of Queensland Professor Kim Bryceson, who is well known for her work on supply chain modelling and risk assessment.

Professor Bryceson said the course would provide participants with a sound understanding of the theory and technologies relevant to sheep meat supply and value chains.

Successful applicants will get the unique ‘walk-the-chain’ experience, as well as network and share ideas with senior industry practitioners.

“The program will further develop the participants’ supply chain thinking and knowledge of challenges and opportunities that are unique to the sheep meat industry,” Professor Bryceson said.

The training program is being funded by the Department of Agriculture and Food’s Sheep Industry Business Innovation (SIBI) project, made possible by Royalties for Regions funding.

Training will be held from January 15-20, 2017, in the Western Australia wheatbelt. The program will include lectures, industry presentations and discussions, as well as practical field activities.

Other guest speakers will include leaders from key links in the sheep meat supply chain – producers, feedlotters, processors, retailers, marketers, exporters and customers.

Course will build sheep meat supply chain capacity

WA Department of Agriculture and Food development officer Justin Hardy said the course was a valuable investment into the future professional capacity of the sheep meat supply chain.

“The course offers a new generation of young professionals an opportunity to further develop their skills and knowledge.

“A collaborative value chain with good synergies and a comprehensive understanding of the challenges within and between each link is imperative to ensure a reliable supply of sheep meat products,” Mr Hardy said.

“This is one of a number of ways that the department is going beyond its traditional approach, while still working closely with the sheep meat supply chain, to build capacity and strengthen the relationships between each link, putting WA in a strong position to capture a share of the growing global demand for protein.”

Applications close 5pm, Friday October 14 2016 and are restricted to 20 places. Interested participants are required to provide an academic transcript and a one page overview of their interest in the agri-food sector, their professional background and how they would contribute to the industry.

For application information about the Sheep Meat Value Chain Training Program visit the department website. For more information about SIBI’s traineeships program contact Justin Hardy at  [email protected]

Source: DAFWA.