New LTEM co-ordinator Brydie Creagh

WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S program to lift sheep productivity has been boosted by the appointment of Albany local Brydie Creagh as a Lifetime Ewe Management (LTEM) co-ordinator.

Ms Creagh is a former ambassador for the Primary Industry Centre for Science Education, a national organisation which collaborates with universities and high schools focused on educating students and teachers about the opportunities in the agricultural industry.

She graduated from the University of Western Australia with a degree in Agricultural Science last year and is looking forward to helping producers increase production by implementing the LTEM principles.

“I’m passionate about improving outcomes for sheep farmers, particularly by boosting lambing rates, which is one of the key aspects of Lifetime Ewe Management.

“This program was developed by producers for producers and provides best practice principles for ewe management, increasing on-farm productivity and profitability in the process,” Ms Creagh said.

“Participants have seen a 50 percent reduction in ewe mortality and a 15pc increase in weaning rates.”

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Sheep Alliance chair Craig Heggaton said the Sheep Alliance considered the Lifetime Ewe Management initiative to be one of the most valuable activities within the department’s Sheep Industry Business Innovation project.

The Sheep Alliance is also taking a seat on the reference group supporting the LTEM program in the state. Ms Creagh’s position is jointly supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Rural Industries Skill Training Centre.

LTEM is a course involving groups of producers using hands-on sessions over a period of 12 months. All sessions include a farm visit to look at condition scoring, pasture assessing and feed budgeting activities that are practical and applicable to the farm business.

“We are delighted to see the additional resourcing with a high quality and energetic individual dedicated to the task of helping improve the delivery of this program in WA,” Dr Heggaton said.

Dr Heggaton added that Ms Creagh’s appointment was an excellent opportunity to attract a new young professional to the sheep services industry.

“Both the Sheep Alliance and the SIBI project are committed to developing skills in young people and keeping them involved in the sheep industry.”

Department sheep industry development director Bruce Mullan said the appointment of a coordinator for the Lifetime Ewe Management project would be of great benefit to sheep producers looking to increase on-farm productivity and profitability.

“I encourage sheep producers to consider if the program could add value to their farm business and contact Brydie to get involved,” Dr Mullan said.

For further information on LTEM or to find a group near you, contact Ms Creagh at [email protected] or 0400 814 306.