Australian Agriculture makes Strides: Genetic Gains, New Tools, and Leadership Shifts
AustraliaS agricultural sector is experiencing meaningful advancements, marked by breakthroughs in sheep genetics, the release of innovative tools for livestock management, and a shift in leadership within key organizations. These developments promise increased efficiency and profitability for farmers, contributing to a more sustainable and productive agricultural landscape.
Genetic Leap Forward in Australian Sheep Breeding
A recent report from meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) highlights a remarkable 4% average genetic gain in Australian sheep across key analyses: Merinselect, Lambplan, and Kidplan. This progress,achieved through the MLA’s Sheep Genetics program,directly translates to improved on-farm productivity,profitability,and sustainability. The detailed findings are available in the Sheep Genetics annual Outcomes Report for 2023-2024.
Peta Bradley, Manager for Sheep Genetics at MLA, attributes this success to the dedication of sheep producers: “Sheep Genetics has continued to work closely with ram producers to increase the number of animals included in the genetic evaluations while also driving genetic progress,” she stated. The program’s success is further bolstered by “world-leading evaluations…driven through the R&D of the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) at the University of New England.”
new Resources Enhance Ewe Pregnancy Scanning
MLA and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) have collaborated on a multi-year initiative to improve lamb survival and reproductive rates. This partnership has yielded a suite of new resources designed to assist producers in effectively scanning and managing pregnant ewes. The University of Adelaide lead the research behind these resources, with input from numerous industry experts.
A 2018 MLA survey revealed that a significant 69% of Australian sheep producers did not utilize pregnancy scanning to determine litter size. Dr.Daniel Forwood, Project Manager for Sheep and Goat Productivity at MLA, emphasizes the importance of this technology: “Pregnancy scanning is a vital tool for improving sheep reproductive performance. It enables identification of litter size early in pregnancy, so that multiple-bearing ewes can be differentially managed to meet recommended condition score targets and increase survival,” he explained.
Beef Australia Welcomes New Leadership
Beef Australia recently concluded its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Rockhampton, resulting in significant leadership changes. Cameron Hewitt and Wendy Mayne were elected as new directors,joining re-elected directors Claire Mactaggart and Russell Hughes. Adelaide McDonald was subsequently appointed as the new Chair of Beef Australia.
In accepting her new role, Chair McDonald expressed gratitude for the past leadership: “On behalf of Beef Australia’s new Board of Directors and the wider team I would like to thank Bryce and Richard for their unwavering commitment and dedication to delivering prosperous Beef Australia events over the years,” she said.
National Saleyard Survey Shows Growth
MLA’s National Livestock Reporting Service (NLRS) 2023-2024 Saleyard Survey reveals a substantial increase in livestock transactions. Stephanie Pitt,NLRS Operations Manager for MLA,reports that over 18.5 million transactions were recorded across sheep and cattle, representing a 2.1 million increase compared to the previous year. This data, voluntarily reported across all states except the Northern Territory, provides valuable insights into the australian livestock market.
Australian Livestock Market Sees Significant Shifts, While Avocados Take Center Stage This Christmas
Australia’s livestock market experienced dramatic fluctuations in the past fiscal year, according to recent reports. The changes were notably pronounced in cattle and sheep populations across several states.
“There were significant increases of livestock transacted across the country, with the largest percentage changes seen in Tasmanian cattle (28.6 percent), South Australian cattle (27.6 percent), and Victorian cattle (26.5 percent),” stated a spokesperson.
The report also highlighted substantial growth in sheep numbers. “The biggest changes in sheep were seen in victorian sheep (+14.8 percent), New South Wales sheep (+14.7 percent), and Western Australian sheep (+11 percent),” the spokesperson added.
Though, not all regions experienced growth. ”Cattle throughput in Western Australia and Queensland fell in the financial year, falling 3.4 percent and 1.1 percent respectively,” the spokesperson noted, indicating a more complex picture of the Australian livestock market.
Aussie Avocados: A Healthy and Tasty Christmas Treat
While the livestock market saw its share of ups and downs, Australian avocado growers are celebrating a successful harvest, despite facing challenges throughout the year. Their hard work has resulted in an abundance of high-quality avocados, making them a great value option this holiday season.
Avocados Australia encourages consumers to add this nutritious fruit to their Christmas celebrations. The creamy texture and delicious taste make them a perfect addition to festive meals and snacks.
To inspire culinary creativity, we reached out to avocado growers for their favourite recipes. While salads remain a classic choice,simple recipes often shine brightest.
A single serving of avocado (about half a medium avocado, or 75g) is packed with healthy fats, fiber, B vitamins, and potassium. Its nutritional benefits extend to other dishes,making it a versatile and healthy addition to any meal.
Michael Coulson, a North Queensland avocado grower from Coolio Farms, shared his personal favorites. “For those wanting healthy Christmas recipes you can’t go past a good avocado smoothie recipe to start the day with fresh Aussie avocado, vanilla yogurt, ice, banana and the addition of honey and almonds,” Coulson suggested.
With their nutritional value and versatility, australian avocados are poised to be a star ingredient in many american kitchens this Christmas.
