Livestock SA has been proactive in supporting producers through workshops and initiatives to prepare for the coming months. We have covered topics such as containment and ewe feeding strategies, managing your bank manager, early weaning for sheep and cattle, pasture growth strategies, wellbeing, and more. Check out our YouTube channel here to catch up on some of the webinars.
We'll continue to collaborate with governments, industries, banks, and consultants to ensure we support producers to meet the challenges ahead as the season unfolds. If you need support there are services available to you. A great place to start is the Family and Business (FaB) Mentors through PIRSA (Family and Business Mentors (pir.sa.gov.au). FaB mentors are located across the state in regional areas to provide support and a listening ear when things get tough. They are independent, confidential, and experienced in dealing with difficult situations.
Livestock SA recently wrapped up a series of workshops on Livestock Strategies for the Next 100 Days, supported by the SA Drought Hub and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions. Many producers have found the early weaning information presented during these workshops valuable, and for those that couldn’t attend face to face the information is available online via our webinars.
The Livestock SA position remains strong in that we condemn the Labour government's move to cease the live sheep trade, and we are supporting and advocating our position at every opportunity. We’re backing our board members and producers attending the National Ag Rally on 10 September in Canberra, where over 1,000 producers and industry representatives will unite, have our voice heard, and stand up against this ill-conceived policy.
August was a busy month, filled with various activities, including a morning tea at the Eyre Peninsula Field Days with our partner, Perrys Fuel. CEO Travis attended and engaged with members on industry matters and Livestock SA’s initiatives. We also participated in LambEx, which was a great success for the lamb and sheep industry. Congratulations to the organising committee, led by Jason Schulz. South Australia has also won the bid to host LambEx again in 2026.
We’re excited about the launch of the Red Meat and Wool Blueprint 2030. A collaboration between industry, government, researchers and professional service providers, the South Australian Red Meat and Wool Blueprint 2030 is the industry’s strategic plan and roadmap. The 2030 Blueprint vision is for: “A progressive and sustainable South Australian red meat and wool value-chain, that is connected and adaptable. Together, we are empowered to capture market opportunities and to continually improve the wellbeing, productivity and profitability of our livestock, people and land”. Read more here.
Livestock SA is pleased with the Yorke Peninsula Council's decision to continue to allow higher-productivity vehicles on roads in the area, after they proposed to reduce these important freight carriers’ access. The council received many submissions, including one from Livestock SA which has led to this decision. Read it here.
Livestock SA has also made a submission to the Department for Environment and Water regarding the proposed changes to the Pastoral Board Guideline for Change of Land Use applications. We have expressed support for amendments that allow more flexible land management, such as incorporating conservation and carbon farming, while also highlighting the need to retain a focus on pastoralism and its economic viability. Read it here.
We have concluded our annual producer priority survey and will be analysing the data in the coming weeks. This survey is essential for our planning and continuous improvement.
More details about upcoming Livestock SA Regional Round Ups in Murray Bridge, Clare and Port Augusta can be found below.
Kind regards,
Joe Keynes
President, Livestock SA