Guest speakers on the second day include Wellards livestock manager Paul Mahony on lamb marketing.
The latest in the sheep genetics pipeline and lamb marketing opportunities will be showcased to stud and commercial producers at the annual Australian White Suffolk Association conference next month.
The conference, to be held on March 14-15 at Albany’s Motel Le Grande, Western Australia, will pay tribute to the historic city’s role as the departure point for ANZAC troops in World War I.
More than 60 delegates are expected to attend the conference, which will be open to commercial producers, industry stakeholders and the public.
Federal Council president Mark Grossman will kick off the opening session with guest speakers Tim Spicer, Elders Stud Stock, and former WAMMCO chairman Dawson Bradford, Narrogin, will speak on the journey from producer to chairman.
AWSA board member Anthony Hurst will outline the branded lamb opportunity for the White Suffolk breed. Producers are encouraged to join the Association’s commercial register to value add their prime lamb product.
Murdoch University’s Dr Graeme Gardner, Professor David Pethick and Dr Kelly Pearce will outline what is in the sheep genetics pipeline. Dr Enoch Bergman, Swans Veterinary Services, Esperance, will speak on the topic “Proud to produce protein and building a better cow’’.
Guest speakers on the second day include Wellards livestock manager Paul Mahony on lamb marketing, while Hamish Chandler and Will Chaffey, of Sheep Genetics, will present an update on LAMBPLAN.
The conference will conclude on Tuesday evening with a dinner featuring White Suffolk lamb cuisine, and a presentation on the Regional Men’s Health Initiative by Owen Catto and White Suffolk breeder and former Carlton footballer Ross Ditchburn.
Western Australian branch president and conference convenor Bruce Buswell said the prime lamb market in the state was strong with the live export market soaking up the 15-18kg carcase weight lambs.
“This is a huge market keeping the rest of the buyers on their toes,’’ Mr Buswell said.
“By scheduling the conference slightly later than usual, it allows delegates to incorporate a visit to the Wagin Woolorama on March 11-12. It also includes our annual general meeting and an open forum where members can discuss issues within the breed and industry.’’
Conference registrations close on February 19 and can be made to whitesuffolk@gmail.com