Cattle producers throughout the State have an opportunity to learn how to increase their profits and better meet market requirements at workshops presented by the Department of Agriculture and Food in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia.
Department development officer Fiona Jones said the workshops, titled From hoof to hook: meating expectations, will be held throughout regional Western Australia starting in Dongara on 16 September and held on consecutive days in Gingin, Bunbury, Mt Barker and Esperance.
“The workshops will provide producers with the latest information on using objective assessment to boost their productivity and profitability and understanding Meat Standards Australia (MSA) grading to obtain the best possible results,” Ms Jones said.
“Brett Littler, Beef Co-operative Research Centre BeefSpecs champion, will share the theory behind the BeefSpecs Calculator and show producers how to use the growth path information to help deliver cattle that meet market specifications.”
Ms Jones said the workshop would include training in fat scoring and muscle assessment to assist with monitoring for fat and muscle as well as a detailed examination of cattle selection for desired traits.
Department senior research officer Kimbal Curtis will speak at the Bunbury workshop to provide an overview of current and potential markets for beef from Western Australia.
MLA Livestock Supply Chain Coordinator Terry Farrell will present information on the Meat Standards Australia program to help participants get the best possible results with grading.
“Producers will learn a valuable range of skills at the workshop that they can adopt as part of their business routine,” Ms Jones said.
“If applied correctly, these skills will assist producers to achieve an increased number of cattle that meet the specifications of their desired markets, all the way from hoof to hook.”
Producers are encouraged to register for the workshops as soon as possible as places are limited.
To register for the workshop in Dongara on 16 September or Gingin on 17 September, contact Rebecca Butcher on +61 (0)8 9651 0540 or +61 428 981 003 or email rebecca.butcher@agric.wa.gov.au.
To register for the workshop in Bunbury on 18 September, Mt Barker on 19 September or Esperance on 20 September, contact Fiona Jones on +61 (0)8 9780 6263 or +61 409 117 132 or email fiona.jones@agric.wa.gov.au.
Media contact: Jodie Thomson, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937