News & Media

Nuffield scholar delivers markets snapshot at sheep updates

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Released on:
Wednesday, 24. July 2013 - 14:00

Sheep producers have heard from a Nuffield scholar about opportunities for developing and emerging markets at the Department of Agriculture and Food’s Sheep Updates in Merredin.

Yealering sheep producer Kelly Manton-Pearce said her Nuffield study tour showed a future need for sheepmeat in China, India and Middle East.

“These markets represent significant export opportunities for Australian lamb and sheepmeat,” Dr Manton-Pearce said.

“We need to use these markets as a way of value adding to our sheepmeat or lamb produce.

“Producers should encourage processors to look for tools and technologies that give a more accurate assessment of carcase quality so we can improve the end product.”

Dr Manton-Pearce said to further capitalise on the growing demand, better communication was needed to determine what the markets are demanding.

“Ongoing access to information about prices, trends and quality standards are essential to improve efficiency both on farm and in the market place,” she said.

“We require an ongoing approach to reposition lamb as a versatile, value for money, everyday healthy alternative both in domestic markets and for our export markets.”

Local agribusinesses contributed to the Sheep Updates held in Merredin yesterday.

Regional Sheep Updates will also be held in Wickepin today (24 July), Kojonup on Thursday and Esperance on Friday. Supporting producer groups involved include Facey Group, Southern DIRT and ASHEEP.

Department sheep leader Steve Gherardi said Sheep Updates provided a great opportunity for growers and agribusiness to get the latest information and advice in one day.

“We’ve had strong regional interest in Sheep Updates and we hope participants will go home with new information and plenty to think about,” he said.

 

Media contacts:  Jodie Thomson, media liaison    +61 (0)8 9368 3937