Building stronger relationships within industry
Industry relations have been strengthened across all levels through training courses, industry events and field days by bringing together producers and stakeholders. This work has highlighted the importance of strong industry relationships and collaboration to promote the Western Australian sheep sector.
These events included sheep research open days in 2017 and 2018 at DPIRD’s Katanning Research Facility, participation in ‘It’s Ewe Time’, and sponsorship of LambEx 2018.
SIBI also supported industry by funding the Sheep Alliance of WA as the peak leadership body and advocate of change management for the WA sheep industry. The Sheep Alliance was formed to prepare a whole-of-supply chain response to the decline in WA sheep population, drive sheep business profitability and drive sustainable industry growth.
SIBI co-funded the appointment of a supply chain manager at processor V&V Walsh. The role has seen benefits through increasing the understanding of issues impacting the competitiveness of the sheep industry and by building enterprise and supply chain innovation technology.
SIBI worked in partnership with Noongar Land Enterprises (NLE) members to support the development of sheep enterprises and Indigenous sheep meat product on Noongar-managed farms. The Lifetime Ewe Management training provided opportunities to connect with other NLE sheep producers and build a network of technical support and industry mentors.