Increase professional capacity of the sheep industry
Recognising the importance of increasing the professional capacity within the sheep industry, SIBI offered initiatives aimed at building the skills and knowledge of established industry participants as well as students.
Initiatives for producers included a new technology pilot group that brought together mixed-enterprise farmers who had implemented devices and systems to improve the efficiency of labour, breeding and traceability in their sheep enterprises.
A program of university scholarships and internships was established by SIBI to support individuals pursuing further study addressing key industry questions. The scholarships recognise the value in supporting research to solve sheep industry issues across the supply chain and to build broader industry capacity.
SIBI’s Sheep Meat Value Chain Training Program (2017 and 2018 ), provided an opportunity for students looking to pursue a career in the sheep industry, and built understanding of the concepts and technologies relevant to sheep meat supply and value chains.
SIBI’s dry age mutton research project aimed to define potential market opportunities, optimal processing protocols and to standardise the guidelines for regulation of dry aged mutton. In collaboration with the University of Melbourne and MLA, this project worked with chefs and training institutions to demonstrate the tenderness and flavour characteristics of dry-aged mutton, and determine the foodservice opportunities for the product.
Other investments by SIBI in enhancing the skills of producers and industry professionals included programs such as the Lifetime Ewe Management program, the Lamb Survival Initiative and a genetics extension program. These projects increased the business and technical skills of producers and service providers to the sheep industry, enhancing overall industry capacity.