Sheep Breeders Gather in Benalla for National Education Event

Sheep breeders from across Australia recently came together in Benalla for the seventh biennial education event attracting participants from four states, the event highlighted its ongoing importance to the sheep breeding community.

This year’s program featured a series of expert-led sessions focusing on key areas essential for modern sheep breeders, including parasite management, genetics and genomics, collaborative marketing, dry season feeding, early ram selection, and paddock-to-plate business strategies.

The event offered a rich program covering a range of topics crucial for today’s sheepbreeders, including:

• Parasite Management: Strategies for controlling parasites in sheep flocks.
• Genetics and Genomics: How breeders can use modern science to improve stock.
• Collaborative Marketing: Working together to reach bigger markets.
• Dry Season Feeding: Practical advice for feeding sheep during droughts.
• Early Selection of Rams: Tips for choosing the best rams to improve flock genetics.
• Paddock to Plate Business Strategies: Turning farm produce into successful business ventures.

A particularly memorable moment was the presentation by Malcolm Starritt of Womboota Border Leicester stud. Malcolm shared his experience of sustaining a stud through tougher times and offered actionable strategies for breeders to prepare for a prosperous future. His sentiment echoed the event’s overarching theme of resilience and adaptability.

While many regions are experiencing dry conditions, the conference maintained a strong emphasis on future-focused opportunities. Attendees exchanged ideas on planning ahead, leveraging available knowledge, and maximising the potential of their resources to overcome challenges.

Beyond education, the Benalla event served as a vital networking hub for sheep breeders to connect, share knowledge, and build a stronger collective community.

The sheep-breeding community thrives on lifelong learning and strong camaraderie and this event was no different – Jill , Hallston Valley Farm

This event once again demonstrated the incredible value of collaboration and innovation, paving the way for a thriving future for the sheep-breeding industry.

About ASSBA

The Australian Stud Sheep Breeders Association Ltd (ASSBA) champions the breeding and improvement of sheep in Australia through meticulous record-keeping, flock register maintenance, and sponsorship of shows and sales. ASSBA supports farmers by providing crucial resources and facilitating collaboration within the industry. For more information, visit https://www.assba.com.au.

About AWSA

The Australian White Suffolk Association (AWSA) is dedicated to advancing the breeding of White Suffolk sheep, focusing on performance, innovation, and breed improvement. With over 30 years of experience, AWSA is committed to providing leadership and excellent service to its members. For more details, visit https://www.whitesuffolk.com.au.