A new $6 million partnership will help sheep and beef farmers use farm data to improve productivity, reduce costs, and make better business decisions.
The program is a joint initiative between Agriculture Victoria and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). It was announced at the Best Wool/BestLamb and BetterBeef conferences in Ballarat.
Farmers will be able to take part in local workshops, producer networks, and on-farm trials. These activities will help them learn how to use farm data to improve their operations.
The program will also give farmers access to trusted advisers with knowledge of local farming conditions. Advisers will provide practical guidance and support farmers who are not already involved in industry programs.
Farmers will have the opportunity to test new farming methods through on-farm trials. They will also gain access to the latest research and international farming innovations that can be used on their own properties.
The program focuses on making better use of existing farm data, including livestock weights, breeding results, and pasture information. It also encourages the use of technologies such as electronic livestock identification to support better decision-making.
Better use of farm data can help improve efficiency, manage costs, and support long-term planning.
Beef, sheep meat, and wool remain some of Victoria's most valuable agricultural products. Beef is worth about $2.9 billion, sheep meat $2.0 billion, and wool about $874 million each year.
Victoria's food and fibre exports have reached a record $22.1 billion, making the state Australia's largest agricultural exporter.
For more information, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/networks/bestwoolbestlamb.