It is designed to increase producer awareness of the principles, practices and tools of sheep enterprise productivity and profitability.

A joint initiative of Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), the forums are part of the flagship Making More From Sheep program.

MLA general manager – producer consultation and adoption Michael Crowley said the objective of the half-day forums was to help producers achieve productivity increases in the form of carcase value, reproduction rates and reducing cost of production.

“With the strength of the sheepmeat and wool markets there is renewed interest in boosting productivity and profitability of sheep enterprises to ensure the resilience of the industry continues,” Mr Crowley said.

“Some mixed farmers are increasing the sheep portion of their enterprise and these forums will provide information to help facilitate that shift and support sustainable business management.”

AWI general manager woolgrower services Stephen Feighan said while seasonal conditions are unfortunately very dry in many regions across Australia, the forums have been designed to help sheep and wool producers to plan and create more flexible and resilient businesses to achieve increased productivity and profitability.

Topics to be covered include sheepmeat and wool market outlooks, managing ewes in dry times, maximising lamb and weaner performance, animal health, integrating cropping and livestock and how to maximise profits from sheep.

The forums will have a clear practice-change focus and will point interested producers to many of the extension and adoption tools available through MLA and AWI.

The Cooma forum is on Tuesday, July 24. The cost is $35 per person, which includes a forum booklet and all catering.

For more information and to register visit www.makingmorefromsheep.com.au/events or contact 1800 070 099.