Australian livestock production was worth more than $28 billion in 2016-2017, according to figures from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES).
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No doubt there are challenges for the industry - drought, increased scrutiny of animal welfare and a competitive global market.
- Michael Friend
No doubt there are challenges for the industry - drought, increased scrutiny of animal welfare and a competitive global market.
There are opportunities too - wool prices are at record highs with the Eastern Market Indicator above $20 per kilo.
And the market for well-finished livestock is also strong, in Wagga last week a pen of lambs sold to a new Australian record of $258.20.
To meet those challenges and seize the opportunities, the industry needs to make sound decisions informed by research and to make the most of technology throughout the value chain.
The potential for innovations in our animal industries has never been greater, with the growth in new technologies such as gene editing, individual animal monitoring and management, and methods of better quantifying product value.
Over the next week in Wagga, a national conference will put the spotlight on advances in animal science and production.
More than 300 academics, researchers, producers, consultants, students and industry representatives will be in town for the Australian Society of Animal Production’s biennial conference.
The conference theme is ‘Fostering Innovation through the value chain’ because to realise benefits for our animal production industries we need to support innovation not only on-farm, but right through the supply chain.
We’re looking forward to welcoming delegates and showcasing the Riverina’s livestock industries through regional tours.
We also hope the conference will bring forward the latest innovations in our livestock industries and to spark some robust discussion about how the sector can continue to thrive.
- The conference will take place at Charles Sturt University from July 2 to 4.