LIVESTOCK GENERAL

MLA funding for producer demonstration sites

SHEEP and goat producer groups can apply for funding through Meat and Livestock Australia’s Producer Demonstration Sites program to validate the on-farm benefits of adopting MLA research findings and technologies.

Alex Paull
MLA funding for producer demonstration sites

The PDS program provides funding of up to $25,000 a year for three years for producer groups to demonstrate, develop and adopt new innovation and on-farm management practices into local farming systems that improve profitability and productivity.

MLA's general manager of producer consultation and adoption Michael Crowley said the objective of the PDS program was to shorten the time lag between technological innovation and adoption of practices by producers at a local level.

"MLA is committed to partnering with producer groups to achieve improved business profitability and productivity outcomes," Crowley said.

"The key outcome of a PDS is producer adoption of the demonstrated innovation and management practices resulting in improved business performance. Funding is available for up to six sheep projects and one to two goat projects that are able to commence in early 2017."

Crowley said MLA was calling for preliminary applications for producer demonstration sites related to sheep enterprises that align with regional Southern Australia Meat Research Council and Western Australian Livestock Research Council priorities.

From a goat industry perspective, applications are sought focused around improved feedbase utilisation, improved business/herd management and genetic improvement. To help guide producer groups considering applying for the PDS program, MLA is hosting a free webinar next Wednesday.

The webinar will address some of the common mistakes people make in their applications and provide tips for creating a compelling application. It will examine what activities are and aren't eligible for funding, and examples of what's considered a PDS. Preliminary PDS applications should be submitted before October 21.

For more information, visit: http://www.mla.com.au/research-and-development/funding-opportunities/producers.

TOPICS:

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Farming Ahead team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Farming Ahead team.

editions

Research Report: Harvest Weed Seed Mills

The Report includes a round up of commercially-available batching plants as well as farmer-made approaches.

editions

Research Report: Agritechnica 2023

Kondinin Group’s Mark Saunders, Ben White and Josh Giumelli went to Agritechnica, Germany. This report covers the key award winners from the event and some of the latest autonomous platforms displayed.

editions

Research Report: Fronting Up

This Research Report looks at harvester fronts including research and expertise from Kondinin Group’s Ben White, with input from harvesting specialists Brett Asphar, Kassie Van Der Westhuizen, Murray Skayman and Martin Reichelt.

editions

Research Report: Liquid Applications At Seeding

Kondinin Group’s Mark Saunders, Josh Giumelli and Ben White have rounded up liquid application Case Studies for this Research Report including tips and tricks from experiencd producers.