Around the Camp: AWI performance review / Digital Shepherd / New Wild Dog Coordinators / Lousy Sheep.

  1. Independent performance review of AWI.
  2. Digital Shepherd.
  3. New Wild Dog Coordinators.
  4. Lousy sheep.
  5. Upcoming events.
  6. eBulletins.

 

1. Independent performance review of AWI

On 9 July the independent report on the performance of Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) was released. The information included in this report came from 110 interviewed stakeholders, 56 written submissions, a survey of over 400 woolgrowers and over 1,300 documents provided by AWI.

Included in this report are 82 recommendations:

  • Improvements in strategic planning, communication with stakeholders and stakeholder engagement.
  • Moving to a skills-based board.
  • A maximum of 10 years on the board for board members.
  • Transparency around use of proxy votes during board elections.
  • Breaches of the code of conduct by board members to be investigated independently, not by AWI.

To view a 7 page summary of this report, click here.
For more information and to view the full report, click here.

Back to the top

 

2. Digital shepherd

The roll of the traditional shepherd who watched over and guarded stock from predators is a thing of the past, but not for much longer. As technology advances so does its role in primary production. One of the more recent advances has been the use of software, similar to facial recognition, to identify specific species of animals and provide alerts to the property owner. The system called Wild Dog Alert is solar powered, set and forget, can connect via satellite or mobile phone and detects wild dogs in a 360 degree zone using a tri-sensor system.

The Wild Dog Alert system will provide an unprecedented opportunity to monitor wild dog activity and efficiently inform the development and review of strategic regional wild dog management plans. Similarly, information about the location and identity of individual wild dogs could be sent to local wild dog controllers to aid them in their day-to-day work. Places where holes are made regularly in a dog fence by kangaroos and other animals, allowing wild dogs access to livestock are ideal places for Wild Dog Alert sentinel stations.

Image and caption from the PestSmart website.

Back to the top

 

3. New Wild Dog Coordinators

Meat and Livestock Australia, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Australian Wool Innovation, RAPAD, South West RED and regional local government bodies have banded together to jointly fund three new Wild Dog Coordinator positions throughout Queensland. The three positions have been filled by Brett Carlsson, Skyela Kruger and Rohan Dent.

Brett Carlsson is Senior Wild Dog Coordinator and is based in Cairns and will work in the region from the coast across to the Northern Territory Border. Brett will also oversee the other two positions.

 

Rohan Dent is the Central West Wild Dog Coordinator and is based in Blackall, he will work with the local shires which make up RAPAD.

 

Skyela Kruger is the South West Wild Dog Coordinator and is based in St George, she will work with the local shires which make up South West RED.

These three new positions are aiming to boost participation and provide information in relation to new and strategic wild dog management activities. If you would like to get in contact with your regional coordinator, please contact your local AgForce office.

Back to the top

 

4. Lousy sheep

Herbicide resistance weeds, antibiotic resistant bacteria or insecticide resistant worms, are just a few of many resistances which are becoming more common in primary industries. A project has been initiated by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to help measure insecticide resistance of blowflies and lice in the major wool producing areas of Australia.

If you are interested and would like more information please click here and request more information.

Back to the top

 

5. Upcoming events

17 July 9am-3pm AgForce SW Multi Topic Workshop, Morven Town Hall. For more information contact Vicki Franklin on franklinv@agforceqld.org.au or 0418 485 501.

18 July 9am-3pm Paperless office workshop, Roma. Find out more or register by contacting the state coordinator on 0409 814 200

18 July 9am-3pm AgForce SW Multi Topic Workshop, Cunnamulla Town Hall. For more information contact Vicki Franklin on franklinv@agforceqld.org.au or 0418 485 501.

18 July 2pm-5pm Agribusiness Seminar, Charleville RSL. For more information contact Mark Minnis on mark.minnis@raywhite.com or 0437 111 060.

19 July 9am-3pm AgForce SW Multi Topic Workshop, Thargomindah Kililli Room. For more information contact Vicki Franklin on franklinv@agforceqld.org.au or 0418 485 501.

20 July 9am-3pm AgForce SW Multi Topic Workshop, Quilpie Town Hall. For more information contact Vicki Franklin on franklinv@agforceqld.org.au or 0418 485 501.

26 July Efficient Nutrition workshop, ‘Woodlands’ Mitchell. For more information contact Rhonda Toms-Morgan on rhondatoms@bigpond.com or 0407 678 574.

27 July Efficient Nutrition workshop, ‘Claravale’, Mitchell. For more information contact Rhonda Toms-Morgan on rhondatoms@bigpond.com or 0407 678 574.

Early August AWI Shearing and Wool Handling School, Blackall. For more information contact Alison Krieg on kr1@bigpond.com or 0746 575 069

1-7 August RCS Grazing for Profit, Roma. For more information or to register call 1800 356 004 or email info@rcsaustralia.com.au.

5-7 August LambEx, Perth WA. To find out more click here.

16 August Ewe Time Forum, Dirranbandi by MLA/AWI.

21 August Ewe Time Forum, Longreach by MLA/AWI.

22 August Ewe Time Forum, Tambo by MLA/AWI.

23 August Ewe Time Forum, Mitchell by MLA/AWI.

Back to the top

 

6. eBulletins

Back to the top