Beyond the Bale - Issue 25 - Demand for genetic service grows
The rapid uptake by sheep producers of the services of Sheep Genetics Australia (SGA), which was launched one year ago, has led to the expansion of the program with two extra part-time positions announced for the SGA team.
Ian Rogan, AWI general manager wool production, says Anne Ramsay (pictured top right) and Bronwyn Clarke (pictured bottom right) will bring a range of practical and technical skills to SGA that will be valuable to Merino breeders who are new to the program, as well as to existing clients.
"I am pleased to welcome these two professionals to the SGA team to assist with organising SGA workshops, training sessions and field days, in addition to providing another point of contact for Merino breeders interested in what SGA can offer them," Mr Rogan says.
The number of clients, number of animals in the database and numbers of rams sold with Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBV) have grown rapidly for the program, which is a joint initiative of AWI and Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) to assist Australian sheep producers achieve higher rates of genetic gain in their flocks.
"With more than 100,000 2004-drop animals already in the SGA database and plans to increase the range of traits included in the ASBV list, it's important we have sufficient staff to support the program," he says. "SGA is a very important tool for the Merino industry, designed to enable stud breeders, sheep classers and woolgrowers to compare animals from different flocks on genetic merit, using data from a single, consolidated database.
"Ms Ramsay is based in Melbourne and will provide assistance to breeders and those providing services to breeders in South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and southern New South Wales. Dr Clarke is based in Perth and so will be available to assist breeders and those providing services to breeders in Western Australia."
More information: Anne Ramsay, 03 9347 6059, anneramsay@woolinnovation.com; Dr Bronwyn Clarke, 08 9381 8008, br@azurecapital.com.au; www.sheepgenetics.org.au
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