Sheep Hub
This initiative is designed to support local Sheep producers with opportunities to build new knowledge and practices.
MADFIG is leveraging previous and existing research to establish a purpose-built Eastern and Central Wheatbelt Sheep Knowledge Hub, bringing together relevant information, resources, networks and practical insights for producers across the region.
Let’s build the skills and knowledge needed to future-proof our local livestock systems.
We’ll connect with researchers and consultants, explore current and emerging issues, and see relevant practices and research in action. The Hub will also provide a platform for producers to identify local priorities and contribute to the collection and evaluation of data.
Together, these activities will support the sharing of knowledge and best practice, helping producers strengthen productivity, sustainability and demonstrating animal welfare while adapting to the challenges of farming in a low rainfall environment.
Latest News
Media Release - Muster Points launched to deliver sheep and wool know-how across WA
A new statewide extension program for Western Australian sheep and wool producers has officially commenced, with eight grower groups named as the first contracted delivery partners under the project known as Muster.
Read the full Media Release here.
Resources
Demonstration Sites
Muster Demonstration Sites
MADFIG are proud to support and host three Muster demonstration sites in the Eastern Wheatbelt. Many thanks to our local producers.
We’ll be organising Field walks and activities at trial sites. Stay tuned on our social media (X and Facebook) and our website events page.
Each site will demonstrate new technology to reduce costly labour and allow producers to more easily capture production data including supporting best practice use of eID tags. We’ll demonstrate Optiweigh Sheep equipment, EiD readers, Gallagher panels and live camera feeds along with technical support will help build localised climate and site driven knowledge networks in the Eastern Wheatbelt
MADFIG & related projects
MADFIG Digital Weather Network
Integrated Climate Data Driven Decisions for the Eastern Wheatbelt builds on MADFIG’s Digital Rain Gauge Network to expand local weather monitoring and support secure sharing of on-farm data. The project aims to better understand local weather variability and microclimates, providing farmers with timely, accurate information to support more informed decision-making and reduce seasonal risk.
Climate Resilient Sheep Systems
Led by the University of Adelaide in collaboration with Murdoch University, this project aims to improve the resilience and sustainability of sheep production in low-rainfall regions. Grower groups and researchers are co-designing practical strategies that combine climate-resilient sheep with drought-tolerant pastures, shrubs and trees to improve feed supply, landscape health, animal welfare and productivity.
MADFIG and grower groups across WA, SA and Victoria are currently involved in the co-design phase, working with farmers to ensure the research delivers practical, management-focused outcomes.
Green Sheep Project
Wheatbelt NRM is delivering the “WA component of the Green Sheep Project, an almost $3 million national initiative designed to strengthen Australia’s sheep industry in the face of a changing climate and growing demand for verified sustainability credentials. We have several MADFIG Members involved in the project looking at practical tools and knowledge to respond to climate pressures, improve grazing and pasture management, document natural capital, and make more informed decisions for the future. For the Wheatbelt region that means a focus on understanding, demonstrating and measuring the environmental role of sheep grazing within broadacre and mixed farming systems.
Future Proof Forage Project
Led by CSIRO, this Future Drought Funded project is currently in the co-design phase.
Precision Sheep – Ewe project
Led by Murdoch, this project is being undertaken at the Hayes Thompson family farm, South of Doodlakine in the Bruce Rock Shire.
Want to see more?
The Merredin & Districts Farm Improvement Group (MADFIG) aims to help growers and industry members connect, learn and network from localised research, development, extension and more importantly one another.
