Mustering WA beef producers to participate in UWA research

Researchers at The University of Western Australia are seeking WA beef producers and pastoral managers to provide feedback on a BeefLinks project aimed to increase adoption of on-farm innovations in livestock management.

The Producer insights for adoption outcomes across WA project is part of a collaborative research and development (R&D) partnership involving Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), MLA Donor Company and UWA, including The UWA Institute of Agriculture.

The research team includes the UWA School of Agriculture and Environment’s Centre for Agricultural Economics and Development (CAED) members Dr Fiona Dempster, Associate Professor Fay Rola-Rubzen, Associate Professor Marit Kragt, Dr Amin Mugera, Dr Abbie Rogers and Dr Asjad Sheikh.

Current project leader Associate Professor Fay Rola-Rubzen said it was important to involve producers early in the agricultural research and adoption process.

“This has shown to improve the relevance of findings and increase adoption of new tools and practices,” she said.

“Which is exactly why the UWA agricultural economics team is drawing on producers to ground truth and validate our research endeavours early in the process with adequate time to address the feedback to ensure any tools, guides and best-practices are well aligned and useful to livestock producers.”

The four-year BeefLinks research partnership is delivering an integrated and complementary R&D program for northern and southern production systems across WA that achieves profitable, consistent and sustainable beef yields matched to consumer expectations.

Image: UWA's Dr Zoey Durmic presenting research at a BeefLinks Field Day at Hamersley Station in 2021.

This research project aims to implement the BeefLinks strategy related to the WA livestock value chain and efficient production pathways.

“Our goal is to understand the key profit drivers along the supply chain to enhance profitability and to maximise productivity across different stages of transitioning,” Associate Professor Rola-Rubzen said.

“We are seeking beef producers of the WA’s northern or southern beef production systems to participate in our research project aimed at improving decision-making and raising awareness of the profitability of different management strategies and market choices.”

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Tackle the difficult supply chain challenges facing beef farmers 
• Reduce the risks, costs and uncertainty facing businesses involved in cattle transition
• Build a stronger and more resilient beef supply chain
• Access a highly innovative network of researchers and industry professionals
• Develop understanding of the decision points and evidence-based decision-making processes

Participants will undertake a one-hour interview to share their views and insights on the issues associated with decision-making and the factors affecting producer’s choice of markets.

They can also opt to provide feedback on the beta version of the Benefit Cost Analysis tool designed by the research team to assist in decision making for implementation of cattle behavioural management strategies.

Interviews will be conducted between November 2022 and January 2023.

To participate or to find out more information, email CAED Centre Manager Tammie Harold or submit this online registration form.

This study has UWA Human Research Ethics approval.