Inspire, advocate and innovate were the key themes for LambEx 2024. The three-day conference held in Adelaide delved into a range of relevant topics, including markets, social licence, carbon emissions, eating quality, consumer insights and the latest in research and development, just to name a few. Throughout the conference, there was a range of speakers who spoke on a variety of inspiring and innovative tech ideas to provide attendees with an insight into where the lamb industry is heading in the next five years. Three of these key topical areas included bio harvesting of wool, virtual fencing and sustainability measures. A summary of the insights gathered by the Pinion Advisory team members who attended the event has been discussed below.
Phil Hynd - bio harvesting of wool
A shortage of skilled labour is a current threat to the Australian sheep industry. To help address this issue, the University of Adelaide has developed a method of bio harvesting wool. This new approach aims to replace traditional shearing methods by injecting a chemical under the wool, which creates a weak point in the fibre. These weakened fibres allow for the wool to be broken with minimal force weeks after the treatment. This reduces the need for skilled labour to harvest the wool. Also compared to traditional shearing methods, bio harvesting of the wool eliminates second cuts and skin pieces. Although the wool is weakened, the wool is still retained on the animal under normal grazing conditions in the paddock to prevent the loss of the wool dropping off in the paddock.
Despite the development of this technology, there is still a need for an engineering solution to be created to mechanically harvest the weakened wool. Interestingly, the initial project work into allowing the wool to be easily removed was focussed upon a higher value wool market, however market interest has shifted to wanting a method to harvest lower grade wool for producers with a focus on meat breeds. Research is still being conducted to progress this concept for the sheep industry.
CSIRO – virtual fencing
Speakers, Rick Llewellyn, Hayley Norman, Dana Campbell and Caroline Lee from the CSIRO, spoke on virtual fencing. The CSIRO virtual fencing is an animal-friendly fencing system that allows the livestock to be moved without using fixed fences. Many would have seen the technology being rolled out in the cattle industry in recent years. However, the CSIRO has been working to adapt the technology to be suitable for sheep. The technology being trialled has looked at methods such as a collar-based system or an ear-based delivery system, which gives audio cues to the animal through solar-powered smart collars. This cue is provided to the animal as it approaches the 'fence boundary' and then, if the animal still ignores the cue, a pulse is given. The pulse that is given to the animal is less than the shock given from an electric fence. A key benefit of this technology is its use in reducing overgrazing and allowing for better feed utilisation. CSIRO studies have shown improved weed control through fence-intensive strip grazing, as well as better nutrient management. The technology will also aid in improving labour efficiency, as the animals can be moved remotely. The CSIRO virtual fencing is currently being commercialised with the commercial partner of CSIRO, Gallagher.
Lachlan Monsbourgh discussing Rabobank sustainability
Rabobank is starting to do 'green deals' through increasing sustainability measures included in banking requirements, which have been driven by international markets. This has been further driven by supermarkets, such as Coles and Woolworths, who have begun looking into emission intensities and have indicated it will become a future request in their buying decisions. Whilst there is not currently a premium being paid for these products, the requirement at this stage is simply knowing your emissions intensity. Lachlan Monsbourgh from Rabobank recommended that you use the GAF tools, which are available online, to calculate your greenhouse gas emissions. Lachlan suggested that once you know your emissions intensity, it is recalculated approximately every three years to ensure that it remains up to date.
Overall, a key take out from the conference was that the medium-term outlook for red meat is looking strong. There was shown to be a strong correlation between GDP (gross domestic product) and meat consumption, which supports the positive 5-year outlook for lamb trade. However, there is still uncertainty around the market outlook on how rapid the price recovery and increase will be, to avoid setting unrealistic expectations.
For more information, see the article from our sustainability strategy team on current opportunities for growers to get assistance in GHG emissions baselining
If you are interested in any of the above topics, please find further resources below or contact our Agribusiness and Sustainability Consultants.
1300 746 466
hello@pinionadvisory.com
Resource List
https://www.csiro.au/en/research/technology-space/it/virtual-fencing
https://www.rabobank.com.au/sustainable-farming
https://www.adelaide.edu.au/ics/ua/media/1106/tech-flyer_t210118_bioharvesting-of-wool-cl-edit.pdf