Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation

The Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation (Sheep CRC) was established for a term of seven years with effect from July 2007 until June 2014 to undertake a program of research and delivery of innovation to the Australian sheep industry. The role of the CRC is to facilitate transformation of the sheep industry through making sheep easier to manage, developing the production and processing of meat and wool to meet increasing consumer expectations and by increasing the uptake of new technologies by the industry.


Autumn Update

Review of progress across the portfolio at our March planning meeting indicates that we are well on track to deliver the agreed outcomes for the CRC. In most areas the focus is now shifting to delivery of CRC products and information in order to get the required levels of industry use and impact.

The meeting also dealt with the transition and exit strategies for the CRC as these aspects of the CRC become increasingly important during our final two years.  During May and June we will be finalising the Operational Plan for Financial Year 2013 and input from all Participants will be important in completing this task.

Suggestions for a five year CRC extension application were very constructive and there was general agreement that the focus should be on the next generation of genomic technologies set to dramatically reduce the cost of genotyping.

It is also clear that better use of reproductive technologies will be needed to accelerate the spread of top genetics through the industry. In the area of meat quality the focus will be on better understanding flavour components as well as developing abattoir automation for research data collection.

For Information Nucleus updates and to find out about the CRC's delivery of new information and products click here.

Professor James Rowe, CEO


What's Hot Latest News Coming Events
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Sheep CRC takes CRCA Collaborative Innovation Award Thursday 17th of May 2012
Sheep CRC takes CRCA Collaborative Innovation Award Thursday 17th of May 2012
The Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation (Sheep CRC) has again been recognised for its exceptional work in the area of genetic improvement for the sheep industry for its Information Nucleus Program. It was awarded an Inaugural Australian Collaborative Innovation Award, presented at an awards dinner at the Cooperative Research Centres Association of Australia (CRCA) Conference last night [Eds: May 16] in...

Walk over weighing for sheep - commercialisation only one step away Friday 11th of May 2012
Walk over weighing for sheep - commercialisation only one step away Friday 11th of May 2012
The Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation (Sheep CRC) is calling for proposals to develop and commercialise an integrated walk over weighing system for sheep, and is offering significant funding towards the manufacture and marketing of the best prototype. CEO of the Sheep CRC, Professor James Rowe, said that a Sheep CRC research has shown that ‘Mob-based Walk Over Weighing’ (MWOW) technology works well...

Evidence mounting for targeted worm treatment in sheep Wednesday 9th of May 2012
Evidence mounting for targeted worm treatment in sheep Wednesday 9th of May 2012
Evidence is mounting that selective treatment of adult sheep to control worms can work under south east Australian conditions and help prevent the build-up of drench resistance, following the completion of year one of a two-year field trial. A producer demonstration site near Hamilton led by veterinary parasitologist Dr Ian Carmichael from SARDI and supported by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the South West Prime Lamb...

ASBVs deliver early maturing Merinos at Violet Town Thursday 3rd of May 2012
ASBVs deliver early maturing Merinos at Violet Town Thursday 3rd of May 2012
Key results from using ASBVS: Faster growth rates and earlier maturing sheep; Wool fibre diameter has reduced from 21 to 19.5 micron, while fleece weights have been retained at around 6.5kg; Wether lambs are finished 2-3 months faster, and the reduction in micron is delivering an extra $2 per ewe in wool revenue. The addition of genetic tools to the armoury when selecting rams has delivered Victorian commercial breeders...

The future of the Information Nucleus Flock Tuesday 1st of May 2012
The future of the Information Nucleus Flock Tuesday 1st of May 2012
In response to recent media coverage and industry conjecture, the Cooperative Research Centre for Sheep Industry Innovation (Sheep CRC) wishes to clarify the status of the Information Nucleus Flock and its future funding arrangements. Operating as part of the Federal Department of Innovation Industry Science and Research (DIISR) CRC program, the Sheep CRC is a collaboration of industry, government and the commercial sector...

Can joining Merino ewes earlier accelerate the flock rebuild? Monday 30th of April 2012
Can joining Merino ewes earlier accelerate the flock rebuild? Monday 30th of April 2012
High lamb prices and low supply mean that many producers are keen to build flock numbers, but how best to do it? Sheep CRC postgraduate student Cesar Rosales Nieto is looking at whether joining Merino ewes earlier, at 8-10 months rather than the traditional 18 months, may provide the solution. Mr Rosales Nieto’s research is aimed at developing guidelines to achieve consistent and cost-effective reproductive performance from...

Sheep Connect NSW industry update - Glen Innes (NSW) Thursday 24th of May

This event is free but registration is essential - email sheep.connect@dpi.nsw.gov.au or call 02 6391 3951.

Sheep Connect NSW industry update - Glen Innes (NSW) Thursday 24th of May

This event is free but registration is essential - email sheep.connect@dpi.nsw.gov.au or call 02 6391 3951.

This event will keep you informed on the latest thinking, research and opportunities available to Northern Tablelands sheep producers. You will hear from a range of guest speakers discussing key topics including managing your flock; new wool and lamb marketing information; results of the wild dog trapping and baiting program and decision making in variable climate.

FarmDay 2012 Saturday 26th to Sunday 27th of May 2012

Visit the FarmDay 2012 website by clicking here.

FarmDay 2012 Saturday 26th to Sunday 27th of May 2012

Visit the FarmDay 2012 website by clicking here.

FarmDay is an event that offers a city family the opportunity to spend a day on a working farm to learn how farmers produce our food and fibre. A city family is matched with a farm family for a day over the weekend of May 26 & 27, 2012. The city family travels to the farm, and together the families share a day of fun, friendship and understanding.

Bred Well Fed Well workshop - Turretfield (SA) Tuesday 29th of May

RSVP to Belinda Rodda by 25th  May on 0885 212 605 or via email to belinda.rodda@sa.gov.au

Bred Well Fed Well workshop - Turretfield (SA) Tuesday 29th of May

RSVP to Belinda Rodda by 25th  May on 0885 212 605 or via email to belinda.rodda@sa.gov.au

These free, one-day workshops are supported by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and the Sheep Cooperative Research Centre (Sheep CRC) as a part of a national program to increase sheep industry productivity. The Bred Well Fed Well workshop will provide practical training on how to use superior genetics and achieve improved reproductive...

Bred Well Fed Well workshop - Goolma, Winton (QLD) Monday 18th of June

RSVP by 14th June to Kate Nicholas on 0428 100 760 or via email to kate.nicholas@deedi.qld.gov.au

Bred Well Fed Well workshop - Goolma, Winton (QLD) Monday 18th of June

RSVP by 14th June to Kate Nicholas on 0428 100 760 or via email to kate.nicholas@deedi.qld.gov.au

These free, one-day workshops are supported by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and the Sheep Cooperative Research Centre (Sheep CRC) as a part of a national program to increase sheep industry productivity. The Bred Well Fed Well workshop will provide practical training on how to use superior genetics and achieve improved reproductive...

Bred Well Fed Well workshop - Verastan, Muttaburra (QLD) Tuesday 19th of June

RSVP by 14th June to Kate Nicholas on 0428 100 760 or via email to kate.nicholas@deedi.qld.gov.au

Bred Well Fed Well workshop - Verastan, Muttaburra (QLD) Tuesday 19th of June

RSVP by 14th June to Kate Nicholas on 0428 100 760 or via email to kate.nicholas@deedi.qld.gov.au

These free, one-day workshops are supported by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and the Sheep Cooperative Research Centre (Sheep CRC) as a part of a national program to increase sheep industry productivity. The Bred Well Fed Well workshop will provide practical training on how to use superior genetics and achieve improved reproductive...

Bred Well Fed Well workshop - Benalla, Blackall (QLD) Wednesday 20th of June

RSVP by 14th June to Kate Nicholas on 0428 100 760 or via email to kate.nicholas@deedi.qld.gov.au

Bred Well Fed Well workshop - Benalla, Blackall (QLD) Wednesday 20th of June

RSVP by 14th June to Kate Nicholas on 0428 100 760 or via email to kate.nicholas@deedi.qld.gov.au

These free, one-day workshops are supported by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and the Sheep Cooperative Research Centre (Sheep CRC) as a part of a national program to increase sheep industry productivity. The Bred Well Fed Well workshop will provide practical training on how to use superior genetics and achieve improved reproductive...


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