AWI StrateFly™ pilot workshop for woolgrowers - Hamilton, VIC

CALLING ALL WOOLGROWERS!

AWI is looking for woolgrowers to participate in StrateFly™ pilot workshops to critically evaluate the proposed workshop structure and content, ensuring the workshop is by growers, for growers.

AWI's StrateFly™ workshop is designed for woolgrowers who:

• want to understand what is involved with moving to a non-mulesed enterprise;
• have decided they would like to move to a non-mulesed enterprise and want to know what they should consider in their planning before transitioning; and
• have transitioned their flock to non-mulesed, but are still working on bedding down their new management system for their non-mulesed sheep.

Moving to a non-mulesed enterprise is not a decision that should be taken lightly by woolgrowers - in some situations it can involve significant changes to current practices. It requires commitment and flexibility, and for it to be effective woolgrowers need to have a robust, long-term plan in place to manage the transition.

Woolgrowers that attend the interactive, one-day StrateFly workshop will better understand the tools available to them to choose from if they wish to develop a strategy to go non mulesed. In removing the ‘mulesing tool’ from the flystrike management toolbox, woolgrowers must rebalance the use and timing of the other tools available to them (such as crutching, shearing and chemical use, classing and selection) to make the transition. Also key to success is ensuring woolgrowers have ‘buy-in’ from the people within their business and those that provide services to their business (for example, livestock agents and contractors).

During the workshop woolgrowers will work through activities that leave them with a plan, specific to their property and sheep, that helps further focus their whole-of-farm decisions to improve overall animal welfare, productivity and profitability.

Your feedback during these pilot workshops is essential and will contribute to the final resources. Once the resources are complete, train-the-trainer sessions will be held for consultants nationwide and the workshop made available to woolgrowers via AWI's grower extension networks, which is Best Wool Best Lamb

Attendance at the pilot workshops is free and AWI will supply everything you need on the day.

If you have any questions before registering for the pilot workshop, please don't hesitate to contact:

Emily King

AWI National Extension Manager

0437 523 036