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On-Farm Research

PROFITABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY IS CRUCIAL TO THE AUSTRALIAN WOOL INDUSTRY.

We invest in on-farm research and development to increase the productivity, profitability and sustainability of woolgrowing enterprises, delivering new knowledge and tools. Partnering with universities, governments, industry bodies, research institutions and other RDCs, we develop scientifically based and proven management practices and innovations for woolgrowers. These new management practices and innovative tools are then fed into AWI’s woolgrower extension and communication programs, addressing the challenges of wool production and increasing the resilience of wool-growing systems.

Our Programs

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Sheep Health & Welfare

We invest in the development of new technologies and information to support woolgrowers in their adoption of best practice management to improve the health and welfare of their wool sheep.

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Flystrike

AWI has in place a proactive, intensive and committed flystrike prevention program.

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Genetics

We invest in sheep breeding research and development, benchmarking and all breeder tools for woolgrowers wanting to monitor, set targets and optimise the rate of genetic gain of their sheep.

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Reproduction & Nutrition

We invest in innovative management tools and guidelines for woolgrowers to increase reproduction productivity and to promote best practise management. 

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Agritechnology

Technology is rapidly changing many areas of agriculture and we work to ensure Australian woolgrowers are on the front foot to take advantage of the latest opportunities.

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Environmental Sustainability

Many Australian woolgrowers are leaders in environmental management, using innovative practices to successfully improve and restore their farm landscapes while increasing their businesses’ profitability and their own wellbeing.

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Pest Animals

We invest in vertebrate pest control including direct assistance to community based vertebrate pest control programs and research and development of new and emerging technologies.

GET INVOLVED IN AWI RESEARCH

Are you interested in industry research and consultation? Do you want to get the most out of your levy dollars? Would you like early access and input to R&D? Learn how you can get involved in AWI projects and be at the forefront of cutting-edge research.

LEARN MORE

Popular Articles

Discover the most read articles from the AWI On-Farm Research team.

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On-Farm Research
StrateFly
A one-day workshop to develop a property-specific, whole-of-farm strategy for moving to and managing a non-mulesed enterprise.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
ClassiFly
ClassiFly is a one-day workshop to increase understanding and skills in breeding sheep for natural flystrike resistance.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
AmpliFly
Access to trained and accredited advisors for one-on-one coaching and support to assist you to implement your whole-of-farm plan for preventing and controlling flystrike.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Feedbase Options
Choosing the right pasture mix for the enterprise and location is essential, particularly in a more variable climate.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Resilience, Feed Efficiency and Survival
Resilience, feed efficiency and survival (lamb and ewe) are key economic traits that we don’t yet have ASBVs for, and thus not included in indexes. AWI is seeking to build the data required and analysis to support these traits to either have ASBVs or be included in indexes through correlated traits.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Managing Chemical Resistance
The development of insecticide resistance allows individual insects to survive an exposure to insecticide that would kill individuals from a ‘normal’ population, and the more frequent the exposure of an insect to insecticide the faster resistance will develop.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
SimpliFly
Looking for help in developing a property-specific strategic flystrike management plan and calendar?
Read More
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On-Farm Research
It's Fly Time!
Looking for information on managing flystrike in the lead up to, and during, high-risk flystrike periods?
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Richard Daugherty, ‘Balala’, New England
Richard Daugherty and Sarah Burrows run a self-replacing Merino flock and Dohne fat lamb enterprise at Balala with regenerative and holistic management.
Read More

Agritechnology

Technology is rapidly changing many areas of agriculture and we work to ensure australian woolgrowers are on the front foot to take advantage of the latest oppurtunities.

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On-Farm Research
Wool Harvesting Innovation
AWI invests in wool harvesting technology to improve workplace safety, animal welfare, boost clip quality and encourage new entrants into the industry.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Farmers to Founders
Farmers2Founders program provides tools, resources, training, coaching and support to help producers deliver technological solutions problems within the agriculture and wool industry.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Artificial Intelligence
We're investigating whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has potential to aid selection and productivity management decisions in a commercial wool-growing environment.
Read More
Agritechnology

Wool Harvesting Innovation

AWI invests in wool harvesting technology to improve workplace safety, animal welfare, boost clip quality and encourage new entrants into the industry.

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Back to Top

Sheep Health and Welfare

We invest in the development of new technologies and information to support woolgrowers in their adoption of best practice management to improve the health of and welfare of their wool sheep.

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On-Farm Research
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) facts and resources
FMD represents the greatest disease threat to Australia’s livestock industries and export markets. It has the potential for rapid and extensive spread. An outbreak would stop the export of all cloven-hoofed animals and their products, at least in the short term.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Analgesia and Anaesthesia
Options for alleviating pain associated with surgical husbandry practices.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Footrot
Footrot is a contagious, bacterial disease of the feet of sheep with significant welfare and economic impacts. AWI is developing and promoting tools and information for growers to assist them in managing this disease.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Parasite Management
Flies, Lice and Worms are a major concern for woolgrowers. We have developed tools for woolgrowers to manage these risks.
Read More
Sheep Health and Welfare

Analgesia and Anaesthesia

Options for alleviating pain associated with surgical husbandry practices.

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Back to Top

Flystrike

AWI has in place a proactive, intensive and commited flystrike prevention program.

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On-Farm Research
AWI Flystrike Extension Program
AWI’s Flystrike Extension Program supports woolgrowers in improving the lifetime welfare of their sheep, reducing their reliance on mulesing and crutching, optimising chemical use and increasing whole farm profitability through the provision of practical information and tools and access to accredited advisor support.
Read More
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AWI Flystrike Extension Program
SimpliFly
Looking for help in developing a property-specific strategic flystrike management plan and calendar?
Read More
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AWI Flystrike Extension Program
DemystiFly
Are you concerned the chemicals you’ve been using for flystrike control are losing their effectiveness?
Read More
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AWI Flystrike Extension Program
It's Fly Time!
Looking for information on managing flystrike in the lead up to, and during, high-risk flystrike periods?
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Current Flystrike Research
An overview of the AWI flystrike program and its progress.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Flystrike Chemicals
Using a chemical from the same chemical group too frequently can exacerbate blowfly chemical resistance. Knowing your chemical groups and rotating them, where practical, is key to maximising the effectiveness of your treatments. Selecting the correct chemical groups for flystrike prevention and treatment will protect the health and welfare of your sheep and save you time and money.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Breeding and Selection for Flystrike Resistance
Breeding for more flystrike resistant sheep plays a critical role in controlling flystrike in non-mulesed flocks as well as reducing the risk of flystrike in mulesed sheep.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Breech Modification Procedures
AWI’s investment in welfare improved management practices to reduce the risk of flystrike includes both the development and promotion of non-invasive management practices and support for welfare improved breech modification procedures.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Flystrike Management Practices
Welfare improved management practices to reduce the risk of flystrike.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Latest Flystrike Publications
AWI's latest breech flystrike prevention research and publications.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Past Flystrike Prevention RD&E Updates
All of the presentations from past flystrike prevention rd&e updates are available to download.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Causal Web of Ovine Breech Flystrike
A causal web depicting the relationship between the different risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of breech flystrike.
Read More
Flystrike

AWI Flystrike Extension Program

AWI’s Flystrike Extension Program supports woolgrowers in improving the lifetime welfare of their sheep, reducing their reliance on mulesing and crutching, optimising chemical use and increasing whole farm profitability through the provision of practical information and tools and access to accredited advisor support.

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Back to Top

Genetics

We invest in sheep breeding research and development, benchmarking and all breeder tools for woolgrowers wanting to monitor, set targets and optimise the rate of genetic gain of their sheep.

Image
On-Farm Research
Resilience, Feed Efficiency and Survival
Resilience, feed efficiency and survival (lamb and ewe) are key economic traits that we don’t yet have ASBVs for, and thus not included in indexes. AWI is seeking to build the data required and analysis to support these traits to either have ASBVs or be included in indexes through correlated traits.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Genetic Evaluation Services
AWI supports services to assist woolgrowers select sheep and optimise genetic gain using a range of genetic evaluation tools.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Merino Lifetime Productivity
AWI and the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation (AMSEA) have teamed up with five sire evaluation sites to deliver the Merino Lifetime Productivity (MLP) Project between 2015-25.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Artificial Breeding
AWI has a long history with supporting artificial breeding technology with recent and current research projects. 
Read More
Genetics

Resilience, Feed Efficiency and Survival

Resilience, feed efficiency and survival (lamb and ewe) are key economic traits that we don’t yet have ASBVs for, and thus not included in indexes. AWI is seeking to build the data required and analysis to support these traits to either have ASBVs or be included in indexes through correlated traits.

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Back to Top

Reproduction and Nutrition

We invest in innovative management tools and guidelines for woolgrowers to increase reproduction productivity and to promote best practise management.

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On-Farm Research
Feedbase Options
Choosing the right pasture mix for the enterprise and location is essential, particularly in a more variable climate.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Lambing
AWI provides woolgrowers with new tools, information and skills to increase the number of lambs weaned across wool growing flocks.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Joining
Rams are high performance animals that work very hard over the joining period. They contribute half of the genetics of their progeny and are the primary drivers of genetic improvement in a flock, so need to be given every opportunity to pass on their genes.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Weaning
Weaning is a key time in the calendar for both the ewe and the lamb, and a few key steps will help your weaners thrive and ewes recover for next joining.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Ewe Nutrition
Ewe nutrition is crucial to successful lambing. Knowing what and when to feed ewes is fundamental to ewe and lamb health and survival.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Best Practice Management Courses
AWI provides woolgrowers with new tools, information and skills to manage ewe nutrition and increase the number of lambs weaned across wool growing flocks.
Read More
Reproduction & Nutrition

Feedbase Options

Choosing the right pasture mix for the enterprise and location is essential, particularly in a more variable climate.

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Back to Top

Environmental Sustainability

Many Australian Woolgrowers are leaders in environmental management, using innovative practices to successfully improve and restore their farm landscapes while increasing their businesses' profitability and their own wellbeing. 

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On-Farm Research
Wool and the Environment
We collaborate with universities and institutions to identify the environmental benefits of wool within the supply chain.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Dung Beetles
The benefits of dung beetles in a production system are many, including benefits for soil, water and pasture, as well as the biological control of flies.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Water
Healthy water systems are crucial to the Australian environment, sustaining many different plant and animal communities, agricultural enterprises and rural communities.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Soil
Soil health is essential to the productivity and profitability of any wool growing enterprise. We collaborate with industry to provide woolgrowers resources and tools for best practice soil health management.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Biodiversity
Many woolgrowers have profitable enterprises characterised by high levels of native biodiversity by investing in a wide variety of management practices to enhance farm profitability as well as native biodiversity.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Regenerative Techniques and Benefits
Regenerative agriculture techniques generally focus on the integrated management of soil, water, vegetation, biodiversity and livestock.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Profitability and Regenerative Agriculture
Research shows that regenerative grazing practices can be profitable and improve farmer wellbeing, at the same time as increasing the health of Australia’s grassy woodlands.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Richard Daugherty, ‘Balala’, New England
Richard Daugherty and Sarah Burrows run a self-replacing Merino flock and Dohne fat lamb enterprise at Balala with regenerative and holistic management.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Charles Massy, 'Severn Park', Monaro
Charles Massy is a Monaro woolgrower, a scientist and a renowned author, here he shares his insights on regenerative farming.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Tim Wright, 'Lana', Uralla
By introducing time-controlled rotational grazing of his livestock, Tim Wright has increased productivity while reducing inputs costs.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Charlie and Anne Maslin, 'Gunningrah', Monaro
Charlie and Anne Maslin from the Monaro of NSW use regenerative agriculture to maintain ground cover, flowing streams and feed on offer.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Colin Seis, 'Winona', Central Tablelands
Woolgrower and pasture cropping pioneer Colin Seis is coping with the drought with perennial grassland and regenerative agricultural practices.
Read More

NATURAL CAPITAL ACCOUNTING

One of our latest on-farm studies has developed a new method of measuring environmental health to enable Australian woolgrowers to track the health of their environment over time.

Read More
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Environmental Sustainablity

Wool and the Environment

We collaborate with universities and institutions to identify the environmental benefits of wool within the supply chain.

Back to Top

Pest Animals

We invest in vertebrate pest control including direct assistance to community based vertebrate pest control programs and research and development of new and emerging technologies.

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On-Farm Research
Wild Dog Exclusion Fencing
Well designed and constructed exclusion fences have been very effective at preventing wild dogs from entering properties, resulting in increased productivity and ability to run sheep without attack.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Rabbits
European rabbits are Australia’s most widespread and destructive environmental and agricultural vertebrate pest.
Read More
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On-Farm Research
Wild Dogs, Foxes & Pigs
Wild Dogs, Foxes & Pigs are all major threats to the Australian Wool Industry. Find out how AWI is helping to prevent attacks and sheep loss.
Read More
Pest Animals

Wild Dogs, Foxes & Pigs

Wild Dogs, Foxes & Pigs are all major threats to the Australian Wool Industry. Find out how AWI is helping to prevent attacks and sheep loss.

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ALL ON-FARM RESEARCH ARTICLES

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On-Farm Research

Analgesia and Anaesthesia Footrot Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) facts and resources Parasite Management Latest Flystrike Publications AWI Flystrike Extension Program Current Flystrike Research Breech Modification Procedures Breeding and Selection for Flystrike Resistance Past Flystrike Prevention RD&E Updates Causal Web of Ovine Breech Flystrike Flystrike Management Practices Best Practice Management Courses Ewe Nutrition Feedbase Options Joining Lambing Education, Extension and Promotion Call For Proposals Weaning Dung Beetles Wool Harvesting Innovation Managing Chemical Resistance Artificial Breeding Genetic Evaluation Services Merino Lifetime Productivity Biodiversity Soil Water Artificial Intelligence Farmers to Founders Rabbits Wild Dog Exclusion Fencing Wild Dogs, Foxes & Pigs Wool and Skin Health Wool and the Environment Richard Daugherty, ‘Balala’, New England Colin Seis, 'Winona', Central Tablelands Charlie and Anne Maslin, 'Gunningrah', Monaro Charles Massy, 'Severn Park', Monaro Tim Wright, 'Lana', Uralla Natural Capital Accounting Regenerative Techniques and Benefits On-Farm Research Test

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