COLLABORATION Industry teams up to double genetic gain Best bang for their buck MerinoLink brings together ram breeders, commercial producers and service providers from WA, SA, Victoria, NSW, Queensland and Tasmania. The DNA Stimulation project currently involves 27 ram breeders, 14 commercial producers breeding their own rams and up to 200 commercial producers purchasing rams. “There are a number of different genetic and genomic tools available; however, their use can be ad hoc,’’ Sally said. “We want to help producers strategically and cost-effectively use these tools so they get the best bang for their buck.” Sally said the collaborative and grassroots nature of the project was one of its biggest strengths. “The project is driven by producers and service providers. We have great support from MLA, Sheep Genetics and UNE scientists, and we’re working with Sally Martin with MerinoLink supporters (from left) Malcolm Peake, Yass, Alan McGufficke, Cooma,young people in the service provider and Matt Crozier, Yass. space to ensure we have the capacity to support these systems in the long- term,” she said. MerinoLink CEO and “MDC’s Producer Innovation Fast- Project participant Malcolm Peake Project Manager track program was mentioned as a from Bogo Merinos at ‘Cavan Station’, Sally Martin has been way industry might access funding to Yass, said the team approach had overwhelmed by the accelerate adoption of innovation and multiple benefits. enthusiasm of participants in a ‘fast-track’ our genetic progress, in line project designed to double the with the National Livestock Genetics “As well as learning from the other Consortium’s strategic direction. breeders’ experiences, we have the rate of genetic gain in participating direct support of Sheep Genetics Merinoflocks by 2022. “After the initial discussions, I emailed and the other service providers,” all the MerinoLink stud and commercial Malcolm said. The DNA Stimulation project is a members, as well as my clients, and collaboration between the not-for-profit asked if anyone would be interested in “The reduced cost of testing also means research group MerinoLink, University doing more DNA parentage testing at a ram breeders can get their whole flocks of New England, stud and commercial reduced price.” tested and full pedigreed, which will Merino breeders and MLA Donor put everyone on a level playing field in Company(MDC). Within four days, there was close to terms of the strength of their data and $3 million worth of commitment from quality of their breeding values.” It aims to double the rate of genetic MerinoLink members. gain among participating flocks within fiveyearsby providing breeding “I have to say the support I’ve had from Sally Martin programsupport and expertise. MLA has been outstanding, which tells T: 0400 782 477 me they’re very serious about having an E: merinolinklimited@gmail.com “The project grew out of discussions impact on the industry and are keen to following a Sheep CRC meeting in work with us at all levels to achieve this,” March 2017,” Sally said. Sally said. 7