IN BRIEF Report card for sheep reproduction research An independent impact assessment of sheep reproduction research, development and extension Assessment (RD&E) in Australia since 2012 has been released. Some of the findings from the Sheep Reproduction The Sheep Reproduction remaining gaps, and makes RD&E Impact Assessment were: RD&E Impact Assessment recommendations for future New knowledge: Since the inception of the Sheep reviewed 120 industry projects industry collaborations. Reproduction RD&E Investment Plan (SRRIP) in and initiatives against the These recommendations will 2012, a considerable amount of sheep reproduction objectives of the Sheep help guide future investments R&D has generated new knowledge demonstrating Reproduction RD&E Investment which will occur through the pathways to improve reproductive outcomes. Plan 2012–2017 (SRRIP) and Sheep Reproduction Strategic However, there remains a significant opportunity other industry strategies. Partnership (SRSP) to ensure to boost adoption to increase reproduction MLA engaged Beattie the delivery of the highest efficiency on‑farm. Consulting Services and impact outcomes for the Investment: Relative to what was recommended Inspiring Excellence to sheep industry. in the SRRIP, the proportion of total expenditure undertake the assessment MLA is establishing the SRSP on sheep reproduction has been 83% higher on on behalf of project partners, with industry partners to applied research, 40% lower on development and Australian Wool Innovation help producers profitably extension and 55% lower on strategic research. (AWI), and Animal Health and sustainably increase Australia (AHA), with input from Reproduction gains: The overall objective of the lamb production through SRRIP was to achieve an average annual gain of peak industry councils, Sheep increasing weaning rates and Producers Australia (SPA) and 2% in sheep reproduction rates over the five‑year Wool Producers Australia (WPA). lamb survival. ■ planning period. The assessment found the average annual rate of gain was between 0.6% and Improving sheep reproduction Read the Sheep 1.5% during that period. However, it found the rate on‑farm is a priority for Reproduction RD&E of gain was highly likely to have been negatively Australian sheep and wool Impact Assessment final influenced by below average seasonal conditions producers. MLA, AWI, AHA, report: mla.com.au/ during the SRRIP delivery period. WPA and SPA share a sheep‑reproduction‑ commitment to increasing lamb assessment Program impact: The assessment found that since survivability through industry Bred Well Fed Well 2012, the Lifetime Ewe Management program, RD&E and adoption of relevant mla.com.au/ supported by AWI, has had the most influence on‑farm management practices. bredwellfedwell on sheep reproduction efficiency, impacting the Lifetime Ewe management of around six million ewes over six The assessment provides a Management: years. The Bred Well Fed Well program, supported thorough impact assessment lifetimewool.com.au/ by MLA, also influenced the management of of RD&E investments, LTEM.aspx around 1.6 million ewes over thesame period. identifies key impact areas, 7