2017 was a generally good year on the ground for livestock. Pastures established well after soaking rains in April and green feed remained in good supply despite variable rainfall over the following months. Coming after the wet spring in 2016, this also meant that growers achieved sound lambing percentages.
Prices were also very positive. The Eastern states trade lamb indicator (ESTLI) stayed above 580-600c/kg cwt across the season, tipping 680c kg/cwt in April. The Australian wool exchange – eastern market indicator (AWEX EMI) monthly average stayed above 1500c/kg across the year, and hit a new record high of 1689c/kg just before the Christmas sale recess!
At the industry level there were a few big developments. Electronic Identification of sheep became mandatory, which is intended to protect the industry by providing higher levels of traceability that can limit the impact of disease outbreaks or food safety emergencies. There is a transition program in place that should see the system fully in place by 1 January 22.
A field trial of the Electronic National Vendor Declarations (eNVD) commenced in August. The eNVD platform will ensure the latest NVD is being used, and has the potential to allow the transfer of Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) information, animal health declarations, Meat standards Australia (MSA) declarations and National feedlot accreditation scheme (NFAS) delivery documentation. You must be LPA accredited to use eNVD. To become LPA accredited or renew accreditation, producers need to complete LPA learning modules and a short assessment online or over the phone (see MLA livestock production assurance program or call the LPA Helpdesk 1800 683 111 for more information). Being LPA accredited places your stock a better position for market access and price, both domestically and abroad.
Looking forward, several exciting technological developments for livestock that were in the works over 2017 are due to arrive in 2018. Virtual herding is getting closer to reality, with a Rural R&D for Profit project evaluating and demonstrating the benefits of the technology. The Agersens eShepherd collar that uses CSIRO virtual fencing technology will be commercially available for cattle in 2018. A partnership of the eShepherd collar with the MaiaGrazing online grazing management tool will offer farmers what is considered a world-first holistic grazing management platform. A suitable virtual herding product for sheep is still to be developed. Finally, a smart tag that enables easier and cheaper maternal pedigree matching with 96% accuracy, which has been developed by SmartShepherd with MLA Donor Company support, will also become available in early 2018.
