SHEEP producers will be able to get an update on advances in methane reduction research, as well as the latest Yardstick benchmarking data at the annual Sheep Field Day near Katanning this month on Thursday, October 23.

The annual event is hosted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Federation of Performance Sheep Breeders (WA) to help producers optimise their flock breeding program.

DPIRD research scientist Beth Paganoni said this year’s program would focus on how genetics can help produce more efficient sheep that produce less methane and carbon dioxide.

“There is growing consumer demand for sustainably produced meat and fibre products,” she said.

“Field Day visitors will get an insight into the range of work we’re doing at the department’s Katanning Sheep Feed Intake Facility to equip producers with the tools and knowledge to turnoff profitable sheep that satisfy customer requirements.

“This work across genetics, nutrition and management will deliver practical strategies to lift efficiency and cut emissions – increasing producers’ profitability per hectare on-farm.”

Research scientist Brittany Bolt will discuss how genetic screening for feed intake and methane traits is laying the groundwork to develop new breeding values that combine production efficiency with a smaller carbon footprint.

Research scientist Umair Kahn will share learnings from the use of DPIRD’s GreenFeed machine to map sheep methane emissions over a full year, linking seasonal conditions and pasture types to flock emissions.This base data will inform on-farm mitigation strategies and carbon reporting.

The day will include a pen side introduction of the Yardstick progeny groups, facilitated by Icon Agriculture, and a tour of DPIRD’s Sheep Feed Intake Facility.

Results for 12 industry sires from the 2024 drop progeny will be released at the field day, including a wide range of measured and visually assessed traits and indexes.

DPIRD’s Katanning Research Station is one of eight national sites that collects Merino sire data for the Yardstick program, from which breeding values are developed to compare performance within and across flocks.

Greasy fleece weight data for ewe hoggets will be available for the first time, while wether hoggets will be displayed in full wool allowing attendees to appraise the wool from the different sire groups.

The event will be held on Thursday, October 23 at the Katanning Research Station from 1-4pm. Register at Humantix by 5pm Monday, October 20.