Managing Grass Seeds

Summary

Grass seed infestation of lamb carcases continues to be a significant issue for the whole supply chain of the Australian prime lamb industry. Grass seed contamination results in significant losses and frustrations for producers, livestock agents, lamb and skin processors, wholesalers and retailers. The industry sectors have indicated that the time is right for the whole of industry to focus their resources in a united action and work together to significantly reduce seed contamination.
These projects brought together all sectors of the industry; producer, processors, agents and saleyards to collaborate and partner on the development of a National Grass Seed Action Plan. Projects E.LSM.1301 and E.LSM.1403 funded venue hire, catering and producer industry attendees to participate in the workshop, as well as the cost of an interim coordinator (6months) to facility implementation of the plan.
The project delivered the National Grass Seed Action Plan, which has 8 strategy areas: 1. National Leadership Group 2. National Co-ordination 3. Carcase seed measurement 4. Carcase seed reporting to producers and feedback systems 5. National communications program & resources 6. Producer engagement 7. Producer Demonstration Sites 8. Industry Database Industry benefit/s In partnership with producers, processors, agents and saleyards the National Grass Seed Action Plan aims to provide the whole of the supply chain with the knowledge, skills, resources and information to reduce the infestation and cost of grass seeds to industry.