L.MMS.2101 - Making More From Sheep Website and Maintenance Agreement 2020-22
The MMFS package includes 12 modules relating to different aspects of sheep production, with related tools and signposting to relevant industry resources and workshops. The aim of MMFS is to lower the cost of production of wool and sheepmeat
| Project start date: | 15 December 2020 |
| Project end date: | 30 September 2024 |
| Publication date: | 14 June 2024 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Sheep |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
Developed by AWI and MLA, Making More from Sheep (MMFS) is an online package of best practice information and tools for Australian sheep producers. The aim of MMFS is to lower the cost of production of wool and sheepmeat on-farm by increasing the productivity of sheep and land and increasing the efficiency of use of inputs & resources.
This project coordinated a review and update of existing MMFS content and built new content and a new website with the latest research outcomes and tools for Australian sheep producers.
Objectives
1. MMFS website review and rebuild – reviewed all existing content and archived irrelevant information – ACHIEVED.
2. Existing MMFS content updates – review all MMFS Modules and update where required to include new research, tools and information – ACHIEVED.
3. Development of new MMFS content – commission new Module 9 Boost Business with Breeding and MMFS eLearning package for AWI and MLA eLearning platforms – ACHIEVED.
4. Website management – migrate MMFS website onto AWI’s servers for maintenance and management on behalf of AWI and MLA – ACHIEVED.
Key findings
The AWI and MLA review found that whilst the MMFS package remains a valuable investment for industry, many updates were required to reflect the current research findings and available tools. The opportunity to use the MMFS content to build eLearning courses, suitable for AWI and MLA’s eLearning platforms, was optimised, and commissioning a new MMFS Module 9 to provide an overview of the breeding and selection tools available to industry has created a foundational resource industry has required for many years.
Benefits to industry
MMFS is a one-stop-shop for the latest sheep industry research, tools and information on husbandry and management – a package of resources, videos, apps, technologies, podcasts and fact sheets – to support a sustainable and profitable sheep and wool operation, helping to reduce costs and optimise production while minimising risk in an ever-changing environment.
MLA action
AWI and MLA project staff make the following recommendations to facilitate the ongoing success and recognition of Making More From Sheep as Australia’s premier resource for sheep industry production knowledge:
1. AWI and MLA should always consider the opportunity to brand co-funded extension and adoption production outputs as Making More From Sheep to:
a. Encourage consistency and reduce duplication.
b. Ensure MMFS is kept up to date and research and extension outcomes and outputs are held in a central repository.
c. Keep breathing new life into MMFS to leverage the investment by AWI and MLA over many years and maintain its industry relevance and brand.
2. AWI and MLA look at the opportunity to develop a sustainability and traceability module which combines information for all sheep producers.
3. AWI and MLA continue to manage and maintain MMFS together to ensure MMFS remains the premier foundational resource for the Australian sheep industry.
4. AWI and MLA review and approval process for additions and changes to be made to MMFS website and eLearning content. Regular catch up (suggest every six months) to discuss what is in the pipeline, who is responsible, when it’s expected, etc.
5. AWI and MLA project managers should take responsibility for providing content for consideration for MMFS updating or revision in as near to a ‘ready to upload’ state as possible.
6. AWI and MLA project managers with research and extension and adoption outcomes regarding sheep production should write MMFS into their extension plan and ensure content is developed.
7. AWI and MLA agree to commit to keeping the approved and agreed eLearning content on their respective eLearning platforms to ensure consistency in MMFS outputs. If either organisation wants to deviate from this agreed procedure, they will organise a meeting with the other to discuss and decide before proceeding.
8. Promotion of MMFS should be undertaken as a joint effort, where possible. When this isn’t possible, each part
Future research
AWI and MLA project staff make the following recommendations to facilitate the ongoing success and recognition of Making More From Sheep (MMFS):
1. AWI and MLA consider branding co-funded extension and adoption outputs as MMFS.
2. AWI and MLA continue to manage and maintain MMFS to ensure MMFS remains the premier foundational resource for the Australian sheep industry.
3. AWI and MLA project managers should include MMFS in their extension and adoption plan and provide content for MMFS inclusion.
4. AWI and MLA agree to commit to keeping the approved and agreed eLearning content on their respective eLearning platforms to ensure consistency in MMFS outputs.
5. Promotion of MMFS should be undertaken as a joint AWI and MLA effort, where possible. When this isn’t possible, each party will acknowledge the other party in all communications.
More information
| Project manager: | Andrew Morelli |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | Australian Wool Innovation |
