BUSINESS, technology and agribusiness consultants are being encouraged to apply to deliver a Livestock Enterprise Planning program to help grow the red meat and wool sector in SA.
The initiative is part of the state government's $7.5 million Red Meat and Wool Growth program.
The Enterprise Planning Program involves a panel of experts who will work with the livestock industry to create business plans, improve returns and integrate livestock technology on-farm.
Primary Industries and Regional Development minister Tim Whetstone said encouraging farmers to have strong business plans in place incorporating technology was vital in growing the red meat and wool sector.
"The SA Beef Industry Blueprint indicated only one in five beef producers recorded greater than five per cent rate of return on assets," he said.
"The Livestock Enterprise Planning program is aimed at increasing productivity and profitability across the supply chain with a focus on-farm.
"The selected panel of providers will assist producers explore their businesses' strengths and weaknesses and develop a Business and Technology Plan which will identify areas to build on and grow.
"Across SA we have a range of experienced livestock and agribusiness professionals who can assist our farmers strengthen their business and we see greater uptake of technology, such as electronic identification tags for sheep, as a key part of that.
"We want to work side-by-side with our producers to increase the cattle herd and grow the sheep flock to capitalise on strong market returns."
The panel of experts for this program would be required to assist farmers to upskill in various aspects of business management including business acumen and skills, risk management and resilience, using Precision Livestock Management Technology for data-based decision making, and improved production efficiency.
For more information, including downloading the Invitation to Supply application form, visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/redmeatandwool or Tenders SA website www.tenders.sa.gov.au.
Applications will close at 5pm on Friday, April 17.
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