Minister backs sheep research shed

Source: Saskia Adysti, Countryman, Wed, 19 June 2019

Albany-based Colab Construction is building a new feed-efficiency facility in Katanning, which is designed to boost production while limiting environmental impact.

The 940sqm research shed will be fitted with 20 pens to house more than 300 sheep at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Research facility in Katanning.

The State Government, which invested $1.3 million in the project, has described it as “nationally significant”.

Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan visited Katanning last Friday and met with research facility manager Gavin D’adhemar and Nyabing farmer Hamish Thompson, who donated some of his sheep.

Ms MacTiernan said the new facility would enable researchers to electronically record individual sheep feed intakes under a range of different diets and identify genetically superior animals.

“This investment will help researchers from the department and the private sector breed more efficient, high-performance sheep that satisfy customers’ discerning requirements,” she said.

“It will enable the WA sheep industry to breed more efficient animals that require less feed to produce more meat, from animals that emit reduced methane and carbon dioxide.”

Colab Construction was announced as the successful tenderer to build the facility, which was expected to be completed in December.