Blogging with the Upper Clarence BPP
Blogging with the Upper Clarence BPP - Beef CRC - Beef Genetic Technologies
| This blog has been established for the Upper Clarence BPP members. It’s a snapshot of what’s happened and what has to happen. If you have any queries about the information posted here, please contact Cynthia Mulholland on 02 6773 3525 or click here to email Cynthia. |
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| Welcome to the Upper Clarence BPP |
| The Upper Clarence Beef Profit Partnership (BPP) group held its first meeting at the home of Rod and Dorothy Watters, “Keybarbin”, Baryulgil on Thursday, 17 September 2009. Thirteen attendees representing 6 beef businesses were in attendance together with Bill Hoffman, Industry and Investment NSW and Wayne Upton from the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) Armidale. These businesses own and manage 10,000 head of cattle (excluding calves) At this meeting, Bill gave an overview of the BPP project covering the objectives and how it fits into the Beef Cooperative Research Centre (CRC). Bill also explained the Continuous Improvement and Innovation (CI&I) process which underpins how the groups operate. Examples of CI&I in action in other BPP as well as their achievements gave a clearer picture of what can be achieved by groups of committed and enthusiastic beef producers when they work together in a group environment. The discussion that followed led to unanimous agreement that an Upper Clarence BPP group be formalised and join in the CRC project. Cost of Production (CoP) was discussed and it was agreed that all participants would attempt to calculate CoP for their beef business or at least (in the short term) a portion of it. This will be the benchmark that future focuses will be measured against. Development of Focuses for the group to work on (both at group and individual level) was discussed. Herd fertility was initially the focus of most importance for all members. Related issues raised were: |
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| Being a new group, members expressed a willingness to network with other BPP groups to see and learn from the experiences of members in other groups. High on the agenda for 2010 will be a visit to the Northern Tablelands for interaction with the advanced groups operating there. Wayne Upton outlined a proposal for a one day genetics workshop and development of a focus on measuring genetic improvement/profit relationship. Group members will have an opportunity to participate in one of the workshops in early 2010. 2010 will be an exciting year for the group with a focus on sharing experiences and knowledge as well as bringing new knowledge into the group from outside resources. This will hopefully accelerate the rate of adoption of innovation and improvement and lead to greater profitability. |
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