By Julia Wythes
White Suffolk producers from across the country will be heading west this March for the popular annual national conference and annual general meeting.
But it's not just the meeting that draws producers from interstate - it's a fantastic chance to catch up with other breeders.
This year's Australian White Suffolk Association (AWSA) conference will offer some truly unique opportunities, including a rare chance to visit the Xytovet lab and see how animal tissue samples are processed into genotype data.
The conference will be held in the Swan Valley, Western Australia, from March 15 to 17.
Association president Peter Angus is encouraging producers, both stud and commercial, as well as anyone with an interest in this fantastic breed, to come along to the conference.
"The mixture of speakers' topics - from technology, lamb industry and trends - will offer a range of learning opportunities," he said.
These presentations will include a Sheep Genetics update from Marnie Hodge, a WAMMCO presentation from chairman Bill O'Keefe, and a session focusing on turning genetic potential into lambs on the ground from Dr Michylla Seal, Genstock WA.
He said plenty of genetics from Western Australia had headed east, and vice versa.
"We hope breeders from the east can catch up with those they've bought their genetics from, and maybe even visit other studs. It's great to reconnect, meet new people and hear about their programs.
"It's also about WA members and making sure they get the opportunity to come together outside of Perth Royal and Wagin shows."
Mr Angus is particularly keen to visit the Xytovet lab. The tour will cover each step of the process, including sample handling, DNA extraction and the use of both manual techniques and automatic robotic technology.
This enthusiasm is shared by confeence organising committee member Brenton Addis.
Mr Addis, Yonga Downs White Suffolk stud, is excited to host breeders from across the country in WA.
He said the conference, which was last held in the state at Albany in 2016, was an opportunity to showcase their sheep industry.
"We do some things a little bit differently in WA. The presentation from WAMMCO will show how our abattoir system and lamb industry work," he said.
"We chase a medium to bigger-framed terminal sire in WA. When they go through the wheatbelt in 200 to 300-hectare paddocks, they need to be big, robust rams and be able to chase ewes.
"Our market is different. We don't need to get lambs to the extra heavy weights. They are more moderate lambs and a majority are sold directly through the abattoir."
He said WA producers were keen to show off what the region has to offer, including a visit to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory and a production tour of Funk Brewshed.
"There will be a mixture of learning and socializing. Events like this are good to bring everyone together."
Registrations for the conference are now open and will close on March 2.
The conference is supported by sponsors Elders, Nutrien, Xytovet, Shearwell Australia, UTF Australia, Neogen, Genstock WA and Farm Weekly.