Mackinnon Project

02/07/2026

⚠️ Spring Lambing Alert: Protect Your Lambs from Goitre 🐑

The risk of iodine deficiency in spring lambing pregnant ewes, resulting in goitre in newborn lambs, is increased in many areas due to the heavy rainfall in the last 3 months (>80–100mm monthly). Goitre is linked to a dramatic increase in lamb mortality.

To prevent iodine deficiency in your pregnant ewes and hence increased lamb mortality due to goitre, drench your ewes with potassium iodine during the third or fourth month of pregnancy.

15/06/2026

📢 Calling Victorian Sheep Farmers! 🐑

Our research team at the University of Melbourne is conducting a short survey to better understand abortions, stillbirths, and lamb losses in Victorian sheep flocks.

If you haven’t completed the survey yet and have 10–15 minutes to spare, we would greatly value your input.

As part of this research project, you may also be eligible for FREE sample collection and diagnostic testing if abortions, stillbirths, or newborn lamb deaths occur on your farm during this or next lambing season.

You can register your interest in participating in the field study at the end of the survey.

Scan the QR code or complete the survey using the link below:

https://redcap.link/sheepabortionsvictoria

Thank you for supporting sheep research. Happy lambing. 🐑🙂

03/06/2026

📢 Producers in Northeast Victoria
📅 Are you available on the 11th of June from 1 pm?

Join Leah Tyrell and Chris Mirams for the second hands-on workshop focused on establishing a target growth path for your heifers.

Location: Munderoo, NSW
Refreshments: Afternoon tea provided
Farm tour icluded

Click on link below for more details
https://www.trybooking.com/DMVQW

This event is being delivered by Mackinnon Project - University of Melbourne on behalf of Agriculture Victoria as part of the Victorian Government’s statewide Drought Support Package.

Join Leah Tyrell and Chris Mirams for a hands-on workshop focused on establishing a target growth path for your heifers based on the mature weight...

02/06/2026

CANCELLED - keep an eye on our Facebook posts for more events in your area

📢 Producers in Gippsland
📅 Are you available on the 17th of June from 9.30 am to 1 pm?

Join Mackinnon Project consultants to listen to practical advice on maximising livestock profitability and herd/flock performance.

Venue: Gippsland Agricultural Centre
Refreshments: Morning tea and lunch provided

Click on link below for more details
https://www.trybooking.com/DKLON

This event is being delivered by Mackinnon Project - University of Melbourne on behalf of Agriculture Victoria as part of the Victorian Government’s statewide Drought Support Package

This event explores critical strategies for maximising farm profitability across livestock and pasture management in South Gippsland. Listen to...

26/05/2026

We’ve just dropped the full program for this year’s BestLamb/BestWool and BetterBeef Conferences.

In Ballarat on 23 and 24 June, you can hear from speakers across the sheep and beef industries, providing insights that will both inform and challenge attendees.

Concurrent sessions in the morning and afternoon allow you to choose who you listen to, ensuring you get the most out of your day.

Full program and tickets links in the comments - tag a mate who should be there.

30/04/2026

📢 Producers near Serpentine, St Arnaud, Elmore, Dookie and Mansfield. Join John Webb Ware, Ben Ashton, Leah Tyrell and Daniel Brookes from the Mackinnon Project for an interactive roadshow on maximising profit from your sheep through these towns on the following dates:

Serpentine - 18th May
St Arnaud - 19th May
Elmore - 20th May
Dookie - 21st May
Mansfield - 22nd May

⏰From 10am to 3pm

🍔Morning tea and lunch provided

Click on link below for more details and event registration
https://www.trybooking.com/DLURV

This event is being delivered by Mackinnon Project - University of Melbourne on behalf of Agriculture Victoria as part of the Victorian Government’s statewide Drought Support Package.

Join John Webb Ware, Ben Ashton and Leah Tyrell for the Mackinnon Project Roadshow through Serpentine, St Arnaud, Elmore, Dookie and Mansfield for...

04/03/2026

📢 Producers in Northeast Victoria
📅 Are you available on the 17th of March from 9.30 am to 3 pm?
Join Leah Tyrell and Chris Mirams for a hands-on workshop focused on establishing a target growth path for your heifers.

Refreshments: Morning tea and lunch provided
Post-lunch activity: Farm tour

Click on link below for more details
https://www.trybooking.com/DKEUY

This event is being delivered by Mackinnon Project - University of Melbourne on behalf of Agriculture Victoria as part of the Victorian Government’s statewide Drought Support Package.

Join Leah Tyrell and Chris Mirams for a hands-on workshop focused on establishing a target growth path for your heifers based on the mature weight...

24/02/2026

📢 Call for Victorian Sheep Producers 🐑

Abortion, stillbirth, and lamb losses can significantly impact lambing percentages and flock profitability. 🐑

As a part Agriculture Victoria funded project, The University of Melbourne is conducting a producer survey to better understand the key infectious causes of abortions in Victorian flocks. 🐑 📝

Your input will help:
✅ Identify key infectious risks
✅ Improve diagnostic approaches
✅ Inform practical biosecurity strategies
✅ Strengthen flock productivity across Victoria

⏱ Takes only 15-20 minutes
📍 Open to Victorian sheep producers
🐑 Options to participate in the project

🟢 Complete the survey here: https://redcap.link/sheepabortionsvictoria

📱 Or scan the QR code below

Your experience matters, thank you for supporting sheep health research in Victoria 🙌🐑

-University of Melbourne Research Team-

04/12/2025

📢The Gippsland seminar has been postponed until early 2026. Keep your eyes peeled for a new date.

📢3rd Mackinnon Seminar Gippsland: Smart Recovery, Smart Decisions - Pasture, Parasites and Profit
⏰Wed 3rd Dec 9.30am - 2pm
🏠Gippsland Ag Centre
🍔Morning tea and lunch provided
📩RSVP: Mon 1st Dec to Ben Blomfield 0479 176 187 or [email protected]
ℹ️See below
Gippsland Agricultural Group Inc

18/11/2025

📢3rd Mackinnon Seminar Gippsland: Smart Recovery, Smart Decisions - Pasture, Parasites and Profit
⏰Wed 3rd Dec 9.30am - 2pm
🏠Gippsland Ag Centre
🍔Morning tea and lunch provided
📩RSVP: Mon 1st Dec to Ben Blomfield 0479 176 187 or [email protected]
ℹ️See below
Gippsland Agricultural Group Inc