Run by the Leading Sheep Southern Inland regional committee and held at "Woolerina" south of Bollon, the day attracted local sheep and wool producers who are currently facing an Exceptional Circumstances-classed drought.

Leading Sheep is an Australian Wool Innovation initiative in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and supported by AgForce, which targets the adoption of new technologies and practices to increase the productivity and profitability of the Queensland industry.

DPI&F extension officer Tony Hamilton said producers were introduced to the Rainman computer software program which included statistical data for the past 100 years that can help minimise the guesswork in decision-making.

"Our key aim was to provide information on the technology, such as Rainman and also the Stockplan program for feeding stock in enclosed areas, that can help producers make decisions which will lead to better outcomes in any situation," Mr Hamilton said.

As part of the day, financial advisor Les Canning from the Balonne Financial Advisory Service assessed the producers’ cases and found that some would likely be eligible for at least part or all of the $100,000 vegetation management grants if their applications were properly prepared.

Mr Canning also said most would also qualify for interest rate subsidies available in EC drought areas if their applications were prepared according to the current guidelines.

"These producers can be eligible for interest on the loan of up to $500,000 with 80 percent of the interest being subsidised, and therefore it made producers aware that they needed an available financial expert to prepare their individual applications," Mr Hamilton said.

Also on hand was Centacare counsellor Debbie Garrett who talked about recognising people who are stressed and how to deal with that stress.

"It was good opportunity for these producers to learn how to deal with stress and how to recognise that there are options and choices that are available to them," Mr Hamilton said.

Leading Sheep contacts: DPI&F extension officer Anthony Hamilton on 4654 4200 or email Anthony.Hamilton@dpi.qld.gov.au, or Leading Sheep Southern Inland regional coordinator Emily Martin on 4625 5444 or email emilymartin@bigpond.com.