Regional coordinators for the Leading Sheep project are now in place for three of Queensland's four key wool producing regions, with the fourth regional co-ordinator due to be appointed shortly.

The coordinators are working with the regional committees in each region as they select activities that provide information on how to make productivity improvements on farm.

Leading Sheep is an initiative of Australian Wool Innovation Limited in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and supported by AgForce which targets the adoption of new technologies and practices.

The four Leading Sheep regions are based on vegetation types - Mitchell Grass Downs in the central west, Mulga in the south west, Box/Sandalwood in the south, and Traprock in the south east - and the coordinators are:

Woolgrower Jenny Keogh is coordinating the central-west network, which is based around Longreach. Jenny, along with her husband Rick, run the Terrick Merino Stud at Amaroo, Blackall. In 2001 Jenny completed a course on change and innovation in rural industries and communities and then presented a paper on improving R&D outcomes from an end-users point of view.

Cattle producer and resource use consultant Ian Perkins is coordinating the south-east network, which is based on a line east of Goondiwindi. Ian has worked at the interface between landholders and research and development corporations, and as a coordinator for a number of community and industry-based organisations.

Consultant Emily Martin is coordinating the south regional committee based around St George. That role complements her AgriGate Networx consultancy which is a facilitation business working with value chains, producers groups, executive teams and family businesses.

A coordinator is in the process of being appointed to the fourth region, the south-west which is based around Charleville.

The coordinators will help the Leading Sheep regional groups identify and implement chosen activities such as training, workshops, field days, on-property demonstrations and information forums.

Leading Sheep has a three-year budget of $2.4 million that includes $1 million funding from AWI and $1.4 million in-kind support from DPI&F and AgForce.

For information contact Geoff Knights on 4620 8121 or visit www.wool.com.au/leadingsheep. Media contact: Jane Milburn 0408 787 964