BIGG has commenced its newest project focusing on the use of Optiweigh in-paddock weighing technology to help sheep and cattle producers strengthen the sustainability and resilience of their livestock enterprises.
Structured around two producer groups (one sheep and one cattle) this project will demonstrate and support the on-farm application of Optiweigh technology, a portable, self-contained tool placed in a paddock to measure animal weight in real time. Over the 2.5 year project duration (June 2026 to December 2028) producers involved in the two groups will receive coaching and support via workshops, peer-to-peer learning and the opportunity to trial an Optiweigh unit on-farm.
"The Optiweigh Technology Project will focus on livestock performance by improving the use of data to assist practical on-farm decision-making such as feed use and turn-off timing. For me it's about using that data to drive real on-farm change, not just awareness, so producers are making decisions based on what their animals are actually doing rather than gut feel," said Pene Keynes, BIGG Technical Facilitator.
Producers will also build a clearer picture of their emissions baseline, the link between lifting productivity performance per head and lowering emissions per kilo of product, and a better understanding of what the market is starting to expect in terms of emissions.
For more information, including enquiries to join either the sheep or cattle producer group, please contact Pene Keynes: pene.keynes@biggroup.org.au or 0401 798 224.
The Optiweigh Technology Project is supported by the Livestock Sustainable Solutions program, a joint initiative of PIRSA, Meat & Livestock Australia and also from support from the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board.
