FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about BreedLeader

Q.Who should attend a BreedLeader course?
A.It is an advanced course specifically designed for the studbreeder i.e. the person or team that makes critical herd selection decisions - what bulls to use, which females to cull, what performance measurements to take, what joining groups to have?
The course is not about the basics of performance recording or how and when to collect birth weights, weaning weights etc. If this is what you need consider the Southern Beef Technology Services (SBTS) “Getting Back to Basics” http://sbts.une.edu.au course which may better suit your requirements.

Q.Are there any other requirements for attending BreeedLeader?
A.One of the key elements of the course is your herd’s TakeStock® report, which is supplied to you on Day 1 of the course. There are three requirements to get a TakeStock® report for your herd:

1.Ten years’ records in BREEDPLAN that allows TakeStock® to give a historical genetic progress report for the preceding two five-year periods.
2.Average number of progeny recorded >25 (number varies with breed) in both five year periods.
3.The Breed Society that has at least one selection index ($Index).

If your herd does not meet the above criteria you may not get the best out of BreedLeader.  If you have any questions about your eligibility for TakeStock® please call us on 07 3378 3146.

Q.Does the course have a lot of mathematical calculations and theory?
A.No, there are no complex calculations.  Theory is discussed and explained always in a practical, relevant context.

Q.What are the main things I will get out of the course?
A.Participants of the course have said it makes them re-think the way that they select both AI and natural sires, the level of AI they use, how they might use DNA marker information in the future, the current options with DNA tests, what selection index to use and why, the traps in poor recording of management group codes and lots more. Just like an economic benchmarking exercise. BreedLeader allows you to compare your genetics against other herds within your breed and gives some guidelines for genetic improvement.

Q.My partner helps me with the performance recording paperwork and is very interested in all breeding aspects of the herd?
A.Try and bring your partner or any key member of your team to the course.  The pricing of the course attempts to assist businesses by weighting the costs on a business rather than an individual basis.

Q.How do I get a TakeStock® report?
A.At time of writing TakeStock® has not been released to industry and is being tested through BreedLeader.  We will keep you updated on this web site.  Currently the only way to get a TakeStock® report is through a BreedLeader course.

Q.Does attendance at the course count towards tertiary qualifications?
A.The course is V.E.T. accredited and the competencies covered in the course qualify for the National Competency Standards: Rural Production Training Package at Diploma of Agriculture level.  Such participants are assessed for competency. http://www.ntis.gov.au

*Please notify us before the course if this is relevant to your plans.

Q.I am not training for a diploma but I like my attendance at courses to be recognised?
A.We will issue a Certificate of Attendance since you are indeed a “BreedLeader Graduate’.

Q.How many people attend a course?
A.We aim for about 10 businesses per course.  Experience has shown that with two experienced trainers and 10 businesses the optimum level of coaching and interaction is attained.

Q.Does the course cover BREEDPLAN basics?
A.No, we assume you know that stuff and are ready for the more advanced use of genetic tools and herd selection.  However much of the discussion will refresh knowledge of BREEDPLAN.

Q.Are there follow-up meetings?
A.We are aware that course participants invariably want follow-up to the course and we are looking at options to deliver this type of service.

Q.Can I get future TakeStock® reports?
A.Yes ABRI, the commercialiser, is considering how to deliver TakeStock® to industry within the BREEDPLAN system. However you will need to have some training in TakeStock®. Attending a BreedLeader course qualifies you for this. We will keep you posted on our web site.

Q.I already use AI and DNA markers. Why should I attend the course?
A.BreedLeader is designed to reflect on the technology available and optimise the use of the technology to maximise genetic gain and a profitable breeding herd. BreedLeader is your chance to fine tune these skills and interact with other like-minded breeders on breeding and genetic improvement.

Q.Why is there not a course scheduled near me?
A.We rely on everyone around Australia who is interested in doing the course to let us know via the register page on this site, then we can schedule the location of future courses according to demand.
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