Expression of Interest - BREEDPLAN Advisory Committee Skills Based Committee Vacancy – Breed Association Representative

⁠⁠⁠1. Purpose

The BREEDPLAN Executive Committee are seeking expressions of interest from breed association representatives to contribute to the direction of BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation system through the BREEDPLAN Advisory Committee.

2. Relevant and necessary background

Together, University of New England (UNE), NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSWDPI) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) (all three organisations together known as the ‘Owners’) have had a long research partnership spanning over 35 years, which has developed the BREEDPLAN and OVIS Analytical Software responsible for the National genetic evaluation systems which has been applied to cattle, goats and sheep under BREEDPLAN and Sheep Genetics.

MLA continues to invest in R&D projects to enhance the genetic evaluation tools and systems used in BREEDPLAN and Sheep Genetics. The objective of this work is to provide the basis for faster rates of genetic progress in beef and sheep, and underpin planned integrated technology transfer activities.

The BREEDPLAN Owners facilitate the following committees to provide guidance for the BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation:

• A BREEDPLAN Executive Committee representing the Owners and Licensee/s responsible for approval of the workplan for beef and overseeing the coordination and implementation of developments and modifications to the BREEDPLAN Analytical Software.

• A combined BREEDPLAN and Sheep Genetics Technical Committee to provide technical guidance to the Executive regarding these developments and modifications.

• A BREEDPLAN Advisory Committee to provide program oversight and feedback on major policy decisions to the BREEDPLAN Executive Committee. The BREEDPLAN Advisory Committee is to represent the views and requirements of BREEDPLAN clients, potential clients and the wider beef industry.

3. Terms of Reference

The BREEDPLAN Advisory Committee is the forum for Industry representatives to provide advice in the form of recommendations to the BREEDPLAN Executive.

The Advisory Committee provides a critical role in communicating and representing the views and requirements of BREEDPLAN clients, potential clients and the wider beef industry to the BREEDPLAN Executive. It also ensures that the BREEDPLAN Business Plan meets those needs and will perform an important role in the annual review of operational performance and consider the need for additional services.

The Advisory Committee will consist of actively breeding beef producers and/or industry representatives from a diverse industry base as well as breed association representatives appointed on a skills basis.

This EOI is seeking individuals to apply for one vacant position on the Committee:

• Breed Association Representative

The Advisory Committee activities include:

• Proactively communicate and represent the views and requirements of BREEDPLAN clients,

potential clients and the wider beef industry.

• Periodically review the implementation of the BREEDPLAN Business and Operational Plans.

• Respond to feedback and guidance from the BREEDPLAN Executive Committee in relation to projects and priorities.

Applicants with the following knowledge and understanding will be preferred:

• Involvement and experience with and knowledge of breed association operations

• Knowledge and understanding of genetic evaluations and livestock breeding

• Business and communication expertise

• Experience in agricultural extension

• A track record in contributing to an effective team, committee or board, or other involvement in strategic thinking and planning

• Involvement in marketing of agricultural products and/or services.

For further information on the role of Advisory Committee members please refer to the BREEDPLAN Advisory Committee Terms of Reference.

Submissions:

Applicants should submit both a cover letter and CV to Sarah Day (sday@mla.com.au)

Note: that it is preferred the successful applicant is available to attend the June 2024 BREEDPLAN Advisory Committee meeting.