Workshops

Owning and managing livestock should be rewarding — but for many producers, especially those starting out or operating on a smaller scale, it can quickly feel confusing, complicated, and overwhelming.

Between NLIS, PICs, LPA, biosecurity requirements, animal health decisions, record keeping, and buying and selling livestock, many producers are left asking:
What do I actually need to do — and why?

We understand this feeling because we are producers ourselves and we work with producers every day who are trying to do the right thing but feel unsure, anxious, or overloaded by information that often isn’t explained in a practical or relatable way.

That is exactly why the Livestock Essentials Workshop Series was created.

This series breaks livestock ownership down into clear, practical, real-world guidance, delivered by people who live and work in the industry — not theory, not jargon, and not judgment.

Register Expressions of Interest Here

Who this Workshop Series is for?
This series is purpose-built for:

  • New and first-time livestock producers

  • Small-scale producers and hobby farmers

  • Lifestyle block owners running cattle, sheep or goats

  • Producers wanting to improve confidence around compliance, animal welfare, and management

  • Anyone feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start or what actually matters

No prior knowledge is required — just a willingness to learn and ask questions.

Through years of working directly with producers and conducting national producer surveys, one message came through clearly:

Producers want to do the right thing — they just need clear, practical support.

Many feel:

  • Overwhelmed by compliance and paperwork

  • Unsure what applies to them and what doesn’t

  • Afraid of getting it wrong

  • Isolated and relying on social media for advice

This workshop series was designed to remove confusion, build confidence, and support producers with fit-for-purpose information they can actually use on their own properties.

Why We Put This Series Together

Participant Outcomes & Feedback

The Livestock Production Essentials Workshop Series delivered measurable outcomes for participants, with 100% of attendees reporting they had already made changes to their farming practices as a direct result of attending the program.

Participants highlighted improvements in record keeping, biosecurity planning, compliance knowledge, business management, drought preparedness, and market understanding. Several participants completed their Biosecurity Plans, reviewed existing risk management processes, implemented or planned livestock weighing systems, and gained greater confidence in understanding audit requirements and industry obligations.

Importantly, 100% of participants also indicated they planned to make further changes following the workshops. Planned actions included completing property risk assessments, implementing nutrition and pasture management strategies, finalising biosecurity improvements, improving land management practices, and making more informed breeding, marketing, and business decisions.

Big News for Producers

The Livestock Production Essentials Workshops now supported by MLA’s Profitable Grazing Systems Program

Standard price is $897 per person, the PGS program discounted rate is $627 per person

With the support of MLA’s Profitable Grazing Systems Program, this series has been heavily subsidised for producers.

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Workshop Series Package - Livestock Production Essentials - Next Location TBA

When and Where:

Workshop 1 – Production Essentials (9:00am to 4:00pm)
TBA

Workshop 2 – Behind the Books - Business & Risk (9:00am to 4:00pm)
TBA

Workshop 3 – Compliance & Tools (9:00am to 4:00pm)
TBA

Workshop 1: Animal Husbandry & Welfare Essentials

Learn the fundamentals of livestock welfare, husbandry, breeding, feeding, marketing and nutrition.

  • Guest speakers: animal health specialists, and experienced producers share real-world knowledge.

  • Topics: handling and welfare, vaccinations, nutrition basics, breeding (genetics) and calving/lambing/kidding considerations, parasite control and record keeping.

  • Why attend: walk away with clear, practical steps to improve herd health and confidence in daily management.

Workshop 2: Business, Finance & Insurance Management

Turn your passion into a sustainable enterprise.

  • Guest speakers: rural accountants, insurance providers, and finance specialists.

  • Topics: farm business basics, budgeting and record-keeping, insurance and risk protection, accessing finance - 'Do we have the right insurance' ' What can we claim on tax?' 'Are we structured correctly?'.

  • Why attend: understand how to protect your investment, manage costs, and build resilience for the future. Key element - getting it right from the start means less costs long term.

Workshop 3: Compliance, Biosecurity & Technology

Navigate industry requirements with ease.

  • Guest speakers: representatives from local DPI biosecurity officers.

  • Topics: NLIS, LPA, PIC responsibilities, biosecurity plans, eNVDs, and traceability tools, what to do in a biosecurity emergency.

  • Where to from here: we walk you through and connect you with where to from here.

  • Why attend: discover how compliance underpins market access and animal health, and explore tech solutions that save time.

What Makes This Series Different?

  • Peer-to-Peer Learning – hear from producers who’ve been in your shoes and learn practical tips they wish they knew earlier.

  • Local Connections – meet your local vet, biosecurity officer, agribusiness advisors, and fellow producers. Build a support network to call on long after the workshops end.

  • Tailored for Small Producers – designed for those running smaller herds or new to livestock management. We focus on “what you need to know, when you need to know it.”

What you’ll experience:

Step into a full day of practical, hands-on learning designed to take the stress and uncertainty out of livestock production. From animal husbandry and welfare to nutrition, genetics, and seasonal planning—you’ll gain the essentials needed to feel confident running your property.

We’ll cover compliance and regulation (NLIS, LPA, Biosecurity), explore regenerative farming principles, and build your understanding of livestock health—from genetics and feeding programs to knowing when and why to vaccinate and drench. Each day is fully catered, features expert guest speakers, and equips you with resources and tools you can put into practice immediately.

Why it matters:

Starting or managing livestock can feel overwhelming. Between paperwork, regulations, and the constant “am I doing this right?” questions, it’s easy to lose confidence. This workshop series is designed to simplify the journey—building clarity, skills, and support networks in a welcoming, practical environment. No question is too big or too small, and you’ll leave with both knowledge and confidence to make better decisions for your livestock and your business.

Who it’s for:

  • New and emerging producers building a solid foundation

  • Hobby farmers ready to “do it right” and feel secure in their practices

  • Small-scale operators looking for direction and clarity

  • Anyone keen to connect, learn, and grow in the livestock industry

Your take-home:

✔ Confidence in livestock care, feeding, genetics, and health planning
✔ Practical understanding of compliance: NLIS, LPA, and Biosecurity
✔ Knowledge of vaccination and drenching timing and purpose
✔ Insights into regenerative farming and sustainable practices
✔ Tools, templates, and resources ready to use immediately
✔ New local connections with producers, service providers, and industry specialists
✔ A clear direction for your livestock journey

👉 You asked us to make compliance simple—this workshop is designed to do exactly that.

Ticket options:

  • Workshop Series: $897now only $627(saving $270 - thanks to MLA’s Profitable Grazing Systems program, this course is subsidised for producers) - catering and materials included

📍 Seats are limited at 20 per series – secure your spot now!

$627.00 $897.00
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What People Are Saying

  • "Before attending the workshops, I felt overwhelmed by the amount of information and unsure where to start. The course broke everything down into practical, manageable steps and gave me the confidence to make informed decisions about biosecurity, compliance, livestock management, and the future direction of my property."

    — Workshop Participant

  • "Fantastic workshop. I have learnt a lot and enjoyed the content. It was good having it split over three months."

    — Workshop Participant

  • "The workshops provided practical, real-world information that I could immediately apply to my own operation. I left each session with clear actions to take and a much better understanding of what is required to run a sustainable livestock enterprise."

    — Workshop Participant

  • "The information has helped me significantly plan and evaluate the viability of a potential small-scale operation."

    — Workshop Participant

  • "Amanda and Matt were casual and approachable, but the information delivery and relevance were great."

    — Workshop Participant

  • "Really enjoyed the course in terms of helping ask the right questions to assess the viability of small farm operations."

    — Workshop Participant

Real Impact

The workshops were designed to provide practical, actionable knowledge that producers could immediately apply to their own businesses. The results demonstrate that participants not only increased their knowledge and confidence but were motivated to take meaningful action to improve their farming enterprises, reduce risk, and build more sustainable and profitable operations.

100% of participants reported making changes or planning changes as a result of attending the workshop series.