ASHEEP & BEEF is a grower group with a core focus on raising sheep and cattle production standards, and maximising the profitability of our members. We work proactively to promote best practice, deliver trials and demonstrations, build industry relationships and address issues arising in the livestock industry.

The group was set up by sheep producers in the Esperance region in 2003, and was originally named the Association for Sheep Husbandry, Excellence, Evaluation & Production Inc (ASHEEP). Since that time, the Association has expanded to include a focus on beef cattle production systems and in 2023 renamed to ASHEEP & BEEF.

ASHEEP & BEEF is based in the Esperance region, covering a wide variety of rainfall zones and soil types. We don’t favour particular systems or breeds over another, rather seek to evaluate and highlight best practice in livestock husbandry and production. Whilst our activities are predominantly focused in the Esperance region, ASHEEP & BEEF welcomes members throughout Western Australia.

• Carbon Neutral 2030: Getting started on farm (MLA Producer Demonstration Site)
• Optimising Age of Weaning Cattle (MLA Producer Demonstration Site)
• Preventing Bull Preputial Breakdown (MLA Producer Demonstration Site)
• Utilising Heifer Pre-Mating Serology to Manage BVDV (MLA Producer Demonstration Site)
• Mastering Merino Genetics Program (ASHEEP & BEEF in collaboration with Orion Ag Consulting)
• Feed365 Farm Demonstration Sites (DPIRD)
• Shearing Intervals: 6 versus 12 months (ASHEEP & BEEF)
• Pasture Variety Trials Project (MLA Producer Demonstration Site)
• Supporting Shifts to Non-Mulesed Systems (AgPro Management MLA PDS)
• Autumn, Winter, Spring & Cattle Field Days, Annual Conference, study tours, workshops, training session, seminars

• SafeSheds Pilot (2022) in collaboration with WA Shearing Industry Association and AWI • Merinolink Flock DNA Profile (2018-2022) project supported by Merinolink, MLA, Sheep Gentics & Sheep CRC • Novel Pastures in Dryland Pasture Systems (2017-2022) in collaboration with Murdoch University • Fixed Time AI of Heifers in Commercial Farming Systems (2017-2020) an MLA Producer Demonstration Site in collaboration with Swans Veterinary Services • Foot & Mouth Disease Ready (2018-2022) project as a pilot group in collaboration with Charles Sturt University • Perennial pasture variety trial site- inherited from Ron Master at DAFWA • Phosphorus Efficient Pastures (2016-2020) as a research partner with CSIRO funded by Rural R&D for Profit program, MLA, Dairy Australia & AWI • Putting Wormboss into Practice (2017-2019) funded by AWI • Ovine Johnes Disease Management Plan (2014-2017) for Esperance Region supported by MLA • Development of Lamb Planner (2003) & a prototype of Weaner Planner (2007-2009). The Lamb Planner was published in conjunction with DPIRD. It is available in hardcopy from DPIRD (Version 3) or to download as a phone app for Android and Apple. The app was most recently updated in 2023 and a new version is available. ASHEEP & BEEF is in ongoing communication with DPIRD regarding the ongoing update and functionality of the app. • Legumes in Kikuyu (2014-2018) Producer Demonstration Site funded by MLA • NYPA Forage Trial (2018) • Perennial Grass Demonstration Site (2017) in collaboration with Albany Department of Primary Industries • 'Pasture Legumes in Mixed Farming Zones in WA & NSW', (2013-2016) as a research partner with Murdoch, funded by MLA & AWI • Grain & Graze (2011-2013) research partner • Pilot group for The Sheep’s Back network • Study tours throughout the including interstate, and internationally to South Africa, New Zealand, the Middle East & Sardinia.

Platinum: Commonwealth Bank, Elanco, Summit Fertilisers, Westcoast Wool & Livestock, Esperance Rural Supplies. Gold: Zoetis, V&V Walsh, Chatley Livestock, WFI, Gallagher, Esperance Livestock Transport, Rabobank, South Coastal Agencies, Shearwell, Australian Mineral Fertilisers