About ASHEEP & BEEF Inc.
Sheep, cattle & pasture grower group
ASHEEP & BEEF is a grower group with a core focus on raising sheep and cattle production standards and maximising the profitability and sustainability of livestock systems. 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 producers in the Esperance region in 2003, and was originally named the Association for Sheep Husbandry, Excellence, Evaluation & Production Inc (ASHEEP). Since that time, ASHEEP has expanded to include a focus on beef cattle production systems and in 2023 reflected that by changing the association's name to ASHEEP & BEEF.
We are based in the Esperance area 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 from around Australia.


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Development of Lamb Planner which is in use internationally and is available to producers in hard copy and via phone app in collaboration with DPIRD. A prototype of Weaner Planner has also been drafted for potential development.
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Foot & Mouth Disease Ready pilot group.
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Establishment of the Ovine Johnes Disease sub committee to manage OJD in the Esperance area through testing, improved biosecurity and education.
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Involved in working group that saw the only truck wash in the area re-opened (Myrup Truck Wash)
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Self-funded with three employees.
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Pilot group for The Sheep’s Back network
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First in the area to run auto-drafting and electronic ID trials & workshops
ASHEEP & BEEF MANAGEMENT
ASHEEP & BEEF is a not-for-profit incorporated association governed by a committee of 12 volunteer farmers. The committee directs the organisation’s activities to align with its strategic plan, supported by staff and dedicated sub-committees focused on key priority areas.
ASHEEP & BEEF is funded through sponsorship and membership, with additional capacity delivered through project-based funding.
ASHEEP & BEEF COMMITTEE
Erica Ayers
Committee Member
Merino & shedding sheep, Angus cattle, crop
Merivale
Simon Fowler
Committee Member
Merino & shedding sheep, Angus cattle, crop
Condingup
Jason Schutz
Committee Member
Merino sheep, cattle, crop
Dalyup, Cascade, Salmon Gums and Laverton
Ryan Willing
Vice Chair
Angus cattle, crop
Boyatup
Neville McDonald
Committee Member
Merino & white suffolk sheep, crop
Condingup, Beaumont
Olivia Fowler
Committee Member
Merino sheep, crop
Boyatup
Greg Peirce
Committee Member
Merino sheep, crop
Gibson
Mark Walter
Committee Member
Merino sheep, crop
Cascade
ASHEEP & BEEF STAFF
Executive Officer
Current projects:
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Cattle: Weaning, BVDV, Bull Preputial Breakdown, Liver biopsy.
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Pasture: Know Your Southern Soils, Harvestable Pasture Legumes, Future-Ready South Coast.
Current projects:
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Mastering Merino Genetics
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Emission Intensity: Getting Started on Farm
Current projects:
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Mastering Merino Genetics fleece sampling
ASHEEP & BEEF SUB-COMMITTEES
CATTLE
Chair: Ryan Willing
Members:
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Erica Ayers
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Enoch Bergman
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Stephen Bingham
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Wes Graham
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Jake Hann
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Ian McCallum
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Nick Ruddenklau
FINANCE
Chair: Alan Hoggart
Members:
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David Vandenberghe
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Nick Ruddenklau
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Ryan Willing
BIOSECURITY
Members:
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Erica Ayers
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Simon Fowler
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Wes Graham
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David Swan
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Ryan Willing
PASTURE
Members:
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David Vandenberghe
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Mark Walter
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Ryan Willing
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Luke Edwards
SHEARING
Members:
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Basil Parker
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Nick Ruddenklau
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Bob Reed
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Mark Walter
EXTERNAL REPRESENTATION
AWI Woolgrower Industry Consultation Panel: Nick Ruddenklau
Sheep & Goat NLIS Advisory Group: Thomas Pengilly







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