Sheep Genetics has reviewed and updated its subscription and fee schedule. This is the first time since 2019 that these have been updated.
These changes are necessary to:
As of the 20th July 2024, there will be 5 key changes to the Sheep Genetics subscription and fee schedule. They can be summarised as follows:
Cull and commercial animals were originally introduced to encourage submission on all animals within a cohort. Until now animals that contain CU and CO in the 11th and 12th digit of the 16-digit ID were not billed, and they did not receive reportable breeding values.
In recent years IDs containing CO and CU have been used in different ways across flocks, which has caused:
Following the submission of billable animals from the 2024 drop onwards CO and CU IDs will still be accepted but they will incur the standard animal database charge if they have measurements above the billable threshold for each analysis.
An animal achieves billable status when it has a weaning weight or later entered into the database (LAMBPLAN) or Post-weaning trait information (MERINOSELECT). This means that once an animal is entered into the database and charged, additional data can continue to be entered on that animal throughout its life at no additional cost
Sheep Genetics encourages flocks to submit data on all possible animals at an early age to make better selection decisions and improve data quality. We encourage that new animals are not submitted with CU or CO in the ID.
A small stud subscription option was originally created for smaller studs submitting less than approximately 50 progeny per drop to submit data in a cost-effective manner. During a review of the Sheep Genetics business plan, fee schedule and membership options, it was identified that the annual subscription model is the most effective for future growth. As a result, Sheep Genetics is ceasing the small stud option. Flocks impacted by this updated have been contacted and Sheep Genetics staff will work with them to change subscriptions over. Small studs will be charged at the standard flock and animal rate outlined below.
Breeders submitting more than 2,500 animals per flock will now be charged for all billable animals supplied to Sheep Genetics. This cap will be removed and all animals with billable measurements submitted will incur the animal database charge outlined below.
Sheep Genetics regularly reviews its fees and subscription charges. The current fee schedule has not changed for the past 5 years and increases to the fee schedule are required to continue the services and running of the Sheep Genetics evaluations.
As of the 20th July 2024, invoices issued will reflect the fee schedule as follows, and be charged in Australian Dollars (AUD):
|
DESCRIPTION OF CHARGES |
Pricing (no GST) |
|
Flock Subscription |
$633.00 |
|
Additional Flock Subscription |
$173.00 |
|
Animal charge |
$3.40 |
If you have any questions about the updates being made and summarised above, please contact:
Rudolph Linde - Business Manager - Genetic Services
Peta Bradley – Manager Sheep Genetics