The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Cowra Agricultural Research and Advisory Station is playing a major role in taking the wool, sheepmeat and goat meat industries into the future.

NSW DPI livestock research officer, Gordon Refshauge, said lamb and kid survival, heat stress, meeting market demand and profitability are major issues facing producers.

"We are working on projects which focus on meat quality, genetics, mineral and vitamin nutrition, disease, reproduction and heat stress with research partners across Australia," Dr Refshauge said.

READ MORE: "Meat" the team at the Cowra Agricultural Research and Advisory Station Open Day

"Strong networking means we are getting the most out of our research investment to deliver results to producers.

"Mineral nutrition and supplementation is important for reproduction and recent studies have examined the mineral nutrition of ewes grazing dual-purpose cereal crops and pastures.

"These studies examined the effects of minerals and vitamin supplements on ewes and the survival of their lambs, which is important information producers can use in their flock management.

"On-going vitamin and mineral studies will continue to help improve lamb survival.

"We are developing best practice management recommendations to improve triplet-bearing ewes and lamb survival.

"The condition of ewes has a major impact on flock reproduction rates and we are developing ewe management targets for ewe body condition score in spring and summer mating programs."

READ MORE: Promise lies in our paddocks

Dr Refshauge is using lessons learned from the sheep industry to help lift kid survival and boost Australia's growing goat industry.

"Future research projects will focus on environmental effects on reproduction, including heat stress and pollutants," he said.

Meet Gordon and the team at the Open Day on Saturday, September 21.