3% of survey complete.
Welcome
Thank you for participating in this survey. To find out more about this project, please read the participant information sheet below.
Upon completion of the survey, you have the opportunity to enter the draw to win a $500 e-voucher.
Participant Information


You are invited to participate in a research study evaluating communication and information sharing activities informing practices in the first year of life on cattle productivity and profitability. Please note that to participate in the research you must be over 18 years old.
The study is being conducted by the researchers listed at the top of this document.
Before you decide whether you wish to participate in this study, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take the time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish.

What is the purpose of this study?
The overall aim of the project is to understand the impact of communication and information sharing activities that support profitability for first year of life practices for beef production in Australia
The questionnaire will capture current practices of 60 beef producers across southern Australia’s 450-800mm per annum rainfall zone and will ask about any changes made in first year of life practices and the reasons behind those changes.
Why have I been invited to participate in this study?
We are inviting participation from beef producers across southern Australia’s 450-800mm per annum rainfall zone.
What does this study involve?
Participation will involve completion of a questionnaire that can be undertaken face to face or online depending on your preference. It is expected that the survey will take around 15 minutes, noting that this may vary depending on the level of detail provided in the responses.
Are there any risks and benefits to me in taking part in this study?
Participation in this study should involve no physical or mental discomfort. We do expect that, if required, you will discuss your involvement in this research with your organisation/employer and obtain any necessary approvals.
All information collected in the survey is confidential and your data will be de-identified before analysis and reporting.
There is a possibility that the study will expose some practices or situations that do not adhere to biosecurity guidelines. We would like to remind you of your obligation to report to authorities any suspected prohibited or notifiable matter animal pests and diseases, and biosecurity events and ask that you consider the implications of this prior to participating.
How is this study being paid for?
This project is funded by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) through Agrista Pty Ltd (Agrista)
Will taking part in this study cost me anything, and will I be paid?
Other than your time, there are no costs associated with participating in this research, nor are there any payments.
What if I don’t want to take part in this study?
Participation in this research is entirely your choice. Your consent is implied if you submit a questionnaire but whether or not you decide to participate is your decision and will not disadvantage you. There are no consequences for those who decide not to participate.
What if I participate and want to withdraw later?
You will have the opportunity to start the questionnaire and not complete it, with no consequences to you. Once the questionnaire has been submitted, you information is deidentified and cannot b
How will my confidentiality be protected?
The questionnaire collects general information and you will not be able to identified from the data collection. All information collected from you will be stored securely and only accessed by the researchers unless you consent otherwise. Data will be retained for at least 5 years after final publication at Charles Sturt University.
If you elect to enter the prize draw, your contact details are collected separately from the questionnaire data.
What will happen to the information that I give you?
While it is not the intention of the research team to provide the details of the outcomes to the participants, Agrista and MLA may provide general information on their website/social media that relates to the project and its outcomes. This will not include any identifiable information. The outcomes will be published in relevant reports associated with the Charles Sturt University and Gulbali Institute. The outcomes may also be published in an appropriate scientific journal and/or presented orally.
There are no immediate plans for additional research, however this project has extended human ethics consent should any associated research be considered in the future.
What should I do if I want to discuss this study further before I decide?
If you would like further information please contact:
Jennifer Manyweathers, jmanyweathers@csu.edu.au, 0419941552
Who should I contact if I have concerns about the conduct of this study?
Charles Sturt University’s Human Research Ethics Committee has approved this project. If you have any complaints or reservations about the ethical conduct of this project, you may contact the Committee on (02) 6933 4213 or ethics@csu.edu.au. Any issues you raise will be treated in confidence and investigated fully, and you will be informed of the outcome.
Consent Form



Principal Investigator
  • Dr Jennifer Manyweathers, Senior Lecturer in Epidemiology, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Charles Sturt University and Gulbali Institute, E: jmanyweathers@csu.edu.au
Co-investigators
  • Dr Biju Balakrishnan, Lecturer in Dairy Medicine, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Charles Sturt University and Gulbali Institute
  • Dr Zahra Naqvi, Lecturer in Livestock Health and Production, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Charles Sturt University and Gulbali Institute
  • Dr Suman Gupta, Lecturer in Population Health and Epidemiology, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Charles Sturt University and Gulbali Institute
  • Prof Bruce Allworth, Professor in Livestock Systems, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Charles Sturt University and Gulbali Institute
  • Bree Howes, Honours Student, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Charles Sturt University
  • Jess Paton, Agricultural consultant, Agrista Pty Ltd
  • Ellie Hays, Agricultural consultant, Agrista Pty Ltd
  • John Francis, Agrista Director and agricultural consultant, Agrista Pty Ltd
  • Juan Dutra da Silveira, Agricultural consultant, Agrista Pty Ltd
  • Dr Shane Thompson, Veterinarian , Holbrook Veterinary Centre
  • Dr Steph Ferguson, Veterinarian, Holbrook Veterinary Centre

You are invited to participate in a research study looking at the Impact of practices in the first year of life on cattle productivity and profitability. Please note that to participate in the research you must be over 18 years old.
  • I agree to participate in the above research project and give my consent freely.
  • I understand that the project will be conducted as described in the Participant Information Sheet.
  • I understand that my personal information will remain confidential to the researchers
  • I have had the opportunity to have questions answered to my satisfaction.

NOTE: Charles Sturt University’s Human Research Ethics Committee has approved this project. If you have any complaints or reservations about the ethical conduct of this project, you may contact the Committee through the Research Integrity Unit via the following contact details:

The Presiding Officer
Human Research Ethics Committee
Research Integrity Unit
Locked Bag 588
Wagga Wagga NSW 2678
Phone: (02) 6933 4213
Email: ethics@csu.edu.au

Any issues you raise will be treated in confidence and investigated thoroughly, and you will be informed of the outcome.

Question Title

* 1. Do you consent to your data being collected in this way?

T