Scientists at Cowra have a number of alliances and joint ventures in the field of sheep meat production and meat science:

• Joint projects with scientists at Murdoch University, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia;
• Department of Primary Industries (Victoria); South Australian Research and Development Institute; University of New England and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.
• Linkages with the original Australian Sheep Industry Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) and new CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation running 2 projects in the Meat Science program and contributing to 3 other projects.
• Linkages with meat processors in NSW and interstate.
• Linkages with scientists in South Africa (ARC), New Zealand (AgResearch, HortResearch) and Europe.

In addition, Cowra staff undertake joint projects with, and provide facilities too, Plant Breeders and Research Agronomists from Sydney University, DPI Victoria and South Australia (SARDI).  These linkages are both direct and through NSW DPI staff located at Wagga, Temora, Condobolin and Tamworth. Cooperative trials with the Central West Farming Systems Group are routinely located on this site.

NSW DPI and Sydney Water have recently developed an alliance to promote the beneficial use of biosolid waste within the agricultural industries. Cowra provides a central base for a specialist extension agronomist to coordinate and promote the use of treated waste within the Central West of NSW.

Funding partners

Meat & Livestock Australia provide strong funding support for livestock projects and studentships at Cowra both directly and through it’s sponsorship of the Australian Sheep CRC and new CRC for Sheep Industry Innovation.
The Grains Research & Development Corporation provide substantial indirect funding for agronomic activities undertaken at Cowra.  Funds generally support the National Variety Testing program and individual Plant Breeder genetic programs as well as a number of production and management trials undertaken by departmental research agronomists and various farmer organisations.

The Biosolids Project operating out of Cowra AR&AS is fully funded by Sydney Water.